University of Canberra

Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 8 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Gain foundational knowledge in public policy, evidence-based analysis, equity and data analytics through an eight-month online postgraduate qualification.

Ready to take the next step?

Download your course guide and connect with a university advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

The University of Canberra's Graduate Certificate in Public Policy is a 12-credit-point postgraduate course delivered entirely online. Completed over eight months part-time, the course introduces the development, implementation and analysis of public policy within Australian government and community contexts.

Key areas of study include public policy foundations, governance, equity, leadership, evidence-based policy analysis and data analytics. Students examine the political, economic and cultural factors that shape policy and learn to interpret and communicate evidence relevant to policy-making.

The course comprises four required units delivered across seven-week study blocks. Studies explore equity in policy development, approaches to policy analysis and the use of data to identify patterns, assess evidence and communicate findings to policymakers.

Graduates can apply their knowledge across government, non-government and policy-focused organisations. Published career options include policy and government relations adviser, policy and research manager, senior policy and planning adviser and policy and stakeholder engagement officer. The qualification also provides a pathway to the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Master of Public Policy.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

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.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
8 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,737
More Information
The estimated full-course fee is based on the published fee of $3,625 per unit across four units. Fees are subject to annual review and may increase from the start of each calendar year.

$2,253 (CSP)
More Information
You may be eligible for CSP where the government pays part of your fees. The estimated per unit fees are calculated using the annual CSP rate. It is based on a full-time study load of 100 credit points (eight units) per year.
Intake
18th January, 2027
15th March, 2027
10th May, 2027
5th July, 2027
30th August, 2027
25th October, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.
FEE-HELP, CSP

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Public 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
  • Evidence-Based Policy Analysis
  • Data Analytics and Public Policy

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Online, applicants must have at least one of the following:

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent, OR:
  • Three years of relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate understanding of the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations' peoples' identity and lived experiences within historical and contemporary policy contexts.
  • Interpret and communicate relevant data analyses and apply these to the policy making process.
  • Analyse the complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of public policy and the institutional and organisational contexts which shape the policy making process.
  • Analyse and communicate approaches to complex problems while engaging in politically aware evidence-based policy design.
  • Analyse a range of approaches and techniques to achieve equitable outcomes in policy development and policy implementation.

Career outcomes

The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy is designed for professionals ready to take the next step in policy-making or management, especially those aiming to work in government, non-government, health, intelligence or social sectors.

Your career options may include roles such as:

  • Adviser – policy and government relations
  • Policy and research manager
  • Senior adviser, policy and planning
  • Policy and stakeholder engagement officer

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

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.

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