Crawford School of Public Policy

What did you study at undergraduate level and when did you graduate? What are you studying now? Are you studying and working at the same time?

I studied a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance, accounting, international business). I’m now studying the Master of Public Policy and working as an Analyst on health and social policy at Deloitte Access Economics. 

What made you decide to apply for Crawford School?

The reputation of Crawford School proceeds itself. I was particularly drawn to the practicality of the courses and the quality educators.

How did you choose your particular further study course (compared to others)?

I wanted to pursue a career in social policy and felt that the MPP would best provide with me the quantitative and qualitative skills that would enable me to accomplish this.

Were you weighing up any alternative degrees or career pathways before choosing this qualification?

I was considering degrees in economics and international development as alternative degrees.

What was the process to get accepted into your course? What were the prerequisites?

I commenced my MPP at the University of Sydney and transferred across after a year. Some of the subjects that I completed gave me credit at Crawford for the core subjects and the rest became elective credits.

What does your study involve? Can you describe a typical day? (if it’s difficult to describe a typical day, tell us about the last thing you worked on?)

My studies have varied significantly depending on the subjects that I have undertaken each semester. The core subjects have a more theoretical focus which requires research and discussion of the theories that underpin public policy and economics. The elective subjects have focussed more on the intersection of policy and real-world application. This involves an analysis of existing policies. As a part-time student (two subjects per semester), I typically organise my subjects so that I only have to attend Crawford School on one day per week for tutorials and lectures. This enables me to work the other four days in the week. On the day that I do attend, I will spend the hours outside of class working on assignments/studying and catching up with friends in the course.

What characteristics or skills do you hope to gain by completing your course?

I hope to have the skills to be able to effectively contribute to the formation, analysis and evaluation of social policy.

Will this course be beneficial in your career? Where could you or others in your position go from here? Please explain your answer.

Amongst other things, the MPP has greatly enhanced my knowledge of policy theory, development and application. It has also allowed me to develop advanced research and writing skills for both academic and business purposes.

What do you love the most about your course? 

I enjoy the variety of subjects that the MPP offers and the practical skills that the subjects can afford. I also love the opportunity to work directly with organisations/government on policy issues.