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Advance your career in Policy and Government

Dr Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer in International Relations 

Midyear entry


Study options 

Why Flinders? 

Get inspired 

Enquire now 

Where leaders learn.

Advance your career as a leader in policy and government.

Ready to take the next step in your career? A postgraduate degree in International Relations, Public Policy or Public Administration will give you the knowledge, policy skills and confidence to move into coveted leadership positions, and meaningfully work towards the solutions our agencies and communities need. 

Our postgraduate offerings in Government will equip you with skills to shape our policy environment. Depending on the degree you choose, you could gain the core skills required for managers and analysts working in foreign affairs, international trade, defence, and national and international security; deepen your knowledge of governance in the global world, digital strategy, and sustainable development; or master the fundamentals of public policy making – including analysing the problem, interpreting data, and undertaking professional research.

No. 1 in SA
in Political Sciences.

(2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities, public SA-founded universities only)

No. 1 in Australia
for postgraduate employment.

(QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey - longitudinal)

No. 1 SA university
for overall educational experience and full-time employment.

(The Good Universities Guide 2022 (postgraduate), public SA-founded universities only)

Study options

Master of International Relations*

Graduate Diploma in International Relations*

Graduate Certificate in International Relations*

Master of Public Administration*

Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration*

Graduate Certificate in Public Administration*

Master of Public Policy*

Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration*

Graduate Certificate in Public Policy*

Master of International Relations

Graduate Diploma in International Relations
Graduate Certificate in International Relations

Master of Public Administration

Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration
Graduate Certificate in Public Administration

Master of Public Policy

Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration
Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

*Available at Festival Plaza from 2024.

STUDY FOR TOMORROW
WITHOUT MISSING TODAY.

Flexibility from
the start

Practical and constantly connected

Engaging, above-standard learning

Supported on
every level

Study online

Explore our range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses available online, including:

  • Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership (Online)

Apply Now

Flinders University Online logo

Next Executives Leadership Program

Are you working for the South Australian Government?

In partnership with the South Australian Leadership Academy, Flinders University offers the Next Executives Program for public sector professionals, designed to help experienced managers advance to executive roles. This 10-month course enhances personal leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and governance knowledge, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to navigate and drive digital transformation in the public sector. 

The course also offers credit towards the Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership.

Learn More

Potential occupations

Leadership roles across a range of sectors, including local, state and the Australian Government, international trade, defence, security, social enterprise and foreign affairs. There are opportunities in local and global program development, strategic management, policy innovation, stakeholder consultation and government relations.

Policy and government opportunities could also include: 

  • Chief operations officer
  • Chief strategy officer
  • Director – policy coordination
  • Policy analyst
  • Intelligence officer
  • Strategic business planner
  • Sustainability manager

Your potential employers

Our graduates work for governments, local through to global; the defence sector, key public institutions, health services, education providers, advocacy and community associations, political organisations, and the policy-engaged business sector. 

Why study a postgraduate degree at Flinders?

Learn from the experts keyboard_arrow_up

Our teaching team produces curriculum material that has been adopted around the country. They also have extensive experience advising governments, in the professional development of public-sector offices, in working with communities, and in media commentary.

Enjoy a world-class online experience keyboard_arrow_up

Our postgraduate offerings in Government are designed for 100% online, on campus, or blended learning. If you want to study online, expect a world-class, curated experience where you can easily engage with your cohort, and gain insights from those currently working in the public sector. If you elect to study in-person, you can study in the Adelaide CBD, at Bedford Park, online or select a hybrid model (a mix of both).

Become a sought after, multi-skilled and career-ready graduate keyboard_arrow_up

All of our Government courses will prepare you for the careers of the future. Topics have been designed with a focus on the digital transformation of government, business and society; its implications for key public institutions, policy stakeholder and citizens; and its ramifications for the careers of professionals. 

They also strike the perfect balance between leadership skills, practical skills, and future skills. 

Future-proof your career keyboard_arrow_up

With a focus on technology, health and social impact, our Government courses integrate world-class research (such as that by the university's own Jeff Bleich Centre and Centre for Social Impact) so that students graduate with the latest knowledge and skills in their chosen field. 

Hear from our students

Georgina Cope

“

The Master of Public Administration has been invaluable to my career. It opened up a whole new world for me, providing just the right mix of theoretical concepts and practical tools that could be directly applied to my work.


