Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy

The Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy is designed for professionals and aspiring changemakers who want to challenge structural barriers and lead the design of inclusive, equitable systems. This course supports students to analyze how policy impacts LGBTQIA+ communities, design inclusive reforms rooted in intersectionality and equity, develop ethical communication strategies for diverse audiences, build advocacy approaches that inspire action, evaluate existing frameworks, and identify where systems fall short.

About this Course

This course is Australia's first postgraduate course focused on LGBTQIA+ policy and advocacy. It is designed for middle-level managers, community leaders, and professionals working in areas that shape or influence public policy. The course is particularly relevant for those in government and public service, advocacy and stakeholder engagement, diversity and inclusion roles, not-for-profits and community organizations, and media, communication, and campaigns.

What You Will Study

Across four key units, students will explore:

• LGBTQIA+ policy and advocacy
• Inclusive policy design and evaluation
• Intersectionality and leadership for equity
• Strategic and ethical communication across diverse groups

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy may pursue roles such as:

• Policy adviser or analyst
• Inclusion or diversity officer
• Advocacy or stakeholder engagement specialist
• Community programs coordinator
• Media and communications strategist
• Public servant across local, state, and federal government

Admission Requirements

A completed bachelor's degree or equivalent or higher; or 3 years of relevant work experience. There are no assumed knowledge requirements for this course.

Course Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy requires 12 credit points, consisting of four units:

• Foundations of Public Policy G (11790)
• Equity, Leadership and Policy G (11791)
• Communicating with Diverse Audiences G (11938)
• LGBTQIA+ Policy and Advocacy G (12204)

Course Information

• Course duration: The standard duration for this course is 8 months (4 Study Blocks), with a maximum duration of 3 years from date of enrollment to date of course completion.
• Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, students will be able to analyze complex issues surrounding public policy, examine the complex environments and theories related to LGBTQIA+ equity concerns, design and inform programs that address current equity disparities, and develop effective and equitable communication strategies tailored to diverse communities and contexts.
• Awards: The official abbreviation for this award is GCLGBTQIA+.

Fees

• The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course, with the final fee charged based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrolls.
• The course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.

Delivery Mode

• The course is delivered in a fully online format across four units.
• Students can complete their qualification in under a year, studying part-time alongside work and life commitments.

English Language Requirements

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

Location

• All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed, with online units not requiring on-campus attendance.

Selection Rank

• The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year, serving as an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.