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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The MPP advances your skills in solving public policy problems by developing your expertise in the core principles, concepts and methods of public policy research and analysis.

You can connect theory with practice by studying the nature of policy, policy design and the policy process while you engage 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 Careers

Potential Careers

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. We offer 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

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland 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. 

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Arts (Hons) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

Taught (180 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelors degree

Research (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

Taught (120 point)

You must also have completed POLICY 742 or an equivalent. 

Research (120 point)

You must have also completed two of these courses: POLICY 701, POLICY 702, POLITICS 757 or POLITICS 742.

If you meet the above requirements but have not completed POLICY 742 or an equivalent, you must enrol and pass this course within one calendar year of your enrolment in the Master of Public Policy. If you do not pass this course within one year, you will not be able to progress through the Master of Public Policy. 


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.

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

Taught (180 point)

You must have completed either

  • a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant discipline with a GPA of at least 5.0, or equivalent prior study
  • a Bachelors degree from this University with a GPA of at least 5.0 in 60 points above stage II
  • a Bachelors degree from this University, or equivalent prior study, and passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts from this University with a GPA of 5.0 or higher (provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded)


If you do not meet the entry requirements, the following programmes are appropriate pathways: 

  • GradDipArts - Graduate Diploma in Arts  
  • COP - Certificate of Proficiency  

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Additional Information on Key Dates

1 December start available for 120-point research masters only, subject to supervisor availability.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts from this University in Politics and International Relations or other relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

b completed POLICY 742 , or the equivalent.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

3 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant who has met the requirements for admission under Regulation 1, but who has not completed POLICY 742 or its equivalent, must pass this course within one calendar year concurrent with enrolment in the Master of Public Policy. Should this requirement not be completed within this period, enrolment in further courses required for the Degree of Master of Public Policy will not be permitted.

4 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

5 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: Relevant subjects, majors or specialisations may include: anthropology, business, communication, economics, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political science, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, social geography, social sciences and sociology.

Duration and Total Points Value

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 5a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 5b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

Structure and Content

8 a A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Public Policy Schedule.

b A student who has to complete 120 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 30 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Public Policy cannot continue.

c A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 45 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Public Policy cannot continue.

d A student who has to complete 180 points for a Research Masters must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses taken. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Public Policy cannot continue.

9 Where a student has previously passed courses equivalent to any of the required courses, a 700 level course approved by the Programme Director may be substituted.

10 a Enrolment in any elective course is subject to the approval of the Programme Director.

b The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director.

11 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

12 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy or Postgraduate Certificate in Arts.

Distinction

13 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

14 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Schedule Notes

The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director.

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 to 180 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 1 item from 120 points Requirements, or
  • 1 item from 180 points Requirements, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map