Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Policy and Governance is a professional postgraduate qualification focused on public policy, governance and strategic decision-making. UC draws on the teaching and research expertise of its Department of Political Science and International Relations.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced interdisciplinary training in policy and governance.
• Strong emphasis on practical application rather than purely theoretical study.
• Case studies and field trips.
• Exposure to senior policy and government professionals.
• Professional mentoring from external organisations.
• Independent specialist policy research.
• Focus on policy issues relevant to New Zealand, the Pacific, Asia-Pacific, science, environment and technology.
• A relatively intensive one-year full-time master's structure.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The programme has a compulsory policy and governance course:

• POLS440 Principles and Practice of Policy and Governance – 30 points

Students then select approved courses, including:

• 60 points of courses from the approved MPAG course options.
• Up to 30 points from relevant 400-level courses supporting the student's research, subject to approval.
• Research component: POLS688 Dissertation (60 points) or POLS689 Thesis (90 points).

Relevant supporting subject areas can include:

• Geography
• History
• Maori and Indigenous Studies
• Pacific Studies
• Sociology
• Other approved relevant areas.

The programme covers areas such as:

• Public policy
• Governance
• Policy analysis
• Strategic decision-making
• Political processes
• Government and public institutions
• Community leadership
• Science and technology policy
• Environmental policy
• Sustainable development
• New Zealand and Pacific policy contexts
• East and Southeast Asian policy contexts.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MPAG is a focused master's rather than a programme with formally named majors or specialisations.

Students can develop an individual area of expertise through their coursework and research.

UC highlights particular expertise in:

• Policy processes
• Community leadership
• Aotearoa New Zealand–Pacific contexts
• East and Southeast Asia
• Science policy
• Environment policy
• Technology policy.

Programme Highlights

• 180-point master's degree.
• One-year full-time structure.
• February intake.
• Bachelor's degree from any subject can be considered.
• Normally requires a B GPA in 60 points of relevant 300-level study.
• Applied policy and governance training.
• Case studies and field trips.
• External professional mentoring.
• Two-day Wellington field trip.
• Exposure to senior government and policy professionals.
• Choice between a 60-point dissertation and 90-point thesis pathway.
• Strong New Zealand, Pacific and Asia-Pacific policy focus.
• Opportunity to progress to PhD study in Political Science and International Relations.

Career Outcomes

The MPAG is specifically designed for careers in:

• Local government
• Regional government
• National government
• Public policy
• Policy analysis
• Strategic decision-making
• Government agencies
• Not-for-profit organisations
• NGOs and community organisations
• Policy consulting
• Governance-related roles.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current UC programme remains a 180-point qualification with February commencement and a normal one-year full-time duration.

Important current requirements and features include:

• All students require approval to enrol.
• A bachelor's degree in any discipline can satisfy the basic academic pathway, subject to the required grades.
• International students who do not meet the normal academic requirements may consider UC's International Pre-Master's pathways.
• English-language requirements apply to students whose first language is not English.
• POLS440 is compulsory.
• Students choose between a dissertation and thesis research pathway.
• The 90-point thesis option has additional academic/approval requirements.
• The Wellington field trip is an important professional component.
• POLS440 is currently listed as available through both campus and distance learning, while the research courses are listed as campus-based.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require a New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa for full-time study at UC.

Immigration New Zealand currently states:

• Visa cost: from NZD$850.
• Maximum stay: up to 4 years.
• 80% of applications are processed within 8 weeks.
• Students need an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient tuition funding or have a scholarship.
• Students must demonstrate sufficient living funds or have an acceptable sponsor.
• Students must have acceptable insurance.
• Health and character requirements apply.
• Students must demonstrate genuine study intentions.
• Applications are submitted online.
• Immigration New Zealand strongly encourages students to apply approximately 3 months before intended travel.