Fees
$3,625 per unit | FEE-HELP available
Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Oct
Units
8 units, 7 weeks each
Duration
16 months part-time
Why study the online Graduate Diploma in Public Policy at UC?
Supported online learning
Learn 100% online with support from UC’s politics, public policy, economics, legal and business experts.
Built for policy professionals
Gain the practical, analytical and comprehensive skills required to curate policy research and recommendations, applying them to real-world contexts.
Learn from the home of policy-making
Benefit from UC’s decades of policy knowledge and close ties with the policy community.
Course overview
Public policy is where lasting change is made.
By undertaking the University of Canberra’s online Graduate Diploma in Public Policy, you can build on your foundation in public policy with comprehensive knowledge in data analytics, fundamental economic modelling, policy analysis and evaluation – all supported by the expertise of leading policy practitioners.
What you will learn
Policy analysis and evaluation
Learn to address critical questions about how we interpret findings from policy analysis and evaluation to provide a sound evidence base for policy-making.
Communicating policy expertise
Understand the art of effectively communicating public policy initiatives, goals and outcomes between governments, other public sector departments, NGOs and the community.
Co-design and deliberative engagement
Investigate the power and limits of participatory forms of policy-making, and reflect on what it means to collaborate meaningfully with different stakeholders today.
Understanding of public policy governance and law
Gain an understanding of the intersection between Australian public law and public policy in various areas, as well as current debates for reform.
Your course pathway
After entering the course through the traditional admission pathway, or completing either a Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation or a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, students can continue on to the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy. All of these courses can be an entry or exit point. Following the graduate diploma, students can then complete their studies with a Master of Public Policy.
Design your pathway
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
8 units | 16 months*
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy
8 units | 16 months*
*Dependent on individual study path and unit availability. Speak to a Student Adviser for more information.
What you will study
Each unit is seven weeks long. The University of Canberra advises a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week.
Foundations of Public Policy
Equity, Leadership and Policy
Evidence-Based Policy Analysis
Data Analytics and Public Policy
Policy Analysis and Evaluation
Communicating Policy Expertise
Co-Design and Deliberative Engagement
Public Policy Governance and Law
Course information
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy, applicants must have either:
- 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, or
- completed the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy or the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation with the University.
*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.
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
Career outcomes
The Graduate Dipoma in Public Policy is designed for professionals ready to take the next step in policy-making or management, especially those aiming to work in government, non-government, health, intelligence or social sectors.
Your career options may include roles such as:
- Adviser – Policy & Government Relations
- Policy & Research Manager
- Senior Adviser, Policy & Planning
- Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Officer
The Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment projection data reveals professionals – including career changers – will benefit from a postgraduate qualification in public policy at a rate up to three times the Australian average.
Taught by the industry’s best
“This is a forward‑thinking program designed in close collaboration with industry to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills and insight needed to navigate today’s complex policy landscape. Drawing on the expertise of highly qualified teaching staff, many of whom bring extensive experience in public policy practice and strong industry connections, the program blends academic rigour with real‑world relevance"
Dr. Raymond Li
Program Director for Postgraduate Public Policy
Taught by the industry’s best
“We’ve consulted with our course advisory groups and our industry experts and they’ve told us what they want from employees in the public and non-public sectors, particularly the health, social and intelligence sectors. Through consultation they have provided us with an understanding of what the needs of the professional workplace and employment market are. We have expert input, great pedagogy and a fantastic learning experience that is fully online."
Dr Mary Walsh
Lecturer in Public Policy
Question not covered here?
We’re here to help. Our Student Enrolment Adviser can tell you more about:
- Finding your ideal course
- How courses are structured
- How online study works
- How to apply and enrol
Ready to apply?
Start your application to study with UC Online.
