University of Queensland

Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

Advance your understanding of governance, policy design and evidence-based decision-making while tailoring your studies towards global development, organisational leadership or contemporary policy challenges.

Course overview

Public institutions must respond to increasingly complex social, economic and political challenges. The University of Queensland’s Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy offers an extended postgraduate examination of how policy is designed, implemented and evaluated across governments, organisations and communities.

You will investigate governance systems, public institutions, comparative policy, economic analysis and the role of evidence in decision-making. A broad elective structure enables you to examine policy from different disciplinary perspectives or concentrate your selections within global governance and development, leadership and communication, or contemporary policy challenges. Lectures, seminars, research experiences and critical analysis support a deeper understanding of the factors influencing effective public administration.

Delivered face-to-face at UQ’s St Lucia campus, the qualification can be completed in one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. You will learn from scholars, researchers and policy practitioners while engaging with peers from diverse professional backgrounds. Eligible students may also participate in UQ’s Graduate Centre Mentorship program for practical career and employability guidance.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
12 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $3,900
More Information
The estimated fee is determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
Campus
St Lucia
Intake
22nd February, 2027
26th July, 2027
Units
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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.
8
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.

To earn the Graduate Diploma in Governance and Public Policy, you must complete 16 units or eight courses, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.

Flexible core units

Select eight units from the following:

  • Dynamics of Governance
  • Dynamics of Public Policy
  • Comparative Public Policy
  • Knowledge and Evidence in Public Policy
  • Policy Design and Implementation
  • Economic Analysis and Public Policy
Elective units

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements

To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline with a GPA of at least 4.5 on UQ’s seven-point scale.
  • Hold UQ’s Graduate Certificate in Governance and Public Policy with a GPA of at least 4.5 on UQ’s seven-point scale.

English language requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency, such as:

  • An IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0.
  • A TOEFL iBT overall score of 87, with at least 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in writing and 19 in speaking.
  • A PTE Academic overall score of 64, with at least 60 in each communicative skill.
  • Another form of evidence accepted by the university.

OET is not accepted for this course. Contact the university for further information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career Outcomes

Potential career outcomes include:

  • Think Tank Adviser
  • Policy Research Institute Member
  • Not-for-Profit Manager
  • Environmental Adviser
  • Ministerial Team Member
  • Diplomatic Corps Official
  • Public Policy Adviser
  • International Law Practitioner
  • Global Health and Development Adviser
  • Social Justice Advocate

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $31,200 (Full-fee paying place)

Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

  • The number of units studied.
  • 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.