Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy is aimed at middle-level managers and professionals in the workforce industries that service the community in Canberra and Australia more widely, including the Australian Public Service, Local and State governments, NGOs, and not for profit sectors aiming to influence government policy.

About this course

The Certificate introduces the study and practice of public policy and explores a range of critical and analytical perspectives on the broad political, economic and cultural factors informing the development and implementation of public policy in Australia. It provides students with the capacity to critically analyse and understand evidence-based practice in developing sound public policy, as well as a conceptual understanding of the use of data, statistics and their analysis that can be readily applied to the real life challenges of policy analysis. Graduates will apply knowledge and skills by demonstrating well developed judgement on the significance of equity from the multiple standpoints of race, class, gender, age and ability including the crucial role of leadership in effecting equitable outcomes.

Admission requirements

• A completed bachelors degree or equivalent; or
  • 3 years relevant work experience.
• Assumed knowledge: None.

Periods course is open for new admissions

• Year: 2026, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 1, Teaching start date: 19 January 2026
• Year: 2026, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 2, Teaching start date: 16 March 2026
• Year: 2026, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 3, Teaching start date: 11 May 2026
• Year: 2026, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 4, Teaching start date: 06 July 2026
• Year: 2026, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 5, Teaching start date: 31 August 2026
• Year: 2026, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 6, Teaching start date: 26 October 2026
• Year: 2027, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 1, Teaching start date: 18 January 2027
• Year: 2027, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 2, Teaching start date: 15 March 2027
• Year: 2027, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 3, Teaching start date: 10 May 2027
• Year: 2027, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 4, Teaching start date: 05 July 2027
• Year: 2027, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 5, Teaching start date: 30 August 2027
• Year: 2027, Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Teaching period: Study Block 6, Teaching start date: 25 October 2027

Credit arrangements

There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.

Course requirements

• Graduate Certificate in Public Policy (SCC101) | 12 credit points
  • Required - Must pass 12 credit points as follows:
    • Foundations of Public Policy G (11790) | 3 credit points — Level G
    • Equity, Leadership and Policy G (11791) | 3 credit points — Level G
    • Evidence Based Policy Analysis G (11792) | 3 credit points — Level G
    • Data Analytics and Public Policy G (11793) | 3 credit points — Level G

Typical study pattern

Not specified.

Course information

• Course duration: The standard duration for this course is 8 months (4 Study Blocks). The maximum duration is 3 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
• Learning outcomes:
  • Interpret and communicate relevant data analyses and apply these to the policy making process.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations' peoples' identity and lived experiences within historical and contemporary policy contexts.
  • Analyse the complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of public policy and the institutional and organisational contexts which shape the policy making process.
  • Analyse and communicate approaches to complex problems while engaging in politically aware evidence-based policy design.
  • Analyse a range of approaches and techniques to achieve equitable outcomes in policy development and policy implementation.
• Awards:
  • Award: Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
  • Official abbreviation: GradCert PubPolicy
• Enrolment data:
  • Location: UC - Canberra, Online
  • Enrolments: 77

Fees

• Per Unit: $3,625 (2026), $3,525 (2025)
• Full Course: Not specified

English language requirements

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

Delivery mode

• Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
• On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
• Online: All units are online.
• Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.

Location

• All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require 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. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.

AQF level

• University of Canberra qualifications are recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
  • Level 5 - Diploma
  • Level 6 - Associate Degree
  • Level 7 - Bachelor Degree
  • Level 8 - Bachelor Honours Degree OR Graduate Certificate OR Graduate Diploma
  • Level 9 - Masters Degree
  • Level 10 - Doctoral Degree

Similar courses

• Graduate Certificate in Policy and Data (386JA.2)
• Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy (SCC103.1)
• Graduate Diploma in Public Policy (SCG101.1)
• Master of Public Policy (SCM101.1)