Melbourne Master of Public Administration
At the Melbourne School of Government, our research examines the implications of economic, legal, social, political and cultural trends for the content and conduct of public policy. We’re proud to offer a research program that aims to improve the design, development and impact of public policy both nationally and internationally.
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Regulation and Design
Governance and regulatory frameworks have an ever-increasing impact on the delivery of effective government. No longer the exclusive domain of public officials, the expansion of these functions to community organisations, corporations and industry associations has fueled the need for a greater understanding in this space.
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Renewing Democracy
Liberal democracy is facing challenges worldwide, as populism, illiberalism, and authoritarianism gains ground and citizens are increasingly disconnected and disenchanted. Our globally leading research explores how public and private actors can and should respond, and the implications for how we think about issues such as political trust, civil liberties, meaningful representation, and alternative forms of governance and engagement in public life.
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Troubling Policy
The School fosters world-leading expertise in a number of key policy domains relevant to government. We focus on fields that draw on our interdisciplinary knowledge and have significant value to public sector leaders. In doing this, we critically examine issues that have troubled policymakers and require multifaceted policy solutions.
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Research Translation
The Research Translation project at the Melbourne School of Government looks at ways to make research more accessible to practitioners, policy makers and the public. We are working with all three groups to understand the drivers and barriers for engaging and sharing in research activities, outcomes and impacts.
Governing During Crises
How does government respond to crises? We are developing understanding of governance in the face of different types of crisis, at a time when Australia has recently faced the bushfire crisis, is currently addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and faces challenges including climate change.
Information for researchers
The School of Government fosters a vibrant program of academic fora that support our research excellence. Alongside our competitive grants success, we host academics from around Australia and overseas to undertake research and to participate in and enrich the research intensive communal life of the School.
Commissioned research
If you have a specific issue in your workplace, our experts can provide independent judgements to find evidence-based solutions for your organisation.
The Melbourne School of Government's research agenda is informed by global and regional developments, in particular those associated with the 'Asian Century', and how country specific and regional public policy will need to adapt and change. Talk to us about how we can harness our knowledge to help your organisation overcome its key challenges.
Jennifer Sutton
UoM Commercial Ltd
Phone: +61 3 9035 5398
Email: jennifer.sutton@unimelb.edu.au
The Melbourne School of Government is designed to inspire and equip individuals to make a difference on a global scale. Through rigorous research, teaching and debate, we convert shared knowledge into collective wisdom influencing politics and decision-making to improve future outcomes.
Information for Future Students
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Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the premier degree of its kind in Australia. Exclusively designed for aspiring public sector leaders, the MPA equips candidates for executive and management roles in regulatory bodies, the public service, not-for-profit organisations and international institutions.
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Master of Public Administration (Enhanced)
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) (Enhanced) offers experienced professionals the opportunity to undertake in-depth study across disciplines including public administration, public policy, law, management, leadership, international relations, economics, development studies and philosophy.
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Graduate Certificate in Public Administration (Advanced)
The Graduate Certificate in Public Administration (Advanced) is designed exclusively for experienced professionals. You’ll develop the skills and competencies to operate in increasingly complex governing environments where challenges cut across disciplinary, organisational, jurisdictional and geographical boundaries.
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Specialist Certificate in Public Administration
The Specialist Certificate in Public Administration is an intensive graduate level course. Depending on your choice of subjects, it can be completed with eight days of on-campus study making it suitable for professionals travelling from interstate or overseas.
Undergraduate study at the Melbourne School of Government
Undergraduate students at the University of Melbourne can study individual subjects in Government and Policy or complete a breadth track.
Pathways to Politics Program for Women
In Australia, less than one-third of all parliamentarians and one-fifth of all ministers are women. The Pathways to Politics Program for Women will address this under-representation by providing hands-on training and networking opportunities for women who aspire to elected office.
The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership
The McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership recognises political leaders who have driven positive change and encouraged a national discussion about the role of leadership.
Executive Education
Our Executive Education programs are designed to meet the needs of post graduate and post experience professionals across the government, business and non-profit sectors. Participants will have the opportunity to be exposed to new developments in theory and practice, develop new skills and capabilities consistent with international standards and learn from internationally-recognised experts who have practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Be exposed to new developments in theory and practice
- Develop new skills and capabilities consistent with international standards
- Learn from internationally-recognised experts who have practical experience and theoretical knowledge
Customised Executive Education programs
We can develop and deliver customised learning programs to respond directly to your organisation's requirements, beginning with a learning needs diagnosis to identify the course content and delivery modes which will be of greatest benefit to your staff.
Ideal for groups of middle managers and senior executive staff from government, as well as those working with government and in not-for-profit and commercial organisations, our programs can be delivered in an intensive, intellectually-demanding and highly interactive format. Programs can be delivered as residential, campus-based or workplace-based options.
Our teaching combines the latest concepts with active learning using case studies and your own organisation’s priority issues. We will encourage an environment where participants' collective expertise is combined to generate actionable solutions.
Other solutions we offer
We can tailor a package specific to your needs, including:
- Education & Training
- Research & Development
- Executive coaching
- Action learning sets
- Events & Conferences
- Workshops
Our educators
Our programs are delivered by thoughtful, practical educators from across The University of Melbourne's Faculty of Arts, Melbourne Law School and Faculty of Business and Economics. All are internationally recognised experts in their fields with a wealth of practical experience and theoretical knowledge.
