Bachelor of/Master of Communication / Public Policy and Leadership

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Nathan Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Communication / Master of Public Policy and Leadership at Griffith University is a four-year vertical double degree that blends communication expertise with advanced study in public policy, governance, and leadership. It is designed for students who want to work in media, government, advocacy, and public sector organisations where strong communication skills and an understanding of how policy is made both matter. This program prepares you to become a confident communicator who can also contribute to real policy and leadership decisions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in communication and social sciences. You’ll study core units such as Foundations of Communication and Digital Media and Society, along with introductory topics in politics, society, and public communication. This year focuses on developing strong writing, research, and analytical skills.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll continue developing communication skills while beginning to explore public policy concepts. You’ll study areas such as media writing, strategic communication, and public communication, along with introductory ideas around governance and public institutions. This stage helps you connect communication practice with real social and political systems.

Year 3
In your third year, you move into advanced communication study while beginning Master’s-level public policy learning. You’ll study strategic communication, journalism or media practice alongside subjects in policy analysis, governance, and leadership foundations. This year focuses on applying communication skills in public sector and policy contexts.

Year 4
In your final year, you complete advanced communication electives alongside Master’s-level study in public policy and leadership. You’ll explore policy design, implementation, evaluation, and leadership practice through applied projects, case studies, and research-based learning that connect both fields.

Focus Areas

Communication, media studies, journalism, public relations, strategic communication, public policy, governance, leadership, political analysis, advocacy, media strategy, public administration

Learning Outcomes

Advanced communication skills, policy analysis, leadership capability, critical thinking, research ability, strategic decision-making, media literacy, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary problem-solving

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Master of Public Policy and Leadership component is a recognised postgraduate qualification aligned with careers in public sector, governance, and policy development, while the communication component aligns with industry standards in media, journalism, public relations, and corporate communication roles.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Griffith University is well known for strong graduate employability, industry-connected teaching, and applied learning opportunities, with students gaining experience through internships, real-world projects, and professional networks across media, government, and policy sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Communication / Master of Public Policy and Leadership at Griffith University gain hands-on experience by working across communication practice and real-world policy and leadership contexts. The program is designed to connect media, governance, and public decision-making through applied projects, research-based tasks, and policy-focused problem solving. The Master of Public Policy and Leadership component also includes practical learning through case studies, projects, and applied assessments that reflect real government and organisational environments.

You will also build skills using professional communication methods, research tools, and policy analysis techniques while learning from academic staff and industry-experienced practitioners. Some parts of the program are delivered through flexible online learning supported by interactive workshops and guided study activities.

Experiential learning includes:

Applied policy projects based on real government, community, and organisational challenges
Case study analysis in public policy, leadership, and governance subjects
Practical communication tasks including media writing, strategic communication, and public engagement work
Research and policy analysis training linked to real decision-making processes
Interactive workshops and applied learning activities within the Master of Public Policy and Leadership component
Flexible online learning supported by digital platforms and academic resources
Engagement with industry-informed teaching from public policy and government practitioners
Use of university library resources and digital databases for research and policy work

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication / Master of Public Policy and Leadership at Griffith University are well prepared for careers that sit at the intersection of media, government, advocacy, and leadership. The program builds strong communication skills alongside advanced knowledge of policy analysis, governance, and public decision-making. Typical roles include Policy Officer, Communications Advisor, Public Affairs Officer, Government Relations Specialist, Media or PR Officer, and Advocacy Coordinator:

Career support services: Griffith provides dedicated support through Careers and Employment services, including one-on-one career counselling, resume and interview preparation, networking events with employers, and access to job listings through UniHub. These services help students become job-ready and connect with industry early.
Employment demand and industry relevance: Graduates are suited to roles across government, media, consulting, and non-profit organisations, particularly in areas involving public communication and policy development. Communication and policy skills are increasingly valued in roles that require clear messaging and strategic decision-making.
University–industry exposure: Students gain practical experience through applied projects, case studies, and industry-connected learning with government, media, and community organisations, helping them build real-world experience before graduation.
Long-term professional value: The Master of Public Policy and Leadership component develops advanced capabilities in policy design, implementation, evaluation, leadership, and governance, supporting long-term careers in public service and policy-related fields.
Graduation outcomes: Students graduate with strong communication ability, policy analysis skills, leadership capability, and critical thinking, enabling them to work effectively across both public and private sector organisations.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can continue into higher research degrees such as a PhD, or pursue additional postgraduate study in public policy, international relations, communication, law, or leadership. This pathway supports progression into senior government positions, international organisations, policy consulting, and academic research roles.