The graduate program in Policy Studies applies a social science perspective to questions of policy and policy management. Students acquire a solid grounding in policy analysis and the policy process, specialise in a field of applied policy studies, and then complete a Policy Project.

The program prepares students for work that requires analytical skills and a practical appreciation of the processes of policy-making and implementation. The program is oriented to the practice of policy, and students are required to have relevant work experience. This may be in the public sector, unions, business organisations or community bodies.

Students must complete 48 units of credit made up of four core courses plus electives.

Students should select courses to the value of 16 units of credit from the following list. Not all courses listed will be offered each year; the School tries to match its offerings to student preferences. The Coordinator of the Policy Studies Program can, subject to the approval of the course provider, approve different combinations of other electives to meet the needs of individual students. Students must consult with the course coordinator prior to enrolling in 4 or 6 unit of credit courses outside the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences as they may be required to undertake additional units of credit (SLSP5050 or ARTS5030) that set additional work to complete the requirements of their program.