Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Oct
Units
4 units, 7 weeks each
Duration
8 months part-time
Why study the online Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy at UC?
Australia’s first postgraduate
course in gender policy
Be a trailblazer with a pioneering qualification designed for passionate advocates and policy influencers.
Learn from leaders in gender
equity policy and law
Gain insights from experts in gender and public policy, human rights, and media, including Canberra Law School, Canberra School of Government and the News & Media Research Centre —renowned for their work in gender diversity policy, media influence, and inclusive governance.
Flexible, supported and
accelerated learning — designed
for immediate impact
Fit your study around work and life commitments, with a learning model designed to support busy professionals. Graduate with the practical skills and confidence to shape policy, lead advocacy campaigns, and advance gender equality across sectors.
Course overview
Turn advocacy into action for gender equality. With an online Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy from the University of Canberra, you'll gain the specialised knowledge and practical tools to evaluate policy, influence reform, and advocate for gender justice across sectors. Designed for change-makers, this pioneering course empowers you to drive inclusive policies and create lasting impact in your organisation or community.
What you will learn
Understand the policy-making process
Analyse the complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of public policy as well as the institutional and organisational contexts shaping the policy making process.
Address gender equity in complex environments
Examine the complex environments, theories and/or concepts related to gender equity concerns and impacts, and evaluate the effectiveness of government policies, processes and/or communications addressing these issues.
Design inclusive initiatives that create impact
Design and inform programs and/or initiatives that are inclusive and/or address current equity disparities in a policy and advocacy context.
Communicate effectively for advocacy and inclusion
Develop effective communication strategies tailored to diverse communities and contexts (including First Nations, disability, class, race, gender, and crisis contexts), informed through the critical examination of community-led approaches to inclusive communication.
Course structure
Start strong with the Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy — and be empowered to shape a more equitable future.
This flexible, career-focused qualification gives you specialised skills in gender-responsive policy, advocacy, and inclusive communication. It also provides a direct pathway into the University of Canberra’s online Master of Public Policy, with full credit for all four completed units.
Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy
4 units | 8 months*
Master of Public Policy
12 units | 2 years* (with credit from the Graduate Certificate)
*Exact course length will be dependent on selected electives and their availability. Please speak to a Student Enrolment Adviser for more information.
Ready to learn more?
Download your course brochure for more detailed information including:
- What you’ll study
- Recognition of prior learning
- Entry requirements
- Fees and FEE-HELP
Taught by the industry's best
Toni Johnson is a lecturer at the University of Canberra's School of Law, specialises in Legal Theory, Law and Society, Gender and the Legal System, and Criminal Law. With a PhD in Law (University of Kent) and a Master's in Law (University of British Columbia), Toni brings extensive expertise and focus on critical race, feminist, and deconstructionist methodologies. She co-ordinates the 'Reimagining Equity and Inclusion' research hub.
Toni Johnson
Taught by the industry's best
Dr. Mary Walsh is a Professor of Politics at the University of Canberra, brings 30+ years of teaching and research expertise. She has led key programs like the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations and the Master of Public Policy, earning national and international recognition for her contributions.
Mary Walsh
Taught by the industry's best
Jonathan Pickering is an Associate Professor at the University of Canberra, specialising in democracy and justice in environmental and energy policy. With a PhD from ANU and a background in international development at AusAID, Jonathan’s research has been featured in top journals like Climate Policy and Environmental Politics. He also leads an ARC-funded project on electricity transmission policy and teaches leadership and policy in the Master of Public Policy program.
Jonathan Pickering
Taught by the industry's best
Ashleigh Haw is a Senior Lecturer in Communication and Media at the University of Canberra and member of the News and Media Research Centre, specialises in social inclusion in digital and news media. With a PhD in Sociology and 15+ years of teaching experience, her work explores the representation of marginalised communities, mis/disinformation during crises, and critical disability studies. A strong advocate for accessibility, she brings lived experience to her teaching and research in ethics, inclusion, and crisis communication.
Ashleigh Haw
Ready to apply?
Start your application to study with UC Online.
