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100% online Graduate Certificate

Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance

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Start Date

6 months full-time or part-time equivalent

Duration

AUD $ 15,600

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Entry Criteria

Course overview

Develop policies to address community issues and positively impact your society

QUT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance opens pathways into policy development roles in government agencies and policy analysis roles in political and non-government organisations. 

The Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance prepares you to navigate and influence the public policy landscape in Australia. Graduates gain practical skills in policy development, analysis, and evaluation, learning to draft cabinet submissions, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and engage in an ethical manner with stakeholders and diverse communities. With a strong foundation in governance structures, policy cycles, and communication strategies, you’ll be equipped to manage projects and lead key policy initiatives across government, political, and non-government sectors.

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance will receive 48 credit points in advanced standing towards the Master of Justice.

Learn more with Professor Mark Lauchs

Course units

You must complete a total of 4 core standard units. Each unit carries 12 credit points.

 

Developing Impactful Public Policies

12 credit points

How Government Works

12 credit points

Evidence-Based Policy: Engaging Stakeholders and Analysing Data

12 credit points

Shaping Public Policy

12 credit points

Entry requirements

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

6-month program

  • A completed bachelor degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline

or

  • A completed diploma (or higher qualification) in a relevant area, with at least two years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in the public sector and/or justice professions

or

  • Five years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in the public sector and/or justice professions

Advanced standing

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance will receive 48 points of advanced standing toward the Master of Justice.

Learn more

Course outcomes

Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance, graduates will be able to conduct all stages of the policy cycle to analyse complex policy issues, make reliable recommendations, and implement and evaluate policies. Graduates will also gain a firm grasp of the political ideas that shape policies, the structures and responsibilities of various levels of government and the role political parties and other interested groups play in policy and government.

Skills and tools in this course

  • Policy development and analysis
  • Research skills
  • Ethical obligations
  • In-depth governance understanding
  • Effective stakeholder engagement

Potential career opportunities

Senior Policy officer

Analyse and advise on issues that concern your organisation while liaising with internal and external stakeholders to develop policies to address said issues.

  • Average Salary

    $100,000

  • Industry Job Satisfaction of

    4/5

  • Industry Growth

    +8.7%

    Projected job growth in next 5 years

, 2026

Senior communications officer

Assist the communication activities of your organisation. This includes strategies, content creation and briefing of vendors when organising events.

  • Average Salary

    $110,000

  • Industry Job Satisfaction of

    4/5

, 2026

Senior Policy advisor

Provide sound and well-evidenced advice to all relevant stakeholders.

  • Average Salary

    $110,000

  • Industry Job Satisfaction of

    4.5/5

  • Industry Growth

    +8.7%

    Projected job growth in next 5 years

, 2026

Senior policy analyst

As government employees, policy analysts aid in the planning and development of new policies by collecting, analysing and reviewing data.

  • Average Salary

    $100,000

  • Industry Job Satisfaction of

    4/5

  • Industry Growth

    +8.7%

    Projected job growth in next 5 years

, 2026

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How online study works

Learn in your own way

Experience the unwavering support of our university as you embark on your online learning journey.

  • Flexible and supportive options for your lifestyle
  • The easy application and enrolment process
  • Alignment with career aspirations
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What our students say

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, Policy Officer, Department of Finance (Australian Government)

Ready to apply?

Apply for your dream qualification by filling out our application form, or speak with one of our Course Consultants on 1300 104 196 to discover the right study option for you.

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Frequently asked questions

No prior experience in working in a public sector or justice-related role is required to be successful in this course.

Yes, this course will provide you with the tools to formulate policies and influence decision-making.

You will learn the key skills required in any policy/government role, such as how to gain government attention, writing skills, policy analysis and development. This course is an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate, so it will help you secure a good role or progress in your career if you already work in the field. You will also create a cabinet submission in the final capstone unit.

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If you’re not ready to apply or want to know more before you submit your application, you can request more information by calling us on 1300 104 196 or by completing our enquiry form.

Ready to apply?

Apply online by filling out our application form or speak to a Course Consultant on 1300 104 196.

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