In partnership with the Australian Financial Review
University of Canberra
Develop specialist skills in public policy, advocacy and inclusive communication while learning to analyse policy impacts and contribute to evidence-informed approaches to gender equity.
The University of Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation develops the analytical and research skills needed to evaluate public policy and contribute to evidence-informed decision-making. The course is designed for professionals working across government, not-for-profit organisations and other sectors that influence or deliver public policy.
Explore evidence-based policy analysis, data analytics, economic modelling and policy evaluation. You’ll examine how policies are developed, implemented and assessed while building the skills to collect, interpret and evaluate evidence within complex institutional and organisational environments.
The 12-credit-point course comprises four required units: Evidence Based Policy Analysis, Data Analytics and Public Policy, Policy Analysis and Evaluation and Communicating Policy Expertise. Through these areas, you’ll strengthen your research, critical thinking and communication skills while learning to develop and present policy recommendations to different audiences.
Delivered entirely online, the course is completed part-time over eight months across four Study Blocks. The course combines multidisciplinary policy study with contemporary issues relevant to government and non-government organisations, helping you build specialist capabilities in policy analysis and evaluation.
The Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy Online comprises four units. Each unit is seven weeks long. The University of Canberra advises a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week.
Core units
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy, applicants must have at least one of the following:
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Learning outcomes
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy is designed for professionals passionate about driving systemic change and advancing gender equity. Whether you're entering the policy sector or looking to enhance your current role, this qualification equips you with the skills and expertise to shape inclusive policies, lead advocacy efforts and influence social reform.
Graduates may pursue or progress in roles such as:
Average full-course fee in 2027: $14,950
Price per unit in 2027: $3,737.50
Average full-course fee in 2027: $9,012 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The average CSP full-course fee is calculated based on the four 3-credit-point units required to complete the course.
2027 CSP unit costs include:
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
You may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount. FEE-HELP loans are available to eligible full-fee-paying students.
Associate Professor
Jonathan Pickering is an Associate Professor at the University of Canberra, specialising in democracy and justice in environmental and energy policy. With a PhD from ANU and a background in international development at AusAID, Jonathan’s research has been featured in top journals like Climate Policy and Environmental Politics. He also leads an ARC-funded project on electricity transmission policy and teaches leadership and policy in the Master of Public Policy program.
Senior Lecturer
Ashleigh Haw is a Senior Lecturer in Communication and Media at the University of Canberra and a member of the News and Media Research Centre, specialising in social inclusion in digital and news media. With a PhD in Sociology and 15+ years of teaching experience, her work explores the representation of marginalised communities, mis/disinformation during crises and critical disability studies. A strong advocate for accessibility, she brings lived experience to her teaching and research in ethics, inclusion and crisis communication.
Lecturer Justice Studies
Toni Johnson is a lecturer at the University of Canberra's School of Law, specialising in Legal Theory, Law and Society, Gender and the Legal System, and Criminal Law. With a PhD in Law (University of Kent) and a Master's in Law (University of British Columbia), Toni brings extensive expertise and focus on critical race, feminist, and deconstructionist methodologies. She coordinates the 'Reimagining Equity and Inclusion' research hub.
Professor of Politics and Associate Dean
Mary Walsh is a Professor of Politics and Associate Dean at the University of Canberra, bringing 30+ years of teaching and research expertise. She has led key programs like the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations and the Master of Public Policy, earning national and international recognition for her contributions.
