SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT

Study

What is Public Policy and Public Management?

The study of public policy is essentially concerned with what governments do and why they do it. The term "policy" covers the intention, the activity and the result of much governmental action. The study of public policy includes all the planning, politics, processes, ideas, institutions and people involved in such action.

Public management refers to the management of government institutions. Public institutions operate in a different environment to private institutions. They experience far greater exposure to public scrutiny and there are constitutional and political considerations for managers of public agencies.


Careers in Public Policy and Public Management

There is an increasing demand within the public sector for policy analysts who understand the policy process and can critically evaluate policy proposals. An understanding of the role of government and the interface between the private and public sectors is also essential for those who see their future employment in the not-for-profit and the private sector.

Graduates in public policy have taken up a range of employment opportunities within the public sector, in agencies like the Ministry of Social Development, the Department of Labour, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Economic Development and the Treasury. Others are employed in consultancy firms, not-for-profit organisations, or are working as policy analysts in the private sector.

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Planning your Programme

The School of Government teaches papers in a broad range of subjects, a list of which can be accessed from the courses page. While most degree programmes require some core papers, there is scope to take papers from a range of disciplines that interest you.

Specific recommendations for each major can be found in the BCA/BA Handbook and Prospectus, which can be downloaded here or is available at the Faculty of Commerce & Administration Student Services Counter, Ground floor, Rutherford House, Pipitea Campus or Easterfield Ground floor, Kelburn Campus. The Guide to Study is available online here.

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For More Information

School of Government
Victoria University of Wellington
P.O. Box 600
Wellington
New Zealand
School Office, located on the 8th Floor of Rutherford House,
23 Lambton Quay
Ph: +64-4-463-6599
Fax: +64-4-463-5454
Email: address


For enrolment questions and information for Undergraduate and Honours courses, contact:
Faculty of Commerce and Administration
Student and Academic Services
Level 1, Railway West Wing
Pipitea Campus
Telephone: (04) 463 5376
Fax: (04) 463 5360
Email: address

or

Colin Jeffcoat
Associate Dean (Students)
Level 1, Railway West Wing
Pipitea Campus
Ph: (04) 463 5289
Email: address


For enrolment questions and information for Post Experience courses, contact:
Bun Wong
Senior Programme Coordinator
School of Government
Level 8, Rutherford House
Pipitea Campus
Phone: (04) 463 5453
Email: address
Fax: +64-4-463-5454