University of Canberra

Graduate Diploma in Public Policy

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 16 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

Strengthen public policy knowledge across analysis, evaluation, data analytics, governance and stakeholder engagement through a 16-month online postgraduate qualification.

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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 Diploma in Public Policy is a 24-credit-point postgraduate course delivered entirely online. Completed across eight study blocks, the course examines the development, implementation and evaluation of public policy within Australian government and community contexts.

Key areas of study include evidence-based policy analysis, data analytics, policy evaluation, leadership, co-design, public law and policy communication. Students examine the political, economic and cultural factors that influence policy and consider approaches to equitable policy development and implementation.

The course comprises eight required units, with each unit delivered over a seven-week online study block. Studies cover the use of evidence and data in policy making, communication of policy recommendations, stakeholder participation and the relationship between governance, law and public policy.

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 Graduate Diploma can also provide a pathway to the 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 Diploma
Duration
16 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,737
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a part-time study load of eight units.

$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

To earn the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy Online, students must complete eight 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
  • Policy Analysis and Evaluation
  • Communicating Policy Expertise
  • Co-Design and Deliberative Engagement
  • Public Policy Governance and Law

Entry requirements

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

  • A completed bachelors degree or equivalent
  • Completion of Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
  • Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation.

English language requirements

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

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate a range of approaches and techniques, including co-design, to achieve equitable outcomes in policy development and policy implementation.
  • Evaluate the complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of public policy and the institutional and organisational contexts which shape leadership in the policy-making process.
  • Use professional skills and knowledge to develop collaborative processes to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in the development of solutions to achieve improved public policy outcomes which are based on local and national needs and priorities.
  • Develop effective leadership and communication skills to disseminate complex policy positions, policy recommendations and policy research and analysis to a range of relevant audiences.
  • Apply the key concepts of an evidence-based approach to policy, including the use of data analytics to inform policy.
  • Judiciously apply data analytics and key modelling tools and techniques to inform the policy-making process.

Career outcomes

The Graduate Diploma in Public Policy Online 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

Average full-course fee in 2027: From $18,024 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The average full-course fee is calculated based on a study load of 24 credit points (eight units).

2027 Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) fees:

  • Fee per unit: $2,253
  • Full-course fee: $18,024

Student fees may vary in acc

Indicative cost per unit in 2027: $3,737 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative total cost in 2027: $29,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a part-time study load of eight units.

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.