Course details

Summary

Policy-makers create strategic and operational policies that make life better-locally, nationally and internationally.

Give yourself the opportunity to get a high-level overview of the latest public sector developments and insights. You'll develop your abilities, broaden your perspective, deepen your understanding, challenge your thinking - and increase your employability.

You'll study at the School of Government, learning to help decision makers get the best outcomes in environmental, economic and social areas. Find out about the machinery of government and get the skills to design, evaluate and put in place strategic and operational policies that improve our lives. Students should complete at least 60 points from 4 courses.

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

Returning to study:

Many students return to university for postgraduate study after a break. If it's been a while since you've studied, our liaison officers can help you get back into student life.

Careers:

Skilled-policy makers are in demand both in and outside of government, due to their technical and creative skills and commitment to solving society's challenges. You might find work in central, local or regional government, a Crown entity or a not-for-profit organisation, or a private consultancy or corporation active in policy-making and implementation processes.

Entry criteria

• A Bachelor's degree
• At least two years of relevant work experience
• To be accepted by the programme director as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study

Other English Language requirements:

• IELTS: minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.0
• TOEFL: minimum score of 90 for the internet-based test with a minimum of 20 in writing
• Pearson Test of English: minimum score of 65 (with a ‘Communicative’ score of not less than 58)
• EPP: minimum final scores of 4,4,5,5