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. The University of Melbourne has the highest degree completion rate in Australia. 

Independent world rankings place us as number 1 in Australia and among the leading universities internationally – number 32 (THE) and number 38 (ARWU). QS World University Rankings place us in the top 20 internationally in 14 subject areas. In Australia, our research expenditure is second only to that of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). With over 100 research centres and institutes, we bring together expertise from across the University and connect with thought leaders around the world to tackle society’s complex problems in innovative ways. 

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. It has remained at the forefront of the discipline through consistent innovation in subject delivery and content and is notably one of the few graduate degrees in the country to combine expert training in public policy analysis and executive leadership and management. The course is structured around working professionals (both current and aspiring) and therefore emphasises flexibility and tailored options. While the focus is on the public sector, the private and community sectors are also examined in order 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 the unique subject offerings.