Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

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.
• 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 Online requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Gain the foundations of public policy: Build core competencies in public policy, governance, equity and public participation.
• Recognise equity concerns: Examine the concept of equity from multiple standpoints, its expression in policy and how these concepts continue to change over time.
• Engage in evidence-based policy design: Understand rudimentary concepts, techniques and methods employed in policy analysis and evaluate the credibility of policy analysis as an understanding of policy-making in the real world.
• Learn data analytics relevant to policy-making: Know how to summarise highlights, identify patterns and trends, interpret data, understand its quality and limitations and communicate these meaningfully to policymakers.

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.