Study
Explore the study options and programmes offered by the School of Government.
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.
- Listen to a presentation on the Undergraduate Public Policy Programme from 2022 VUW Open Day (25 minutes)
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.
Subjects offered
There are five subjects taught by the School of Government: Public Policy, Public Management, e-Government, Public Administration, and Restorative Justice.
Courses offered
The School of Government offers courses in Public Policy at undergraduate & postgraduate level, and Public Management and e-Government at professional level.
Undergraduate study
The School of Government offers a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts at undergraduate level.
Postgraduate study
A range of postgraduate qualifications are offered by the School of Government, including certificates, diplomas, Master’s and PhD programmes.
Professional programmes
New Zealand's only School of Government has a suite of professional qualifications designed to improve your knowledge and practice in policy and management.
Plan your programme
Other resources to help you plan your course of study.
Careers
Read about career options after study with the School of Government.
Alumni profiles
Find out what study in the School of Government is really like—read what graduates have to say about their experiences.
Prospectuses
Summary information about the School of Government undergraduate and postgraduate courses, collated from several sources.