In partnership with the Australian Financial Review
University of Canberra
Build specialist skills in policy evaluation through data analytics, policy analysis, economic modelling and evidence-based communication, with a focus on complex contemporary public policy challenges.
The University of Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation develops specialist skills for analysing and evaluating public policy. Designed for professionals working across government, not-for-profit organisations and other community-focused sectors, the course examines how evidence can inform policy development and decision-making.
Explore evidence-based policy analysis, data analytics, policy evaluation and economic modelling. You’ll develop skills in collecting, evaluating and analysing evidence, applying analytical and modelling tools to complex policy issues and understanding the institutional and organisational contexts that shape policymaking.
The 12-credit-point course comprises four required units covering evidence-based policy analysis, data analytics and public policy, policy analysis and evaluation and communicating policy expertise. You’ll also develop research, critical thinking and communication skills to formulate policy recommendations and present findings to different audiences.
Delivered 100% online, the course is completed part-time over eight months across four Study Blocks. The online structure focuses on one unit at a time, allowing you to build your policy evaluation capabilities progressively while examining contemporary issues relevant to government and non-government organisations.
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
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation, 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 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:
Average full-course fee in 2027: From $9,012 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
The average full-course fee is calculated based on a study load of 12 credit points (four units).
2027 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees:
Indicative cost per unit in 2027: $3,737 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total cost in 2027: $14,950 (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:
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.
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.
