Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance
Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct
6 months full-time or part-time equivalent
AUD $ 15,600
Domestic Student
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
Why this course
Gain the essential experience and skills needed to launch your policy and governance career in a multitude of industries.
Career focused
This course is modelled in line with the selection criteria for policy jobs
AI-intergration
An opportunity to critically engage with AI tools
Practicality
All assignments are based on real-world situations
Course units
You must complete a total of 4 core standard units. Each unit carries 12 credit points.
*Note: The order of the availability of units will be changing from TP1 2026. If you enrol in TP4 2026, you may not be able to complete your Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance within a six-month period. Please reach out to the Student Advisors if you have any questions at 1300 104 196.
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
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.
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
, 2025
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
, 2025
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
, 2025
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
, 2025
Click to learn more about the student hub! | Duration 3:53
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
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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Industry outlook: a real-world case study in policy and governance
QUT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance will open career pathways. Develop frameworks for approaching important issues with a Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance.
Frequently asked questions
No prior experience in working in a public sector or justice-related role is required to be successful in this course.
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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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