University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Gender Policy Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Turn advocacy into action for gender equality.
Course overview
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 and 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.
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.
Course highlights
- Learn to evaluate and reform policy through a gender equity lens.
- Build skills to design gender inclusive policy and initiatives across sectors.
- Develop leadership capabilities to drive systemic change.
- Gain expertise in gender advocacy, engagement and communication.
- Apply intersectional and rights-based approaches to gender and development policy.
- Study online with flexible, supported and accelerated learning.
Key facts
16th March, 2026
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
20th October, 2026
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.
- A higher-level qualification in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.
- Three years of relevant work experience.
English language requirements
There are non-standard English language requirements for this course. To be eligible, you must have an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0. For alternate/equivalent ways of meeting the English requirements for the course, please read this document on the university's website.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- 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.
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 Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Manager
- Director of Policy
- DEI Specialist or HR Manager/Director
- Senior Consultant or Legal Professional
- Roles in Not-for-Profit and Community Organisations
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $3,625 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total course cost in 2026: $14,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Fees are subject to annual review by the university and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are subject to the choice of elective units. The fees listed are for tuition only. Other fees and charges are not included.
The amount you pay will vary depending on:
- The calendar year you enrol.
- Your choice of elective units, RPL, leave and unit availability.
For more information, please speak with the university's Student Enrolment Adviser.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.