Program Overview

The course integrates theory and practice to enhance knowledge and practical skills that enables you to respond proactively and strategically to public, economic, and social needs. You may choose to complete any one of the three specialisations: Economics, Public Administration and Governance, or Law. You may also choose to complete a combination of two of these specialisations.

With seminars led by scholars, the course is complemented with guest lectures from leading practitioners, and case studies that provide students with multiple opportunities to apply what they have learned to effectively address public, social, economic and legal issues.

In the Economics specialisation, students will study the role of markets and government in the economy, and methods of economic evaluation. This is an applied economics program, focusing on a wide range of areas, including finance, taxation, health, housing, education, transport, utilities, trade, development and the environment. Taking a global perspective, this specialisation mixes theory and practice to develop the competencies of professionals working in increasingly complex public, corporate, or not-for-profit organisations either in Australia or internationally.

The Public Administration and Governance specialisation focuses on the governance aspects of public policy. It prepares students to become future leaders of national and international government organisations and non-profit organisations. It is designed to give students a solid academic foundation to enable them to formulate, implement, and evaluate public policies, and provide them with a wealth of knowledge to respond proactively and strategically to economic and social needs. Students will explore the political, economic and social forces that shape a wide range of contemporary public policy issues, such as climate change, inequality and poverty, and pandemics.

The Law specialisation provides students with knowledge of policy development and application within the context of specific areas of law and legal institutions. The course investigates these issues from theoretical, doctrinal and practical perspectives, and through a critical lens. It gives students useful policy, regulatory, and legal knowledge and skills to work in diverse environments, including government and non-government organisations and private businesses, particularly those working with the public sector.