Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation Online

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation 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

• Evidence-Based Policy Analysis
• Data Analytics and Public Policy
• Policy Analysis and Evaluation
• Communicating Policy Expertise

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation, 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

You can demonstrate your proficiency in a number of ways, including through an approved English language test or recognised past study taught and assessed in English.

The Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0.

Contact the university or visit its website for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Build skills in policy analysis: Learn to analyse complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of public policy and the institutional and organisational contexts that shape the policy-making process.
• Understand data analytics and public policy: Analyse and communicate approaches to complex problems while engaging in politically aware and evidence-based policy design.
• Gain experience in evaluation: Discover how to judiciously apply data analysis and key modelling tools and techniques to inform the policy-making process.
• Strengthen your communication: Develop the effective communication skills required to disseminate policy positions, policy recommendations, policy research and analysis to a range of relevant audiences.

Career outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation is designed for professionals working and aiming to work in the government, non-government, health, intelligence or social sectors.

Your career options may include roles such as:

• Senior community inclusion officer
• Policy and planning manager
• Communications and advocacy lead
• Policy and research manager

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.