University of Canberra
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
An in-depth exploration of policy development, governance and public sector management, equipping students with the analytical and strategic skills to shape effective policy outcomes.
Course overview
The Faculty of Business, Government and Law's Graduate Diploma in Public Policy is aimed at middle-level managers, community groups and professionals in industries that aim to influence government policy, such as the Australian Public Service, local and state governments, NGOs and not-for-profit sectors.
The diploma introduces the study and practice of public policy. It explores a range of critical and analytical perspectives on the political, economic and cultural factors informing the development and implementation of public policy in Australia. Graduates will develop and apply knowledge and skills to various policy problems. They will cultivate equitable approaches to policy issues sensitive to the multiple standpoints of race, class, gender, age and ability. The Diploma highlights the crucial role of leadership in effecting equitable outcomes.
The Graduate Diploma of Public Policy enhances graduates' understanding of co-design and participatory forms of policymaking to help them involve a broader range of stakeholders in the policy-making process. It allows students to critically analyse and understand evidence-based practice in developing sound public policy. It also provides graduates with a conceptual understanding of data, statistics, economic modelling and their analysis, which can be readily applied to the real-life challenges of policy analysis and policy-making. This course develops graduates' knowledge of the social, political and historical context of Australian public law, including its impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and provides opportunities for thinking creatively about options for reform. Graduates will learn how to effectively communicate the goals of public policy objectives and/or programs and manage risk, including understanding government priorities in an increasingly nuanced context both nationally and internationally.
Key facts
What you will study
The Graduate Diploma in Public Policy comprises eight units or 24 credit points.
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
A completed bachelor's degree or equivalent or a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy or 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.
- Apply the key concepts of an evidence-based approach to policy including the use of data analytics to inform policy.
- Develop effective leadership and communication skills to disseminate complex policy positions, policy recommendations and policy research and analysis to a range of relevant audiences.
- Evaluate the complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of public policy and the institutional and organisational contexts that 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 that are based on local and national needs and priorities.
- Judiciously apply data analytical and key modelling tools and techniques to inform the policy-making process.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative full course fee in 2025: $28,200 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative full course fee is based on a study load of 24 credit points or eight units.
A student’s annual fee 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.
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.