In partnership with the Australian Financial Review
University of Canberra
Build specialist skills in inclusive policy, advocacy, equity leadership and strategic communication while developing evidence-informed approaches to social and policy change.
The University of Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy develops specialist knowledge for professionals and aspiring policy practitioners working across government, advocacy, community organisations, diversity and inclusion, media and related sectors.
Explore public policy foundations, advocacy, equity leadership and communication with diverse audiences. You’ll examine how policy decisions affect different communities and consider how intersectionality, inclusion and lived experience can inform more effective and equitable responses.
The 12-credit-point course comprises four required units covering Foundations of Public Policy, Equity, Leadership and Policy, Communicating with Diverse Audiences and LGBTQIA+ Policy and Advocacy. Through this study, you’ll develop skills in policy analysis, advocacy, inclusive program design and ethical communication across varied social and cultural contexts.
Delivered fully online, the course is completed part-time over eight months across four Study Blocks. It provides focused postgraduate study for those seeking to strengthen their capabilities in policy development, advocacy and community-facing roles.
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
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
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy Online, 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).
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Learning outcomes
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:
Domestic full-fee paying place in 2027:
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in 2027:
The full-course fees are based on completion of 12 credit points across four units.
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.
Eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place may use HECS-HELP to defer their student contribution.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
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.
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.
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.
