Effective leadership, positive change

Enhance your performance as a manager with advanced knowledge of the theory and strategies behind best practice in public management.

With a Master of Public Management you’ll become a more effective public manager and build your ability to influence the strategic and operational direction of public-sector organisations. Learn about governance and public-sector reform, and how to manage budgets, finances, and organisational capital.

Gain the knowledge and skills to design and implement innovative and effective programmes and services, including planning, service delivery, and monitoring and evaluation.

Our engagement with government agencies will offer you a window into the management processes that influence the strategic and operational direction of public-sector organisations.

Programmes

Experience our Master of Public Management

Join Dr Flavia de Mattos Donadelli, who is an academic that teaches on the Master of Public Management, for a short lecture on good performance management in the public sector.

Download the latest prospectus

Find out more about your study options. Fill in a form to download our professional and postgraduate programme prospectus.

Get the prospectus

Diploma and Certificate programmes

Depending on your goals you can opt for a shorter postgraduate public management qualification by doing the Postgraduate Certificate in Public Management or Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management. Courses completed as part of the Certificate and Diploma can count towards the full MPM programme if you decide to continue your studies.

Explore the Master of Public Management

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Well-connected

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is the only New Zealand university that is connected to the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG)—so you know your qualification is of the highest standard.

Your lecturers are actively involved in public and non-profit service, exchanging ideas on key policy and management issues. They're connected to decision makers from local, regional, and national government, giving you the opportunity to meet and learn from those in the know.

MPM Master of Public Management

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$28,017for the full programme
  • Schedule Block format
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 7 Jul 2025, 17 Nov 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ 0 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Pipitea Campus
  • Complete 180 points (12 courses)
  • Entry Bachelor's degree and two years' work experience in the public sector, or extensive work experience.

PGDipPM Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management

  • Duration trimesters
  • Fees NZ$18,688for the full programme
  • Schedule Block format
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 7 Jul 2025, 17 Nov 2025, 23 Feb 2026 (+ 0 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Pipitea Campus
  • Complete 120 points (8 courses)
  • Entry Bachelor's degree and two years' work experience in the public sector, or extensive work experience.

PGCertPM Postgraduate Certificate in Public Management

  • Duration trimester
  • Fees NZ$9,360for the full programme
  • Schedule Block format
  • Intensity Full time or part time
  • Starts 23 Feb 2026 (+ -2 more)
  • Type Coursework
  • Location Pipitea Campus
  • Complete 60 points (4 courses)
  • Entry Bachelor's degree and two years' work experience in the public sector, or extensive work experience.

Direct graduate entry

Each year, a small number of students are admitted to the Master of Public Management or Master of Public Policy directly from their undergraduate studies.

Individuals must have a Bachelor's degree from a New Zealand university with a GPA average of A- or higher. Applicants must also demonstrate their interest and commitment to public service in an expression of interest (EOI). There is a scholarship available for selected applicants.

Interested students may apply directly through the regular online enrolments process. Any questions should be sent to ppo@vuw.ac.nz.

International students, global insights

Be part of a school that attracts not only local professionals but a talented group of international students, many of whom are highly experienced employees of government organisations in their own countries. Take advantage of the diverse experience in public policy and public management these students bring to the classroom—providing valuable insights and bringing the comparative perspective alive.

Community

Postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues.

There will be opportunities to attend events, workshops, social functions, and seminars such as the Student Learning Postgraduate Research skills sessions. You'll also have access to the postgraduate student workspace on the 2nd floor of Rutherford House. Here, you can make use of a spacious computer lab, meeting rooms, a printer, and a small kitchen.

The Postgraduate Students' Association provides information on study at the University and a voice for you on campus.

Careers

If you're already working in the government and non-government sectors or a seeking a career shift, a Public Management qualification is a good choice.

You could find management work in central, local, or regional government, in business, in not-for-profits, in consultancies, or for iwi. You might work as a researcher, advocate, campaign coordinator, lobbyist, strategist, or planner.

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I’m using it every day in my job because it’s given me the theoretical background I need...I’ve been able to apply the theory in practical ways. It’s already helping my career.

Miriama Henderson

Master of Public Management student

Full story

At the heart of the public sector

Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and vibrant capital. You'll be learning in the heart of Wellington's CBD, where you can take advantage of the University's links with industry and government.

Scholarships

You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.

Employer support

The capability boost you get from doing Master of Public Management means your employer may be willing to pay some or all of your costs.