Why study the online Graduate Diploma of 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 required 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
By undertaking the University of Canberra’s online Graduate Diploma in Public Policy, you can build on your foundation in public policy with comprehensive knowledge in data analytics, fundamental economic modelling, policy analysis and evaluation – all supported by the expertise of leading policy practitioners.
What you will learn
Policy analysis and evaluation
Learn to address critical questions about how we interpret findings from policy analysis and evaluation to provide a sound evidence base for policy-making.
Communicating policy expertise
Understand the art of effectively communicating public policy initiatives, goals and outcomes between governments, other public sector departments, NGOs and the community.
Co-design and deliberative engagement
Investigate the power and limits of participatory forms of policy-making, and reflect on what it means to collaborate meaningfully with different stakeholders today.
Understanding of public policy governance and law
Gain an understanding of the intersection between Australian public law and public policy in various areas, as well as current debates for reform.
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 Diploma in Public Policy
8 units | 16 months*
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
8 units | 16 months*
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
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
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.