Georgina Cope, Master of Public Administration graduate

”

Georgina Cope

“

I see myself working on issues like diplomacy, policy analysis, and global development at national and international levels. Overall, a Master in International Relations equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the global landscape and prepares you for a range of impactful careers.


Maurine Andeje, Master of International Relations

”

Get inspired

PHD Student Paige Fletcher

Study a PhD in Government
Interested in research? We caught up with Paige Fletcher, PhD Student, to find out more.

Paige is researching what makes an NGO effective – and how they can better achieve feminist policy goals.

Read more

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry. 

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.

Dr Jessica Genauer

Jessica analyses conflict, threat perceptions, and post-conflict institution building, focusing on the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine. She enhances executive training with cultural capability and intercultural leadership, helping students develop critical skills for global challenges.

See full profile

Dr Jessica Genauer

Show less keyboard_arrow_up

Jessica analyses conflict, threat perceptions, and post-conflict institution building, focusing on the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine. She enhances executive training with cultural capability and intercultural leadership, helping students develop critical skills for global challenges.

See full profile

Dr Leoni Connah

With expertise in postcolonial politics, human rights, feminism, and conflict studies, Dr Connah brings valuable insights into contemporary global challenges. Her teaching and research equip students with a deep understanding of international relations and the complexities of global security.

See full profile

Dr Leoni Connah 

Show less keyboard_arrow_up

With expertise in postcolonial politics, human rights, feminism, and conflict studies, Dr Connah brings valuable insights into contemporary global challenges. Her teaching and research equip students with a deep understanding of international relations and the complexities of global security.

See full profile

Dr Melissa-Ellen Dowling

With expertise in democratic resilience, ideological extremism, and foreign interference, Melissa-Ellen provides valuable insights into contemporary security challenges. Her teaching and research equip students with a deep understanding of international relations and the impact of digital disinformation.

See full profile

Dr Melissa-Ellen Dowling

Show less keyboard_arrow_up

With expertise in democratic resilience, ideological extremism, and foreign interference, Melissa-Ellen provides valuable insights into contemporary security challenges. Her teaching and research equip students with a deep understanding of international relations and the impact of digital disinformation.

See full profile

Professor Gerry Redmond

Gerry researches youth marginalisation in Australia and globally, helping students understand how young people navigate school, peers, and community challenges. His work shows how policies can better support their voices. 

See full profile

Professor Gerry Redmond

Show less keyboard_arrow_up

Gerry researches youth marginalisation in Australia and globally, helping students understand how young people navigate school, peers, and community challenges. His work shows how policies can better support their voices.

See full profile

Dr Hongyi Liang

Hongyi teaches International Relations, helping students explore global politics, political economy, and Asian studies. She fosters interactive learning, encouraging students to connect their experiences with real-world issues.

See full profile

Dr Hongyi Liang

Show less keyboard_arrow_up

With expertise in postcolonial politics, human rights, feminism, and conflict studies, Dr Connah brings valuable insights into contemporary global challenges. Her teaching and research equip students with a deep understanding of international relations and the complexities of global security.

See full profile

Frequently asked questions

Which postgraduate qualification in Government is for me? keyboard_arrow_up

This depends on your interests and career goals.

The Master of International Relations will provide you with the core skills required for managers and analysts working in foreign affairs, international trade, defence, and national and international security. It combines theory and practical analysis to examine global issues like war, poverty, security, economics, trade and diplomacy.

The Master of Public Administration is designed to prepare leaders to learn the latest concepts and skills which can be applied to the workplace immediately. You will deepen your knowledge of governance in the global world, digital strategy, and sustainable development.

The Master of Public Policy provides a multidisciplinary perspective on the global, national, and local levels of a rapidly changing policy environment. It aims to prepare policy leaders to master the fundamentals of public policy making - developing policy from start to finish, including analysing the problem, interpreting data, and undertaking professional research.

Can I study part-time? keyboard_arrow_up

Yes. You can study full-time or part-time, and either option can be studied online, in-person or as a hybrid experience (a mix of both). 

How do I apply? keyboard_arrow_up
  • Applications are completed via SATAC.
Where will I study if I choose to study on campus? keyboard_arrow_up

The classes will be held at our city campus, which combines world-class facilities with beautiful natural surroundings.

Domestic International keyboard_arrow_down

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Switch to International

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(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

Switch to Domestic

Enquire now

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Book a chat

Enquire now

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

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