Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Public Policy

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 aiming 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 and 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.

About this Course

Graduates will develop and apply knowledge and skills to a range of policy problems and will cultivate equitable approaches to policy issues that are 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 policy making to help them involve a broader range of stakeholders in the policy making process. It provides students with the capacity to critically analyse and understand evidence-based practice in developing sound public policy.

Admission Requirements

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

Course Requirements

• Graduate Diploma in Public Policy (SCG101) | 24 credit points
  • Required - Must pass 24 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
    • Policy Analysis and Evaluation G (11794) | 3 credit points — Level G
    • Communicating Policy Expertise G (11795) | 3 credit points — Level G
    • Co-Design and Deliberative Engagement G (11796) | 3 credit points — Level G
    • Public Policy Governance and Law G (11797) | 3 credit points — Level G

Learning Outcomes

• 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.
• Apply the key concepts of an evidence-based approach to policy, including the use of data analytics to inform policy.
• Judiciously apply data analytical and key modelling tools and techniques to inform the policy making process.
• Evaluate a range of approaches and techniques, including co-design, to achieve equitable outcomes in policy development and policy implementation.
• 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.

Awards

• Award: Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
• Official abbreviation: GradDip PubPolicy

Alternative Exits

• SCC101 Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
• SCC102 Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation

Enrolment Data

• 2023 enrolments for this course by location:
  • Location: UC - Canberra, Online, Enrolments: 17

Course Information

• Course duration: The standard duration for this course is 1 year and 5 months (8 Study Blocks). The maximum duration is 4 years from date of enrolment to date of course completion.
• 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.
• Fees:
  • Per Unit: $3,625 (2026), $3,525 (2025)
  • Per Annum:
  • Full Course:
• English language requirements: An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
• AQF level: 8
• 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.