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 LGBTQIA+ Policy at UC?

Australia’s first postgraduate
course in LGBTQIA+ policy

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

Learn from leaders in LGBTQIA+
policy

Gain insights from experts at Canberra Business School, Canberra School of Government, and the News & Media Research Centre — renowned for their engagement in discussions on LGBTQIA+ rights, inclusive policy, and media advocacy.

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 skills and confidence to shape policy, lead advocacy, and protect LGBTQIA+ rights.

Download your brochure

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Course overview

Champion inclusion for LGBTQIA+ communities. With an online Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy from the University of Canberra, you’ll gain the specialised knowledge and practical tools to evaluate policy, influence reform, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights across sectors. Designed for change-makers, this pioneering course empowers you to influence reform, protect hard-won rights, and create a more inclusive future across sectors and communities.

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 LGBTQIA+ equity in complex environments

Examine the complex environments, theories and/or concepts related to LGBQTIA+ 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 and equitable 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 LGBTQIA+ Policy—and be the voice for inclusive change.

This flexible, career-focused qualification equips you with specialised skills in LGBTQIA+ inclusive policy design, advocacy, and equitable 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 LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ 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

LGBTQIA+ Policy & Advocacy

Course information

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy, applicants must:

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 LGBTQIA+ Policy is designed for professionals committed to advancing LGBTQIA+ rights and fostering inclusive reform within organisational and systemic contexts. Whether you're entering the policy space or looking to strengthen your impact in your current role, this qualification equips you with the specialised skills to shape inclusive policies, lead advocacy efforts, and influence systemic change across sectors. Graduates may pursue or progress in roles such as:

Policy Officer / Policy Adviser / Policy Analyst
Contribute to the development of inclusive, evidence-based policies that advance LGBTQIA+ equity.
Policy Manager / Director of Policy
Lead strategic initiatives that embed LGBTQIA+ inclusion into public and organisational policy.
DEI Specialist or HR Business Partner/Manager/Director
Embed LGBTQIA+ inclusion across diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in workplaces.
Senior Consultant or Legal Professional
Advise on anti-discrimination legislation, inclusive practices, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Roles in Not-for-Profit and Community Organisations
Drive advocacy initiatives, shape community engagement, and influence social change.

With a Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy, you’ll be ready to lead change—whether at the grassroots level, within organisations, or in government. This qualification empowers you to protect rights, build equity, and create a more inclusive society.

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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.

Dr. 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

Taught by the industry's best

Robin Ladwig is a passionate educator and researcher at the Canberra Business School, specialising in human resource management with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Their PhD research explores the career development and workplace experiences of trans and gender-diverse individuals in Australia, emphasising organisational culture and inclusion.

With a Master’s in Gender Studies, a background in Social Work, and extensive experience as a Diversity Advisor at the University of Canberra, Robin bridges academic research with practical initiatives to drive inclusive workplace change. They are dedicated to advancing DEI conversations, including accessibility, belonging, and social justice, while exploring the role of technology in shaping inclusive workplaces.

Robin Ladwig