University of Adelaide
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
An in-depth exploration of policy analysis, governance and decision-making, preparing students to influence and implement effective public policies in diverse sectors.
Course overview
Studied over one year full-time, the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy provides specialist knowledge in policy processes and governance institutions, high-level skills in policy analysis and the capability to design sound policy in complex environments.
The 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 a sound understanding of political, legal and ethical issues affecting public policy, broad awareness of public policy's underlying economic principles, high-level skills in community engagement and its analysis, the opportunity to explore interests in specialist areas, such as international trade, human rights, environmental planning and governance, global food and agribusiness, public health, education and more.
You might pursue a career in politics or the public service. You could analyse and contribute to policy in a major industry body or consulting firm. Perhaps you’ll interpret policy for a large company, a lobbying organisation, or not-for-profit. You could also go on to further study with the university's Master of Public Policy.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the degree of Graduate Diploma 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 24 units, comprising:
- Core courses to the value of 15 units.
- Electives to the value of nine units.
Each course is valued at three units unless otherwise indicated.
Students who have an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline of economics may substitute a thee unit ECON Level 7 elective for Economic Principles. Program Coordinator approval is required.
Complete the following courses:
- Fundamentals of Public Policy
- Ethics and Politics in Policy
- Economic Principles
- Research Methods
- Engaging Communities: Techniques and Analysis
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:
- Management Analyst
- Manager / Business Management
- Ministerial adviser
- Ngo Policy Officer
- Business Analyst
- Natural Resource Manager
- Business Consultant
- Natural Resource Planner
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $33,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative annual fee is based on your first year of study (24 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.