University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Champion inclusion for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Course overview
Why study the online Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy at UC?
Be a trailblazer with a pioneering qualification designed for passionate advocates and policy influencers, gaining insights from experts at Canberra Business School, Canberra School of Government and the News and Media Research Centre, renowned for their engagement in discussions on LGBTQIA+ rights, inclusive policy and media advocacy. With a learning model designed to fit around work and life commitments and support busy professionals, you’ll graduate with the skills and confidence to shape policy, lead advocacy and protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
With an online Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy from the University of Canberra, you’ll gain the specialised knowledge and practical tools to evaluate policy, influence reform and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights across sectors. Designed for change-makers, this pioneering course empowers you to influence reform, protect hard-won rights and create a more inclusive future across sectors and communities.
Learn to evaluate and reform policy through an LGBTQIA+ equity lens while building the skills to design inclusive policy and initiatives across sectors. Develop leadership capabilities to drive systemic change, gain expertise in gender advocacy, engagement and communication and apply intersectional and practice-based approaches to policy development. With flexible, supported and accelerated online learning, you can advance your studies while balancing other commitments.
Key facts
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ 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
- LGBTQIA+ Policy and Advocacy
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy Online, 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.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
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 LGBTQIA+ equity in complex environments: Examine the complex environments, theories and/or concepts related to LGBTQIA+ 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 and equitable 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 LGBTQIA+ Policy is designed for professionals committed to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and fostering inclusive reform within organisational and systemic contexts. Whether you're entering the policy space or looking to strengthen your impact in your current role, this qualification equips you with the specialised skills to shape inclusive policies, lead advocacy efforts and influence systemic change across sectors.
Graduates may pursue or progress in roles such as:
- Policy Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Manager
- Director of Policy
- DEI Specialist or HR Business Partner/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
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.
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.
Dr Robin Ladwig
Educator and Researcher
Robin Ladwig is a passionate educator and researcher at the Canberra Business School, specialising in human resource management with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Their PhD research explores the career development and workplace experiences of trans and gender-diverse individuals in Australia, emphasising organisational culture and inclusion.
With a Master’s in Gender Studies, a background in Social Work and extensive experience as a Diversity Advisor at the University of Canberra, Robin bridges academic research with practical initiatives to drive inclusive workplace change. They are dedicated to advancing DEI conversations, including accessibility, belonging and social justice, while exploring the role of technology in shaping inclusive workplaces.