Our areas of expertise
Our research agenda is informed by global and regional developments, particularly those associated with the Asian Century, and how country specific and regional public policy will need to adapt and change. Within this overarching focus, we concentrate on the two key areas:
1. Governance and regulation
Designing better governing institutions and improving policy-making and policy performance. For example:
- Fitness for purpose public sector reform
- Building innovation capacity: creating better mechanisms for public sector performance management
- Public financial management
2. Democracy and politics
Using different types of evidence and new approaches, and managing competing perspectives. For example:
- Leading with legitimacy and accountability
- User-centered policy design and implementation
- Identifying and developing new workforce capabilities
Contact Us
Jennifer Sutton
Uom Commercial Ltd
jennifer.sutton@unimelb.edu.au
+61 3 9035 5398
The Melbourne School of Government hosts a key number of publicly engaged programs aimed at the key political and governance issues of our times. Working with significant philanthropist, we blend our leading research expertise and apply it to these real-world challenges.
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Pathways to Politics Program for Women
In Australia, less than one-third of all parliamentarians and one-fifth of all ministers are women. The Pathways to Politics Program for Women will address this under-representation by providing hands-on training and networking opportunities for women who aspire to elected office.
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McKinnon Prize
The new McKinnon Prize in Political Leadership aims to recognise political leaders who have driven positive change and encouraged a national discussion about the role of leadership.
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Industry and International Engagement
The School has enduring links with some of the nation's largest employers of public policy, administration and management graduates.
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The John Button Fund
The John Button Foundation was established in 2009 in memory of John Button, the late Industry Minister, Senator and writer. In 2016 the Foundation donated the fund to The University of Melbourne to be managed within the Melbourne School of Government.
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Doctoral Academy on Demystifying Government
The inaugural Melbourne School of Government Doctoral Academy will position PhD candidates to better understand the inner workings of government, and how to influence political decision-makers.
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Election Watch
Election Watch draws on the expertise of University of Melbourne staff and students to provide non-partisan, fact-based, expert analysis of elections around the world.
The Melbourne School of Government regularly welcomes local and international academic colleagues.
Applications for Visiting Scholar Programme
The School focuses its visiting scholar programme on individuals who already have ongoing collaborations with current School faculty. If you are working on a publication or other project with a member of the School let us know by contacting Rosa Brezac who will then be able to help set up your visit to the School of Government.
Alternatively, there is our International Research Visiting Scholar Program, which is accessible here, which can facilitate visitors with supplementary funding.
2018 Visitors
Dr Stephen Kinsella
Senior Lecturer in Economics
Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick
Academic host John Howe
Dr Lauge Poulsen
Senior Lecturer in International Political Economy
UCL, University of London
Academic host Andrew Mitchell
Dr Mahvish Shami
Assistant Professor
London School of Economics and Political Science
Academic host Janine O'Flynn
Dr Doug Goldstein
Assistant Dean for Planning and Growth
School of Global and International Studies, Indiana University
Academic host John Howe
Professor Annica Kronsell
Professor of Political Science
Lund University
Academic host John Howe
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Two leaders with the right stuff
Gladys Berejiklian and Sally Capp, winners of the 2019 McKinnon Political Prize for Political Leadership, have successfully mixed strength with empathy
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Is Australia doing enough to support the Pacific?
A University of Melbourne expert says the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis are being felt by our Pacific neighbours, and it’s in Australia interests to help.
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How COVID-19 made me more Australian
For a University of Melbourne academic, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK has brought the issue of national identity into sharp relief.
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Time for a Universal Basic Income?
The socio-economic crisis brought by COVID-19 reveals cracks in social welfare and the need for radical transformation says a University of Melbourne expert.
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India’s local governments tackling COVID-19
Local government and communities are working together in India to help people face the challenges of COVID-19, says a University of Melbourne researcher.
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10 reasons why COVID-19 favours a Trump election victory
While Donald Trump has faced widespread criticism over his handling of COVID-19, a University of Melbourne experts says he may well prosper in the election.
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The symbolism of the Olympic Games
As countries pull out of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, a University of Melbourne expert explains why Japan is clinging onto hope in the face of COVID-19.
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A superpower in transition
A new essay by a University of Melbourne expert explores how a resurgent China is challenging the Indo-Pacific and testing the Australia-United States alliance
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Five takeaways from Super Tuesday
A University of Melbourne expert says the race for the Democratic nomination in the US presidential nomination has narrowed after a surprising Super Tuesday.
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Asia’s most eligible cities
City alliances are important for diplomacy but University of Melbourne experts say Australian cities have overlooked some Asian metropolises. Here's their top 5
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Key Report on Australia’s Contribution to Peacebuilding
The Australian International Conflict Resolution Project (AICRP) at the University of Melbourne, in partnership with DFAT, has been undertaking an analysis of Australian diplomatic experiences in support of peace processes during the years since 1990.
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University program unmasks the 'faceless men' of politics
The Melbourne School of Government's Pathways to Politics program aims to counteract the chronic underrepresentation of women in politics, and help women from across the political spectrum set up links with the country's top political players.
Welcome to the Melbourne School of Government
Our mission is to inspire and equip governments, businesses, social partners and individuals to meet the challenges of contemporary governance. Through interdisciplinary, innovative teaching and research, we seek shared and sustainable solutions to these challenges. The School's activities centre around our thematic areas; governance and regulation; politics and democracy; and a small number of key policy domains. In these areas we aim to:
- Harness the University's diverse resources in our graduate and executive teaching to equip the current and next generation of leaders
- Facilitate research that meets the needs of governments, industry and social partners
- Be the platform for exploration, debate and innovation nationally and in our region