Master of Public Policy

Develop and improve your capabilities in policy advising and analysis and get the skills you need to drive government decision-making.

Fast-track your career in policy

Gain the expertise that policymakers need to create strategic and operational policies that make life better—locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Master of Public Policy equips you with the knowledge, skills, and competencies you need to provide high-quality policy advice underpinned by a strong sense of public purpose and integrity. You'll acquire a nuanced understanding of policy design, analysis, and implementation in the real world.

Our association with key players in government means you will learn from policymakers and advisers involved in strategic and operational decision-making.

Experience our Master of Public Policy

Professor Arthur Grimes is one of the academics teaching the Master of Public Policy. Join him as he poses a series of questions about the role of governments in ensuring sustainability and prosperity—a topic that you’ll cover as part of the programme.

Download the latest prospectus

Find out more about your study options. Fill in a form to download our professional and postgraduate programme prospectus.

Get the prospectus

Promote better government

Learn to help decision-makers get the best outcomes in environmental, economic, and social areas. Find out about the inner workings of government and get the skills to design, evaluate, and implement strategic and operational policies that improve our lives.

Diploma and Certificate programmes

Depending on your goals you can opt for a shorter postgraduate public policy qualification by doing the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy. Courses completed as part of the Certificate and Diploma can count towards the full MPP programme if you decide to continue your studies.

Well connected

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is the only New Zealand university that is connected to the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG)—so you know your qualification is of the highest standard.

Our lecturers are actively involved in the public sector, exchanging ideas on key policy and management issues. They're connected to decision makers from local, regional and national government, giving you the opportunity to meet and learn from those in the know.

We're also associated with important public and volunteer sector organisations like Taituarā—Local Government Professionals Aotearoa, Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), the NZ Council of Social Services (NZCOSS), and Hui E! Community Aotearoa.

Scholarships for international students

We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme. Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.

Direct graduate entry

Each year, a small number of students are admitted to the Master of Public Management or Master of Public Policy directly from undergraduate studies.

You need a Bachelor’s degree from a New Zealand university with a GPA average of A- or higher. You’ll also need to show your interest and commitment to public service in an expression of interest (EOI).

If you’re interested, you can apply directly through the regular online application process. If you have a question, email [email protected].

International students, global insights

Be part of a school that attracts not only local professionals but a talented group of international students—many highly experienced employees of government organisations in their own countries. Take advantage of the diverse experience in public policy and public management these students bring to the classroom—providing valuable insights and bringing the comparative perspective alive.

Community

Postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues.

There will be opportunities to attend events, workshops, social functions, and seminars such as the Student Learning Postgraduate Research skills sessions. You’ll also have access to the postgraduate student workspace on the 2nd floor of Rutherford House. Make use of the spacious computer lab, meeting rooms, printer, and kitchen. The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides information and a voice for you on campus.

At the heart of public policy

Live and study in New Zealand’s creative, compact, and vibrant capital. Wellington is at the heart of politics and the home of most government departments. It’s the centre of some of the country’s most exciting new developments in local and regional government.

Careers

Skilled policy-makers are in demand—both in government and elsewhere—due to their technical and creative skills and commitment to solving society’s challenges.

You might advance your career in central, local, or regional government, a Crown entity or a not-for-profit organisation, or a private consultancy or corporation that advises and supports agencies in policy development or implementation.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.

Employer support

The capability boost you get from doing an MPP means your employer may be willing to pay some or all of your costs.

Find out about your options for Public Policy qualifications and discover what and how you'll study.

Qualification family structure

• Master of Public Policy
• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy
• Postgraduate Certificate in Public Policy

Choose the qualification that suits your career goals, time constraints and financial situation.

If you are initially accepted for a certificate or diploma, you can apply to transfer to the Master’s degree at a later stage. If you're working towards a Master of Public Policy but can't complete it for whatever reason, you may still be able to graduate with a certificate or diploma.

What you'll study

Your studies will include: 1. Six core courses that will give you the skills and capability to design, implement and evaluate policy for a range of different outcomes.

Learn about the theory and practice of policy making and examine the role of government and others in policy creation and implementation. Understand the issues at play in different policy areas like local government, health or development. If you're working while you study, you can apply what you learn to your own workplace policy challenges immediately. GOVT 525—Policy Capstone is one of the six core courses. 2. Five elective courses. Choose from a variety of courses according to your interests and career goals—like public sector, law, economics, policy analysis, or politics and philosophy.

Recommended study plan for full-time students starting in Trimester 1, 2026

The following study plan allows you to avoid timetable clashes.

Trimester 1, 2026

• GOVT 501—Government and Governing
• GOVT 521—Economics and Policy
• GOVT 522—Policy Analysis and Advising.

Trimester 2, 2026

• GOVT 505—An Introduction to Quantitative Analysis for Public Policy
• GOVT 523—Policy Methods
• GOVT 525—Policy Capstone (starts in Trimester 2 and finishes in Trimester 3).

Trimester 3, 2026

• elective
• elective.

Trimester 1, 2027

• elective
• elective
• elective.