• Flinders University

23 March 2009The Flinders Institute of Public Policy and Management (FIPPM) offers a comprehensive, articulated program recognised nationally and internationally for academic and professional purposes.

All students are assisted to create personal study programs that combine core topics with topics of particular interest or importance to them and electives that help expand their fields of knowledge and understanding.

The core curriculum includes topics on public policy, public management, governance, ethics in public administration, and research methods. Electives include a range of specialist areas in public management and administration including financial, risk, human resource, non-government, organisational and project management; program evaluation; and issues in a range of public policy areas including culture, the environment, regionalism, cities and housing.

Beyond FIPPM, electives can be taken in other graduate programs including International Development, International Relations, International Business Administration, Environmental Management, Social Administration and Social Work, Asian Governance, Population Studies, Public Health, and Educational Administration.

Teaching takes place in a number of modes. On campus, topics are offered in small seminar groups week to week or through individual supervision. Some topics are offered in intensive mode. Many topics are also available in distance mode. Methods of assessment include preparation of papers, some individual or group projects and presentation to other members of the learning group.

The coursework Graduate Certificate offers a number of specialist streams in public policy, public sector management, internal audit and program evaluation, and non-profit management, according to demand. The Graduate Diploma builds on these programs.

The Masters degrees combine a core of studies in public administration, policy and management with options to specialise in areas of interest. The Master of Public Administration involves studies in public administration, policy and management and can include a significant research component. The Master of Public Administration (Policy) provides a particular exposure to the theory and practice of public policy in various areas. All provide a foundation for more advanced professional work or research at the doctoral level.