Queensland University of Technology - TEQSA Provider ID PRV12079 Australian University | CRICOS No. 00213J

Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance

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

Gain the essential experience and skills needed to launch your policy and governance career in a multitude of industries.

Course overview

Develop policies to address community issues and positively impact your society.

QUT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance opens pathways into policy development roles in government agencies and policy analysis roles in political and non-government organisations.

The Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance prepares you to navigate and influence the public policy landscape in Australia. Graduates gain practical skills in policy development, analysis and evaluation, learning to draft cabinet submissions, conduct cost-benefit analyses and engage in an ethical manner with stakeholders and diverse communities. With a strong foundation in governance structures, policy cycles and communication strategies, you’ll be equipped to manage projects and lead key policy initiatives across government, political and non-government sectors.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,075
More Information
The estimated fee is determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
Intake
February, 2027
April, 2027
July, 2027
October, 2027
Units
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You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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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

Students must complete a total of four core standard units. Each unit carries 12 credit points.

Core Units

  • Developing Impactful Public Policies
  • How Government Works
  • Evidence-Based Policy: Engaging Stakeholders and Analysing Data
  • Shaping Public Policy

Entry requirements

You can gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance with one of the following:

Six-month program

  • A completed bachelor's degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline.
  • A completed diploma (or higher qualification) in a relevant area, with at least two years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in the public sector and/or justice professions.
  • Five years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in the public sector and/or justice professions.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance will receive 48 points of advanced standing toward the Master of Justice. Contact the university or visit its website for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance, graduates will be able to conduct all stages of the policy cycle to analyse complex policy issues, make reliable recommendations and implement and evaluate policies. Graduates will also gain a firm grasp of the political ideas that shape policies, the structures and responsibilities of various levels of government and the role that political parties and other interested groups play in policy and governance.

Career outcomes

Potential career opportunities:

  • Senior Policy Officer
  • Senior Communications Officer
  • Senior Policy Advisor
  • Senior Policy Analyst

Fees and FEE-HELP

Full-fee paying place

Indicative unit fee in 2027: $4,075 (12-credit-point unit)
Indicative annual fee in 2027: $16,300
Indicative full-course fee: $16,300

The average full-course fee shown is calculated based on the 48 credit point (four units) course structure completed over six months.

Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

  • The number of units studied.
  • 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.