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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.