Law and Justice

Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance
100% online

Apply now
Apply Now Download brochure

  • Qualification: level:

    Postgraduate

  • Duration:

    6 months full-time or part-time equivalent

  • Units:

    4

  • Start date:

    Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct,

Download Brochure
Overview
Entry Requirements
Course Units
Careers

Make a positive impact on society through the development of policies that address community issues

Nearly two million Australians work in the public service across federal, state and local government levels. While governments change, there will always be a need for highly skilled public sector officers to work in a range of policy and governance roles. QUT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance will open pathways into policy development roles in government agencies and policy analysis roles in political and non-government offices.

Public sector roles are dynamic and require public officials to possess a broad skill set. Students will explore topical issues in policy and governance while building specialist skills for public sector roles, including policy writing and analysis. Equipped with the skills needed to undertake rigorous and critically informed analyses of government policies, you are guaranteed opportunities to play a vital role in successfully designing and implementing various policies. Similarly, you will be able to reinforce your understanding of the relevant ethical obligations required of a public official.

For effective and ethical governance of the public sector, public officers must have practical knowledge about government services and procedures as well as an ability to fully explore issues and approach the drafting and analysis of policies with consideration of the ethical implications. With a Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance, you will be equipped to do the following:

  • Make an impact on society, as the government’s decisions directly impact the community the government serves and influence how funding is allocated.
  • Formulate policies and influence decision-making that are evidence-based as you will be equipped with skills in research and rigorous evaluation of issues.
  • You will be challenged and required to navigate ethical dilemmas with limited resources.
  • Unpack ethical implications of decision-making by examining a range of real-world case studies such as Robodebt.
  • Strongly advocate for the democratic process and justice institutions that operate in the decision-making landscape, including parliament, interest groups and the media.

Key stakeholders from the public sector and academic experts have helped develop this course to be sure graduates have the skills needed to be effective in their current and future careers. The Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance opens up various public and private sector career opportunities, including roles in other organisations and agencies that work closely with the government.

“We have designed our courses to help you get the job you want. The course has been designed to give you the skills to meet the selection criteria for a Senior policy job.” ~ Policy and Governance – Mark Lauchs

Start your application process today to secure your future with QUT Online.

Apply now

Entry Requirements

You can gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance with:

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline or

  • A recognised diploma (or higher qualification) in government or a related area and two years of full-time (or equivalent) professional work experience working in the public sector and/or justice or

  • Five years full-time (or equivalent) professional work experience working in the public sector or justice

This course is not available to international students.

Talk to a Course Consultant

Course Consultants can provide more information about your specific qualifications or experience, or submit an enquiry by visiting the contact us page today.

Call us on 1300 104 196 Contact us

Looking to upskill your team? Find out how QUT Online can bring top-tier expertise and industry knowledge to your organisation by educating your workforce. 

Educate your workforce

"My role within the Department of Finance supports the Department of Defence in delivering its outcomes. The work I do is fascinating and I feel that I am part of something bigger than myself. QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance delivered course content relevant to my work interests and goals. The online delivery allowed me to work full time while studying."

James Kenny Policy Officer, Department of Finance (Australian Government) Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance

Course Units

UNITS

What you will learn

Communication Skills

Develop the writing, communication and consultation skills all public officials need to excel in public policy development.

Policy Development & Analysis

Cultivate the ability to undertake rigorous and critically-informed analyses of policies, identifying opportunities for improved outcomes.

Research Skills

Build research and policy evaluation knowledge and skills for public policy development.

Ethical Obligations

Acquire advanced knowledge of governance institutions across all levels of Australian government, with a core focus on the ethical responsibilities of public officials.

In-Depth Governance Understanding

A sophisticated understanding of key governance institutions from the federal parliament to political parties, the High Court of Australia and the media.

Critical Thinking

Ability to think critically about public sector issues and explore ethical implications of policy decisions.

Download the course brochure to learn more.

Download Brochure

Support

Our dedicated support team is here to help you when you need it. They are available online or over the phone seven days a week to answer all your questions. They are here to help with everything from technical support to academic questions. QUT Online has the tools and people to make your postgraduate study achievable and enjoyable.

View support

Career opportunities

Policy Officer

In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, evaluate the viability of a government policy and assist in the successful implementation of that policy.

Policy Advisor

Excel in an advisory role, providing sound and well-evidenced advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Policy Analyst

Conduct analytical research and prepare policy reports, all supporting successful policy development.

Communications Officer

Coordinate a targeted, culturally appropriate communication strategy that supports government policy implementation.

Learning at QUT Online

A unique opportunity

Whether you’re advancing or changing your career, studying online is the flexible way to achieve your goal, allowing you to log on and learn when it suits.

Your network

We are ranked in the top 50 universities in the world for employer-student connections. And when you study with us, our connections become your connections.

Learning that suits you best

Fit study into your life, when it suits you. If you study on your lunch break, or after your kids are in bed, you can access everything you need, wherever you are.

Other courses you may be interested in

Law and Justice

  • Graduate Certificate in Domestic Violence Responses