The Degree of Master of Public Policy – MPP

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 120 points must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts from this University in Politics and International Relations or other relevant subject with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

and

b completed POLICY 742 , or the equivalent.

2 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant intending to complete 180 points must have:

a completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, and a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant subject, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed 60 points of relevant courses towards the Postgraduate Certificate in Arts from this University, with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, provided that the postgraduate certificate has not been awarded.

3 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant who has met the requirements for admission under Regulation 1, but who has not completed POLICY 742 or its equivalent, must pass this course within one calendar year concurrent with enrolment in the Master of Public Policy. Should this requirement not be completed within this period, enrolment in further courses required for the Degree of Master of Public Policy will not be permitted.

4 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

5 a In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

b In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 2 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: Relevant subjects, majors or specialisations may include: anthropology, business, communication, economics, governance, law, media, organisational studies, political science, public administration, public health, public management, public policy, public relations, social geography, social sciences and sociology.

6 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 1 or 5a must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 160 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

7 A student admitted to this degree under Regulation 2 or 5b must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees

and

c not exceed 220 points for the total enrolment for this degree.

8 a A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Public Policy Schedule.

b A student who has to complete 120 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 30 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Public Policy cannot continue.

c A student who has to complete 180 points must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 45 points of taught courses taken for this degree. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Public Policy cannot continue.

d A student who has to complete 180 points for a Research Masters must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses taken. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, enrolment in the Master of Public Policy cannot continue.

9 Where a student has previously passed courses equivalent to any of the required courses, a 700 level course approved by the Programme Director may be substituted.

10 a Enrolment in any elective course is subject to the approval of the Programme Director.

b The programme for each student requires the approval of the Programme Director.

11 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

12 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy or Postgraduate Certificate in Arts.

13 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

14 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

15 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.