Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy Online

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy Online comprises four units. Each unit is seven weeks long. The University of Canberra advises a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week.

Core units

• Foundations of Public Policy
• Equity, Leadership and Policy
• Communicating with Diverse Audiences
• Gender Equality, Policy and Advocacy

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy, applicants must have at least one of the following:

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

English language requirements

An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

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

Career outcomes

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 analyst or adviser
• Gender equity coordinator
• Diversity and inclusion consultant
• Advocacy and engagement specialist
• Community programs leader
• Public servant in state, federal or local government

Fees and CSP

Average full-course fee in 2027: $14,950

Price per unit in 2027: $3,737.50

Average full-course fee in 2027: $9,012 (Commonwealth Supported Place)

The average CSP full-course fee is calculated based on the four 3-credit-point units required to complete the course.

2027 CSP unit costs include:

• Standard 3-credit-point Society and Culture unit: $2,253

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

• The number of units studied per term.
• 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.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

• Calculated per the unit you're enrolled in.
• Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
• Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount. FEE-HELP loans are available to eligible full-fee-paying students.