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 Public Policy at UC?
Supported online learning
Learn 100% online with support from UC’s politics, public policy, economics, legal and business experts.
Built for policy professionals
Gain the practical, analytical and comprehensive skills to curate policy research and recommendations, applying them to real-world contexts.
Learn from the home of policy-making
Benefit from UC’s decades of policy knowledge and close ties with the policy community.
Course overview
With the University of Canberra’s online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, you can build your knowledge in data analytics, extend your understanding in equity and leadership frameworks and gain a strong foundation in research, briefings and policy planning.
What you will learn
Gain the foundations of public policy
Build core competencies in public policy, governance, equity and public participation.
Recognise equity concerns
Examine the concept of equity from multiple standpoints, its expression in policy and how these concepts continue to change over time.
Engage in evidence-based policy design
Understand rudimentary concepts, techniques and methods employed in policy analysis, and evaluate the credibility of policy analysis as an understanding of policy-making in the real world.
Learn data analytics relevant to policy-making
Know how to summarise highlights, identify patterns and trends, interpret data, understand its quality and limitations, and communicate these meaningfully to policymakers.
Your course pathway
After entering the course through the traditional admission pathway, or completing either a Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation or a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, students can continue on to the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy. All of these courses can be an entry or exit point. Following the graduate diploma, students can then complete their studies with a Master of Public Policy.
Design your pathway
Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
4 units | 8 months*
*Dependent on individual study path and unit availability. Please speak to a Student Adviser for more information.
Taught by the best in the industry
“This is a forward‑thinking program designed in close collaboration with industry to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills and insight needed to navigate today’s complex policy landscape. Drawing on the expertise of highly qualified teaching staff, many of whom bring extensive experience in public policy practice and strong industry connections, the program blends academic rigour with real‑world relevance."
Dr Raymond Li
Program Director for Postgraduate Public Policy
Taught by the best in the industry
“We’ve consulted with our course advisory groups and our industry experts and they’ve told us what they want from employees in the public and non-public sectors, particularly the health, social and intelligence sectors. Through consultation they have provided us with an understanding of what the needs of the professional workplace and employment market are. We have expert input, great pedagogy and a fantastic learning experience that is fully online."
Dr Mary Walsh
Lecturer in Public Policy
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
Ready to apply?
Start your application to study with UC Online.
