The Master of Arts in Government seeks to provide opportunities for advanced study and reflection on practice in the fields of public sector management, politics and public policy. Opportunities are to be provided for both researchers and practitioners of standing in a relevant profession who will be able to draw upon and extend their professional experience and expertise.

The Master of Arts in Government course will allow students to develop relevant research skills through a carefully designed program including a dissertation and relevant choice of units. The objectives of the Master of Arts in Government course are to enable researchers to make a contribution to the three discipline fields through:

1. Coursework that develops knowledge and skill in research methodology and research methods;
2. Development of research, writing and analysis skills which enable students to produce a dissertation which constitutes an original and significant contribution to the relevant literature and/or to professional practice;
3. Preparation of a substantial dissertation which adds to existing knowledge and constitutes an in-depth investigation and analysis of a particular professional issue or set of issues; and
4. Bridging the gap between theory and practice by developing closer links between the University and senior professionals in fields associated with public sector management and related disciplines.

Further Study

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Government

Admission Requirements

Before a candidate is admitted to the Master of Arts in Government program the Faculty must be satisfied that it is able to supervise the candidate's proposed dissertation and that the candidate satisfies the following admission requirements:

1. holds a bachelor degree in a relevant field which is of sufficient quality to gain entry into an honours program, or has completed a bachelor's degree with honours;
2. demonstrates capacity and/or aptitude for research;
3. provides evidence of superior professional performance both intellectually and technically.

A requirement for proceeding to the research component of the degree is completion of the coursework component of the degree and the acceptance and approval of a research proposal and research plan by the course convener.

Course Requirements

At least 48 credit points as below:
(a) Required units 45 credit points
(b) Restricted choice 3 credit points

(a) Required 45 credit points) :

• 7909 Masters Dissertation in Government R (33cp)
• 6647 Research Methodology and Research Design PG
• 6650 Literature Review Seminar
• 7910 Business Professional Project Proposal PG

(b) Restricted choice (3 credit points):

• 6649 Qualitative Research Methods B PG OR 6648 Quantitative Research Methods B PG

Students must complete the dissertation giving a total of 33 credit points at R level.

In some circumstances where students can demonstrate that they have undertaken a previous course in research methods, and with the permission of the Course Convener, they may substitute up to 6 credit points of PG level coursework for required units.

In addition to enrolment in the above units, students are required to attend relevant school and division research seminars or equivalent academic activity throughout the period of their enrolment.

Research students are also required to complete a Research Education Program that will enable them to acquire the generic skills and attributes identified as appropriate for graduates of postgraduate research programs at the University of Canberra.

Typical Course Structure

Full-time course structure

Note: Information provided as a guide only. Consult the UC Handbook for the year of commencement for official course rules. Units are not offered in all semesters.