Queensland University of Technology
Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Gain the essential experience and skills needed to launch your policy and governance career in a multitude of industries.
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.
Key facts
October, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete a total of four core standard units. Each unit carries 12 credit points.
Core Units
- Developing Impactful Public Policies
- How Government Works
- Evidence-Based Policy: Engaging Stakeholders and Analysing Data
- Shaping Public Policy
Entry requirements
You can gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance with one of the following:
Six-month program
- A completed bachelor's degree (or higher qualification) in any discipline.
- 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.
- Five years (full-time or equivalent) professional experience in the public sector and/or justice professions.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance will receive 48 points of advanced standing toward the Master of Justice. Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning 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 that political parties and other interested groups play in policy and governance.
Career outcomes
Potential career opportunities:
- Senior Policy Officer
- Senior Communications Officer
- Senior Policy Advisor
- Senior Policy Analyst
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated total fee in 2026: $15,600 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 credit points (normally four units) per semester or year.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.