Public Administration
Overview
The Master of Public Administration provides a comprehensive foundation in the core skills required to effectively manage the business of government, not-for-profit and international organisations, with a specialisation in public administration.
This specialisation in public administration is designed to prepare leaders to learn the latest concepts and skills which can be applied to the workplace immediately. You will deepen your knowledge of governance in the global world, digital strategy, and sustainable development.
Tailor your degree depending on your career goals. You can choose electives from public policy, international relations, or you can select two electives from anywhere across the university.
These courses are flexible, and designed for 100% online, in person, or blended learning (a combination of in person and online classes). Flinders University also offers the Master of Public Policy which enables policy analysts and managers to become an expert on the fundamentals of public policy making, and the Master of International Relations, which enables leaders in foreign affairs, defence, or international trade to develop skills around security, trade and diplomacy.
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Australia or New Zealand.
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Domestic Student
I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).
Courses
Graduate Certificate in Public Administration
Duration: 6 months
Delivery mode:
In Person
Online
Location:
Bedford Park
City
Availability:
Full-time
Part-time
Online
Start dates:
February
July
SATAC code:
2GC162 (Bedford Park)
2GC908 (City)
Annual indicative fees 2025:
$15,246 (Full fee paying)
Apply via SATAC
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration
Duration: 1 year
Delivery mode:
In Person
Online
Location:
Bedford Park
City
Availability:
Full-time
Part-time
Online
Start dates:
February
July
SATAC code:
2GD126 (Bedford Park)
2GD906 (City)
Annual indicative fees 2025:
$30,082 (Full fee paying)
Apply via SATAC
Master of Public Administration
Duration: 2 years
Delivery mode:
In Person
Online
Location:
Bedford Park
City
Availability:
Full-time
Part-time
Online
Start dates:
February
July
SATAC code:
2CM281 (Bedford Park)
2CM922 (City)
Annual indicative fees 2025:
$30,492 (Full fee paying)
Apply via SATAC
Courses
Graduate Certificate in Public Administration
Duration: 6 months
Delivery mode:
In person
Location:
City
Start dates:
March
July
CRICOS code: 107771A
Annual fees:
2025: $18,600
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration
Duration: 1 year
Delivery mode:
In person
Location:
City
Start dates:
March
July
October
CRICOS code: 107770B
Annual fees:
2025: $37,200
Master of Public Administration
Duration: 2 years
Delivery mode:
In person
Location:
City
Start dates:
March
July
CRICOS code: 051989E
Annual fees:
2025: $37,200
Your career
Take charge of your global government career, learn how to apply and build leadership in the public sector, building ethical workplace cultures and managing sustainable trade in a government context. The Master of Public Administration prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities in areas including local, state, and national governments or in private and non-government organisations both in Australia and overseas.
Potential occupations include:
- policy director
- chief executive
- director general
- executive director
- manager
- chief operating officer
- impact manager
- general manager
- fundraising & philanthropy director
- engagement director.
Potential employers include:
- Local, State and Australian Government Departments
- not-for-profit organisations
- international aid organisations
- social advocacy organisations.
What you will study
The study program includes core topics, elective topics, as well as individual research.
Topics cover areas such as governance in a global world, policy analysis, public management, inclusion and innovation in public leadership, and professional ethics and public administration.
Electives can be incorporated from public policy, international relations or international law, and two electives can be selected from anywhere across the university.
Masters students have the opportunity to undertake an internship. A Flinders’ internship helps you graduate work-ready and provides experience directly related to a specialist area in your degree.
View study program
Frequently asked questions
The Master of Public Administration degree is for people who manage people, projects and resources in a wide variety of organisations including government departments, not-for-profits, international non-governmental organisations, and social enterprises. The course also provides students with the skills to undertake professional research.
The Master of Public Policy enables policy analysts and managers to become an expert on the fundamentals of public policy making, developing policy from start to finish, including analysing the problem, interpreting data, and undertaking professional research.
The Master of International Relations degree is for managers and analysts working in foreign affairs, defence, international trade and related areas, and combines theory and practical analysis to examine global issues like war, poverty, security, economics, trade and diplomacy.
Both masters degrees are for leaders working in the public sector or non-government or related organisations, and there is room for elective topic selection in both courses. The Master of Public Policy focuses more on formulating and evaluating public policy, whilst the Master of Public Administration focuses on the implementation of public policy, and the management of people and resources.
You can complete the Master of Public Administration in two years, and you have the option to start with the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, which takes as little as 6 months, and then take a break, and resume your studies down the track. You can also receive credit for previous studies to shorten the course duration.
Entry requirements
Graduate Certificate
Applicants for the graduate certificate must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification.
Graduate Diploma
Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification, or a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy with a GPA of 4.5, or a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration with a GPA of 4.5, or a Graduate Certificate in International Relations with a GPA of 4.5.
Masters
Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification, or a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy with a GPA of 4.5, or a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration with a GPA of 4.5, or a Graduate Certificate in International Relations with a GPA of 4.5.
Select your preferred course.
Check entry requirements.
Check individual course entries on SATAC for information on important dates.
Apply online at SATAC.
Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.
Entry requirements
Graduate Certificate
Applicants for the graduate certificate must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.
Graduate Diploma
Applicants for the graduate diploma must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.
Masters
Applicants for the masters who do not hold the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in International Relations (or approved equivalents) must normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
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South Australia 5042
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