Education That Empowers
Developing leaders who will champion lasting change.
The EMPA is a two-year postgraduate qualification combining academic depth with real-world application. It equips leaders with the skills to influence systems, and deliver significant value for communities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Regionally grounded degree designed for ambitious public leaders
Delivered with universities and government to ensure relevance
Join senior executive alumni now who are shaping stronger public systems
The standard of teaching was excellent, and the case studies encouraged creativity. I’ve applied the learnings to lead my team through organisational change.Liem NgoPrincipal Manager, TfNSW
Key People
Faculty & Presenters
Our faculty includes leading academics from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world who are experts in public administration, public policy, leadership and management. We also draw on the expertise of senior practitioners from the public, not-for-profit and private sectors.
Our faculty includes:
Professor Todd Bridgman – Professor of Management Studies and Head of the School of Management, Victoria University of Wellington/Te Herenga Waka.
Professor Ross Guest – Professor of Economics in the Griffith Business School, Griffith University and researcher in population economics.
Professor Paul ‘t Hart – Professor of Public Administration at Utrecht University and member of the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy and past Associate Dean of the Netherlands School of Public Administration.
Professor Kimberley Isett – Professor of Public Administration, Biden School of Public Policy and Administration and Vice Provost for Academic Programs and University Initiatives, University of Delaware. Has a research focus on institutional pressures and dynamics in implementing government services.
Associate Professor Rob Manwaring – College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University.
Dr Zina O’Leary – ANZSOG Senior Fellow and adjunct Professor at the Joseph R. Biden Jr School of Public Policy, University of Delaware.
Associate Professor Brad Potter – Head of the Department of Accounting at the University of Melbourne with research interests in measurement and reporting approaches for communicating diverse information.
Professor Veronica Taylor – Professor of Law and Regulation, School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University.
Dr Ben Walker – Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand).
Who Should Apply
Leaders and Managers
The EMPA is built for ambitious public servants and those responsible for their development. It equips individuals with skills and networks, while giving agencies confidence in more decisive, more capable leadership for the future.
Inspiring Public Leaders
For ambitious and emerging public sector leaders
The EMPA is built for senior public servants preparing for greater responsibilities. You’ll sharpen your strategic judgement, broaden your networks, and strengthen your influence across the system.
Step into senior roles with more confidence as a leader
Apply learning directly to real-world challenges
Connect with peers shaping public service across the region
Course Subjects
Course Structure
Learning designed for balance, focus and connection.
Two Years, Blended Learning
The EMPA runs part-time over two years, combining online study with immersive face-to-face modules across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The program blends rigorous academic learning with lived public service experience.
Building strong leadership foundations
You’ll complete eight core subjects through online and residential modules. By building skills in policy, governance, finance, law, and management, you’ll apply theory directly to your leadership practice.
Study online and face-to-face across two years
Gain skills in policy, governance, and finance
Build confidence tackling complexity, and leading change.
Expanding knowledge and perspectives
Choose three electives from nine conferring universities. Delivered through flexible formats, electives extend your expertise, close knowledge gaps, and let you explore disciplines aligned to your leadership pathway.
Explore electives in law, economics, and policy
Learn from regional and international leading academics
Tailor studies to your career aspirations
Learning Approach
A combination of theory, practice, and peer learning for strong leadership.
Flexible online and immersive face-to-face learning
Flexible online and immersive face-to-face learning.
The EMPA combines the best of online study with residential intensives across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This format supports busy professionals, ensuring learning is practical, interactive, and grounded in lived public service challenges.
Online modules fit around demanding professional schedules
Residential sessions deepen learning with immersive experiences
Balanced delivery supports sustained engagement and application
Turning theory into practice for real outcomes
Learning is built on the realities of public administration. From work-based projects to place-based teaching, you’ll tackle complex issues directly with agencies, applying skills to real-world challenges.
Projects replicate government tasks in collaborative settings
Place-based teaching connects learning to community realities
Practical assignments ensure skills translate to workplace impact
Learning alongside diverse regional public leaders
The EMPA brings together leaders from across jurisdictions, agencies, and sectors. Peer learning encourages shared problem-solving, diverse perspectives, and connections that extend far beyond the classroom into lifelong networks of practice.
Build strong relationships across jurisdictions and sectors
Learn through shared experiences with committed peers
Networks provide ongoing support beyond program completion
Academics and practitioners guiding effective leadership
Courses are delivered by leading academics and senior practitioners with global and regional expertise. This mix ensures you learn both cutting-edge research and lived insights from those who’ve led in government.
Faculty blend research depth with practical relevance
Learn from renowned experts in policy and leadership
Access senior practitioners with real government experience
Informed by trans-Tasman realities and perspectives
The EMPA is shaped by the diversity of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, embedding First Nations and Māori perspectives alongside global best practice. This ensures learning is both inclusive and regionally relevant.
Respectful inclusion of First Nations and Māori voices
Regional focus reflects contemporary governance challenges
Builds culturally aware, contextually relevant public leadership
How to Apply for the EMPA Program
Ready to apply? Here’s everything you need to know before starting your EMPA application journey.
The EMPA is awarded by one of nine partner universities. We recommend nominating a university in your jurisdiction for easier access to electives and support services.
Choose from nine partner universities
Nominate by jurisdiction or electives offered
Access full university student services
University Handbook Pages
The following partner universities do not currently have an EMPA handbook page available; please contact ANZSOG for more information on their electives.
Charles Darwin University
Curtin University
Te Herenga Waka Victoria University Wellington