University of Adelaide

Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Equips students with critical analytical skills and practical insights to navigate complex policy challenges, blending academic rigour with real-world applications.

Course overview

Studying over six months full-time, the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in policy processes, analysis, design, and governance institutions.

This degree is highly interdisciplinary. It integrates knowledge from the University’s world-class experts in: politics, international relations, economics, law, environmental and social sciences, strategic communications, philosophy and more. You will gain awareness of the political, legal and ethical issues affecting public policy, public policy's underlying economic principles and effective community engagement processes.

Upon graduation, you will be on your way to a career in politics or public service. You could support policy analysis and response in a major industry or consulting firm. Perhaps you’ll help a large company, a lobbying organisation or a not-for-profit comply with relevant policy. You could also go on to further study with our Graduate Diploma in, or Master of, Public Policy.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,125
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual estimated first-year fee. It is based on a study load of 12 units of study.
Campus
North Terrace
Intake
New start dates announced soon
Units
4
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To qualify for the degree of Graduate Certificate of Public Policy, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following courses with a combined total of not less than 12 units, comprising:

  • Core courses to the value of nine units.
  • Electives to the value of three units.

Each course is valued at three units unless otherwise indicated.

Core Courses

Complete three from the following courses:

  • Economic Principles
  • Engaging Communities: Techniques and Analysis
  • Ethics and Politics in Policy
  • Introduction to Australian Law
Electives

Entry Requirements

Higher Education Study

Applicants must have a completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Outcomes

Career Outcomes

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

  • Manager / Business Management
  • Business Analyst
  • Business Consultant
  • Business Development Manager
  • Non-government Organisation Worker
  • PR Advisor
  • Consultant
  • Policy Adviser
  • Contract Manager
  • Policy Developer

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2025: $16,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The indicative annual fee is based on your first year of study (12 units).

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.