Fees

$3,625 per unit | FEE-HELP available

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 Gender Policy at UC?

Australia’s first postgraduate
course in gender policy

Be a trailblazer with a pioneering qualification designed for passionate advocates and policy influencers.

Learn from leaders in gender
equity policy and law

Gain insights from experts in gender and public policy, human rights, and media, including Canberra Law School, Canberra School of Government and the News & Media Research Centre — renowned for their work in gender diversity policy, media influence, and inclusive governance.

Flexible, supported and
accelerated learning — designed
for immediate impact

Fit your study around work and life commitments, with a learning model designed to support busy professionals. Graduate with the practical skills and confidence to shape policy, lead advocacy campaigns, and advance gender equality across sectors.

Download your brochure

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Course overview

Turn advocacy into action for gender equality. With an online Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy from the University of Canberra, you'll gain the specialised knowledge and practical tools to evaluate policy, influence reform, and advocate for gender justice across sectors. Designed for change-makers, this pioneering course empowers you to drive inclusive policies and create lasting impact in your organisation or community.

What you will learn

Understand the policy-making process

Analyse the complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of public policy as well as the institutional and organisational contexts shaping the policy making process.

Address gender equity in complex environments

Examine the complex environments, theories and/or concepts related to gender equity concerns and impacts, and evaluate the effectiveness of government policies, processes and/or communications addressing these issues.

Design inclusive initiatives that create impact

Design and inform programs and/or initiatives that are inclusive and/or address current equity disparities in a policy and advocacy context.

Communicate effectively for advocacy and inclusion

Develop effective communication strategies tailored to diverse communities and contexts (including First Nations, disability, class, race, gender, and crisis contexts), informed through the critical examination of community-led approaches to inclusive communication.

Course structure

Start strong with the Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy — and be empowered to shape a more equitable future.

This flexible, career-focused qualification gives you specialised skills in gender-responsive policy, advocacy, and inclusive communication. It also provides a direct pathway into the University of Canberra’s online Master of Public Policy, with full credit for all four completed units.

Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy

4 units | 8 months*

Master of Public Policy

12 units | 2 years* (with credit from the Graduate Certificate)

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy comprises 4 units. Each unit duration is 7 weeks. We advise a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week.

Core units

Foundations of Public Policy

Equity, Leadership & Policy

Communicating with Diverse Audiences

Gender Equality, Policy & Advocacy

Course information

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy, applicants must have:

A recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent, OR
A higher-level qualification in any discipline, from a recognised tertiary institution, OR
Three years of relevant work experience.

*If you do not meet the entry requirements above, you may still be eligible for admission through alternative qualifications or work experience. Please contact a Student Adviser to discuss your options.

Additional requirements

Fee assistance

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

Download brochure

Career outcomes

Advance your career—and your cause.

The Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy is designed for professionals passionate about driving systemic change and advancing gender equity. Whether you're entering the policy sector or looking to enhance your current role, this qualification equips you with the skills and expertise to shape inclusive policies, lead advocacy efforts, and influence social reform. Graduates may pursue or progress in roles such as:

Policy Officer / Policy Adviser / Policy Analyst
Contribute to evidence-based policy development with a gender equity focus.
Policy Manager / Director of Policy
Lead teams in shaping inclusive public policies and social programs.
DEI Specialist or HR Manager/Director
Embed diversity, equity, and inclusion across organisational strategies and workplace culture.
Senior Consultant or Legal Professional
Advise on gender-sensitive practices, compliance, and systemic reform.
Roles in Not-for-Profit and Community Organisations
Drive advocacy initiatives, shape community engagement, and influence social change.

With a Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy, you’ll be empowered to lead change—from grassroots movements to high-level policy strategies. This qualification will equip you to advance equality, foster inclusive practices, and contribute to a more equitable society.

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Taught by the industry's best

Toni Johnson is a lecturer at the University of Canberra's School of Law, specialises in Legal Theory, Law and Society, Gender and the Legal System, and Criminal Law. With a PhD in Law (University of Kent) and a Master's in Law (University of British Columbia), Toni brings extensive expertise and focus on critical race, feminist, and deconstructionist methodologies. She co-ordinates the 'Reimagining Equity and Inclusion' research hub.

Toni Johnson

Taught by the industry's best

Dr. Mary Walsh is a Professor of Politics at the University of Canberra, brings 30+ years of teaching and research expertise. She has led key programs like the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations and the Master of Public Policy, earning national and international recognition for her contributions.

Mary Walsh

Taught by the industry's best

Jonathan Pickering is an Associate Professor at the University of Canberra, specialising in democracy and justice in environmental and energy policy. With a PhD from ANU and a background in international development at AusAID, Jonathan’s research has been featured in top journals like Climate Policy and Environmental Politics. He also leads an ARC-funded project on electricity transmission policy and teaches leadership and policy in the Master of Public Policy program.

Jonathan Pickering

Taught by the industry's best

Ashleigh Haw is a Senior Lecturer in Communication and Media at the University of Canberra and member of the News and Media Research Centre, specialises in social inclusion in digital and news media. With a PhD in Sociology and 15+ years of teaching experience, her work explores the representation of marginalised communities, mis/disinformation during crises, and critical disability studies. A strong advocate for accessibility, she brings lived experience to her teaching and research in ethics, inclusion, and crisis communication.

Ashleigh Haw