University of Sydney
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Provides a comprehensive foundation in policy analysis, governance and decision-making, preparing students to tackle contemporary policy challenges with critical insight and practical expertise.
Course overview
Gain a critical and multidisciplinary perspective on the global, national and local levels of a rapidly changing policy environment, with growing public scrutiny, shrinking resources and new transboundary challenges.
The Graduate Diploma in Public Policy degree is designed for those working or looking to work in government and the public sector and for those working in non-government or private sector bodies who seek a better understanding of the role of government in public policy making.
Key facts
What you will study
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma of Public Policy are required to complete 48 credit points, including:
- 12 credit points from core units of study.
- 24 credit points from selective units of study.
- 12 credit points from elective units of study.
Each unit is valued at six credit points.
- The Politics of Policy Making
- Public Management and Governance
Entry Requirements
Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy requires one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree with a minimum 60% average calculated over the whole degree with a major in social sciences from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
- Completion of the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy with a minimum credit (65%) average or an equivalent qualification.
English Language Requirements
You may need to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study this course.
If English is your first language, you may be able to meet the requirements if you have:
- Citizenship or permanent long-term residency (minimum ten years).
- Completed secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies recognised by the University in an approved English-speaking country.
If English is not your first language, you may be able to prove English proficiency with an approved English skills test taken within two years of commencing the course.
- IELTS score: a minimum result of 7.0 overall and a minimum result of 6.5 in each band.
- TOEFL - IBT score: a minimum result of 96 overall, including a minimum result of 20 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 22 in Writing.
- Pearson Test of English: a minimum result of 68 overall and a minimum result of 61 in each band.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The related study may be credited towards your degree. This may also include relevant work experience for some postgraduate courses. Contact the university for more information.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated fee in 2025: $31,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The estimated fee is calculated based on completing a study load of 48 credit points.
A student’s fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per semester.
- 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.