Degree combines politics and policy studies
Choose industry placement or research pathway
Choose electives to match your interests
Why choose politics and policy at Deakin
Understand how political forces shape public policy and how effective policy can respond to complex global challenges with Deakin’s Master of Politics and Policy. One of the few courses in Australia to combine politics and policy, it offers you a broader view of decision-making across government, community and industry.
Build skills in policy analysis, briefing writing, political communication, leadership and problem-solving. Tailor your studies through electives including making policy, political competition, intergovernmental relations and more. Choose your pathway: 200+ hours of professional placement, a research paper or a minor thesis. Delivered fully online, the course offers flexibility and can be completed in as little as one year. Graduate ready for roles such as policy officer, analyst, consultant or adviser across the public, community and private sectors, with the skills to help shape positive social change.
-
Rare, combined degree
Study one of the few degrees in Australia that combines politics and policy, so you can understand both how decisions are made and how policy works.
-
Practical skills
Develop skills in policy writing, political communication and analysis that reflect current professional practice.
-
Strong professional connections
Learn from academics with networks in government and community organisations, and undertake internship and employment opportunities.
-
Clear career outcomes
Roles in government, policy analysis and public communication are in demand, with employment in public administration and safety projected to grow by 9.8% by 2034 (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build advanced skills for policy and political careers across government, community and business. You may analyse complex issues, prepare advice and briefings, engage stakeholders and contribute to policy development and implementation.
Business analyst
Analyse business processes, define problems and identify opportunities for improvement. You may gather requirements, interpret data, communicate solutions and help teams deliver changes that support organisational goals.
- $115k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 6,908
Jobs advertised
Policy adviser
Research and analyse complex issues, consult stakeholders and prepare briefings, reports and recommendations that support the development, implementation and evaluation of public policy.
- $115k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 2,546
Jobs advertised
Other jobs
- Policy analyst
- Policy officer
- Political analyst
- Political consultant
- Research analyst
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Master of Politics and Policy?
Build advanced capability in politics and public policy, to understand how decisions are shaped and how policy responds to complex social and global issues.
Build your political and policy lens
Study politics and policy
Examine public policy alongside the political forces around it. Gain a clearer view of how governments, institutions and communities influence decisions.
Develop practical policy skills
Build skills in analysing policy, preparing briefings, communicating persuasively and evaluating how ideas translate into action.
Start shaping your direction
Electives let you explore related policy and governance themes. For the thesis pathway, research design begins early so you can build methodological confidence.
Deepen, apply and complete your pathway
Tailor your study
Continue with electives that broaden or sharpen your policy perspective, helping you connect politics and policy to the issues that matter most.
Choose a pathway
Depending on your goals, complete an extended research project, a shorter research pathway or a professional experience capstone.
Finish ready to contribute
Graduate equipped for policy and advisory work across government, political offices, community settings and industry.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Politics and Policy, you must pass 8 or 12 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
Plus 2 credit points of research units:
Plus 3 or 7 credit points (depending upon entry point) chosen from the course electives
Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^
Plus 5 or 9 credit points (depending upon entry point) chosen from the course electives
Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^
Plus 4 or 8 credit points (depending upon entry point) chosen from the course electives
^ The Research Paper and Professional Experience options are not PhD Pathways.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Students will complete a research pathway in 1 of the 3 following options:
- Minor Thesis - PhD Pathway
- Research Paper – non PhD Pathway^
- Professional Experience – non PhD Pathway^.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Use advanced knowledge of, and expert, specialised cognitive skills in Politics and Policy in professional practice or scholarship and apply this knowledge and skills to different contexts. Gain an advanced understanding of Public policy analysis frameworks and the development and implementation of public policy under conditions of democratic governance and accountability within contemporary contexts characterised by rapid change and globalisation. |
| Acquire communication skills to design, evaluate analyse and disseminate the findings of research that deploys political concepts, theories and technical knowledge, in a selection of written, digital and oral formats, to a range of specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| Employ a range of generic and specialist politics-specific digital communication technologies to apply political knowledge, to conduct political research, and to deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of specialist and non-specialist audience. |
| Analyse and critically evaluate different interpretations of political phenomena. Demonstrate mastery of the research methods used to investigate political phenomena and technical skills in the design, evaluation, analysis of developments that contribute to professional practice or scholarship in governance and policy. |
| Utilise advanced understanding of the process of government and public sector management in professional practice and/or scholarship to generate approaches and solutions to complex problems of politics and governance. Demonstrate advanced skills in investigating and analysing complex political phenomena using qualitative methodologies including textual, discursive and historical analysis, process tracing, and ethnographic techniques. |
| Demonstrate the application of skills and knowledge in Politics and Policy with high level personal autonomy, responsibility, accountability in situations of professional practice and/or for further learning. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with others in the field of political science and from different disciplines and backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for one’s own learning. |
| Analyse and address political issues in both domestic and global contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and the application of the highest ethical standards. |
Approved at Faculty Board October 2015
- Award granted
- Master of Politics and Policy
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A702
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$40,800
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Scholarships
Most international students at Deakin receive a scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of study. Apply to Deakin and you will automatically be considered for a range of scholarships, with tuition fee reductions of up to 100% available.
Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Exceptional students may receive a 100% or 50% tuition fee reduction for the normal duration of their degree.
Deakin International Scholarship for Excellence
Students from select countries may receive a 25% reduction in tuition fees for the normal duration of the degree.
Deakin International 20% Merit Scholarship
Receive a 20% reduction in tuition fees for the normal duration of your degree.
Southeast Asia Priority Bursary
Students from Southeast Asia may receive a one-off payment of up to $2,000.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Alternate exits
- Graduate Diploma of Politics and Policy (A602)