The University of Melbourne

Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is a public-spirited institution that makes distinctive contributions to society in research, learning and teaching and engagement. Beginning as a cluster of buildings set in a large park on the fringe of the city, with four professors and 16 students, the University now sits at the heart of the world’s most liveable city. Today over 8000 academic and professional staff support a vibrant student body of more than 48 000, including more than 13 000 international students from over 130 countries around the world. Independent world rankings place Melbourne as number 1 in Australia and among some of the leading universities internationally – number 32 (THE) and number 38 (ARWU) - with a research expenditure in Australia second only to that of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). 

The Master of Public Policy and Management is one of the oldest graduate programs in this field in Australia, with the University of Melbourne first bridging the needs of the profession and the emerging discipline almost 90 years ago. Taught by leading researchers from within the Political Science Discipline in the School of Social and Political Sciences, and drawing on the wealth of expertise located in other parts of the university, the MPMM has remained at the forefront of the discipline through consistent innovation in subject delivery and content. It is also one of the few graduate degrees in the region to combine expert training in public policy analysis, public management and governance. The course is structured around working professionals (both current and aspiring) and therefore emphasises flexibility and tailored options. Whilst the focus is on the public sector, the private and community sectors are also welcomed to prepare graduates for the widest possible range of careers both in Australia and internationally. This international dimension is further emphasised by the diversity of researchers and practitioners teaching into the program and its unique subject offerings. Along with being committed educators, the academic staff teaching into the MPPM are also nationally and internationally recognised for their research in the fields of public policy, public management and governance broadly defined.