Key facts
Duration
The time and cost could be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 1.5 years down to 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 are closed.
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
In the 21st century, the world faces an array of complex political problems including climate change, disease pandemics, ethnic and religious conflict, refugee crises and new forms of populism and authoritarianism. Deakin’s Master of Politics and Policy will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand these complex global challenges and develop policy that will bring about positive social change.
Are you committed to meeting the big challenges of the 21st century and to improving our society for the better?
Deakin’s Master of Politics and Policy is one of the few courses in Australia that combine the two disciplines. In doing so, we unpack the political context in which public policy is developed.
You’ll gain real-world skills that reflect current industry practices, such as how to prepare policy briefing papers and how to develop political communication strategies. You’ll also explore how differing political perspectives shape the dynamics between government, the private sector and community.
The course equips early-to-mid stage career professionals with highly valued skills in leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving and communication. Prepare to graduate a more politically aware, socially conscious and policy driven individual.
You’ll undertake a wide range of study units that cover public policy analysis, development and implementation. The core units you will focus on include:
- Policy lessons from overseas
- Challenges to democratic governance
- Research design.
A highlight of the course is having the freedom to choose your own elective units. This allows you to create a degree built for your interests and career goals. Your elective unit options include:
- Governing the economy
- Political competition
- Intergovernmental relations
- Political values and public policy
- Making policy
- Rethinking democracy
- Governance and accountability.
We offer flexibility in being a fully online course via our premium online learning platform, making it possible for those living anywhere in Australia or overseas, or those wishing to balance other personal and work commitments, with postgraduate study.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Politics and Policy
- Year
2025 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
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Master of Politics and Policy, a student must successfully complete 8 or 12 credit points (depending upon entry point) as follows:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 2 credit points of compulsory core units
- 6 or 10 credit points of study (depending upon entry point) from one of the Minor Thesis, Research Paper, or Professional Experience Pathways
Core units
Pathways
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.
Course Electives
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) – 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related discipline
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a bachelor honours degree in a related discipline
^Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Politics and Policy may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate Postgraduate level studies.
Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to Politics, Political Studies, Policy Studies, Government, Politics and International Studies, Political Science, Political Economy, Public Administration, History, Public Policy, International Relations.
Examples of relevant work experience include,but not limited to policy officer, policy analyst, government, parliament, political journalism, council, policy making.
*Recognition of prior learning will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Politics and Policy (12 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
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*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Research Information
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^.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate ready to become involved in politics and policy making within the public, community and business sectors, domestically and internationally.
If you’re already in industry, your acquired skills, knowledge and qualifications will improve your career standing and equip you for senior roles that take a bigger-picture approach to policy-making.
As a graduate of the masters, you will have the expertise and practical skills to confidently enter a role as policy officer, analyst, consultant or adviser in a variety of professional fields, including:
- local, state and national government
- political office
- international relations
- industry and the private sector
- stakeholder engagement
- communication and training
An early exit of this course still awards you the Graduate Certificate of Politics and Policy, ensuring you have a solid foundation of knowledge to begin your political and policy-making journey. Completion of the course can be used as a pathway to PhD through research training and a two-credit point research minor thesis.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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 |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | 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. |
| Problem solving | 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. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | 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. |
| Global citizenship | 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