Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy Online

What you will study

The Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ 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
• LGBTQIA+ Policy and Advocacy

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in LGBTQIA+ Policy Online, 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 LGBTQIA+ equity in complex environments: Examine the complex environments, theories and/or concepts related to LGBTQIA+ 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.

Career outcomes

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 Advisor
• Policy Analyst
• Policy Manager
• Director of Policy
• DEI Specialist or HR Business Partner/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.