Queensland University of Technology

Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance

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

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

Course overview

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.

This course provides you with an understanding of the policy cycle and writing the key documents involved in policy development, decision-making, implementation and evaluation. You will develop the skills and knowledge of a professional and ethical policy officer or analyst navigating the nuanced issues and plurality of views in the democratic environment of Australian governance. Build professional written and personal communication skills necessary for negotiation, engagement and communication with senior officials and politicians.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,775
More Information
Prices are calculated based on a full-time study load of 48 credit points or four units.
Intake
October, 2025
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

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

Core Units

  • Justice Institutions
  • Policy, Governance and Justice
  • Public Sector Research
  • Critical Policy Skills Capstone

Entry requirements

Six-month program

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

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline.
  • A recognised diploma (or higher qualification) in government or a related area and two years of full-time (or equivalent) professional work experience working in the public sector and/or justice.
  • Five years full-time (or equivalent) professional work experience working in the public sector or justice.

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.

Career outcomes

Potential career opportunities:

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

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated total fee in 2025: $15,100 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Course fees can change depending on the units you select and any credits you receive for previous academic experience. Please note that fees are reviewed by QUT annually, which can impact the overall course fees.

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.