University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Turn advocacy into action for gender equality.
Course overview
Why study the online Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy at UC?
Be a trailblazer with a pioneering qualification designed for passionate advocates and policy influencers, gaining insights from experts in gender and public policy, human rights and media, including the Canberra Law School, Canberra School of Government and the News and Media Research Centre, renowned for their work in gender diversity policy, media influence and inclusive governance. With a flexible learning model that fits around work and life commitments, this program supports busy professionals while equipping graduates with the practical skills and confidence to shape policy, lead advocacy campaigns and advance gender equality across sectors.
With an online Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy from the University of Canberra, you'll gain the specialised knowledge and practical tools to evaluate policy, influence reform and advocate for gender justice across sectors. Designed for change-makers, this pioneering course empowers you to drive inclusive policies and create lasting impact in your organisation or community.
Learn to evaluate and reform policy through a gender equity lens while building the skills to design inclusive policies and initiatives across sectors. Develop leadership capabilities to drive systemic change, gain expertise in gender advocacy, engagement and communication and apply intersectional, rights-based approaches to gender and development policy. With flexible, supported and accelerated online learning, you can advance your studies while balancing other commitments.
Key facts
31st August, 2026
20th October, 2026
What you will study
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
- Foundations of Public Policy
- Equity, Leadership and Policy
- Communicating with Diverse Audiences
- Gender Equality, Policy and Advocacy
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy, applicants must have at least one of the following:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- A higher-level qualification in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.
- Three years of relevant work experience.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for the course, please read this document on the university's website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Understand the policy-making process: Analyse the complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of public policy as well as the institutional and organisational contexts shaping the policy-making process.
- Address gender equity in complex environments: Examine the complex environments, theories and/or concepts related to gender equity concerns and impacts and evaluate the effectiveness of government policies, processes and/or communications addressing these issues.
- Design inclusive initiatives that create impact: Design and inform programs and/or initiatives that are inclusive and/or address current equity disparities in a policy and advocacy context.
- Communicate effectively for advocacy and inclusion: Develop effective communication strategies tailored to diverse communities and contexts (including First Nations, disability, class, race, gender and crisis contexts), informed through the critical examination of community-led approaches to inclusive communication.
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:
- Policy Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Manager
- Director of Policy
- DEI Specialist or HR Manager/Director
- Senior Consultant or Legal Professional
- Roles in Not-for-Profit and Community Organisations
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $3,625 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total cost in 2026: $14,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a part-time study load of four units per year.
Student fees 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.
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.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
Who You Will Learn From
Jonathan Pickering
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.
Ashleigh Haw
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.
Toni Johnson
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.
Mary Walsh
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.