- Duration
- Full-time: Varies
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2025 Semester One – 3 March
- 2025 Semester Two – 21 July
- Available locations
- City, University of Auckland Online
- Points
- 120 or 180
- Programme type
- Postgraduate
- Taught & research options available
Programme overview
The MPP develops your expertise in the core principles, concepts and methods of public policy research and analysis, and advances your skills in solving public policy problems.
You can connect theory with practice by studying the nature of policy, policy design and the policy process, and engaging in policy analysis and development.
You’ll be able to follow your own interests through research and elective courses. You can apply to enrol in our internship course for hands-on experience in policy.
Study this programme online
The Master of Public Policy is also available through University of Auckland Online. This will allow you to complete the programme in three years part-time through a set of fully online courses. Learn about the Master of Public Policy Online.
Programme structure
The MPP is available as either a taught or research masters, with 180-point or 120-point options, depending on your entry qualification and whether you would like to write a thesis.
Taught (180 point)
- Enter from an undergraduate qualification
- Three semesters full-time or up to twelve semesters part-time
- Four core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, comparative public policy and advanced research skills (75 points)
- Dissertation (45 points)
- Elective courses (60 points) OR 135 points from POLICY 740-744 and Dissertation (45 points)
Research (180 point)
- Enter from an undergraduate qualification
- Three semesters full-time or up to six semesters part-time
- Five core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, research design, comparative public policy and advanced research skills (90 points)
- Thesis (90 points)
Research (120 point)
- Enter from a postgraduate qualification
- One year full-time or up to two years part-time
- Two core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, research design, comparative public policy or advanced research skills (30 points)
- Thesis (90 points)
Taught (120 point)
- Enter from a postgraduate qualification
- One year full-time or up to four years part-time
- Four core courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, research design and comparative public policy (75 points)
- A 45 point dissertation
You should complete your core courses before you start your dissertation. You can find the requirements for your study in the MPP Schedule, and take a look at our postgraduate courses in Public Policy.
Postgraduate pathway
Download the Arts postgraduate pathway (14KB, PDF)
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Subjects available in this programme
- Public Policy
- Public Policy (Online)
2025 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
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Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelors degree
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in a relevant discipline with GPA of 5 or higher.
Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.
You must have completed a bachelors degree in a relevant discipline with a GPA of at least 5 in 45 points above Stage II.
Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.
You must have completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in a relevant discipline with GPA of 5 or higher. You must have also completed two of these courses: POLICY 701, POLICY 702, POLITICS 757 or POLITICS 742.
Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the entry requirements, the following programmes are appropriate pathways:
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Certificate of Proficiency
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
-
Study optionTaught 180 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree
-
Study optionResearch 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
One year of postgraduate study
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Select your study option:
You must have completed a one-year postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution). Four-year undergraduate degrees will be considered where the final year consists of postgraduate-level study. You will need a GPE of 5.0.
Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.
You must have completed an undergraduate degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in a relevant discipline. You will need a GPE of 5.0.
Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.
You must have completed a one-year postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution) and an introductory statistics course. You must also have completed two postgraduate courses in policy analysis, economics of policy, comparative public policy or advanced research skills. You will need a GPE of 5.0.
Four-year undergraduate degrees will be considered where the final year consists of postgraduate-level study.
Relevant disciplines include business, communication, criminology, economics, education, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political sciences, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, sociology and social work.
Other pathways to study
If you do not meet the entry requirements, the following programmes are appropriate pathways:
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Certificate of Proficiency
How much does a Master of Public Policy cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$8,860.80 – $10,892.40*
- International students
- NZ$42,828 – $50,810*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Note: For international applicants, the application closing date for Semester Two 2024 is 24 May 2024.
1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2024
- 4 July 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
| Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
|---|---|
| Ends – 24 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 15 July |
| Ends – 11 November |
| Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
|---|---|
| Ends – 30 June | |
| Semester Two | Starts – 21 July |
| Ends – 17 November |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
Where could this programme take you?
The MPP is a career-focused qualification that gives you the skills and knowledge you need for a career in public policy, local or national government, non-governmental organisations, or the private sector. It is popular with people already working in governments around the world who want to upskill and accelerate their careers, and offers the flexibility to study part-time alongside your current job.
Jobs related to this programme
- Division chief for policy formulation
- Executive director
- Independent policy and governance adviser
- Journalist
- Policy adviser
- Policy analyst
- Policy researcher
- Senior adviser - voter participation
Graduate story: Eddie Tuiavii
Eddie Tuiavii is a Master of Public Policy (MPP) graduate and now works as Senior Advisor Voter Participation at Auckland Council.
Read moreStudent career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Experience the University
Studying Public Policy with us
Take a look at what it's like to study for a Master of Public Policy, and where it might take you.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513