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 need to complete at least 120 points from 8 courses.

Victoria 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 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