University of Canberra
Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Further your impact in education.
Course overview
Why study the online Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation 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.
Public policy is where lasting change is made.
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation is designed for professionals working and aiming to work in the government, non-government, intelligence, health or social sectors. Drawing on the expertise of leading practitioners and policy specialists, the course equips students with applied knowledge in data analytics, fundamental economic modelling and communication of policy analysis and evaluation.
Course highlights
This course equips students with applied knowledge in data analytics, fundamental economic modelling and communication of policy analysis and evaluation to a wide range of audiences.
- Learn practical skills to deliver constructive policies.
- Gain multidisciplinary policy knowledge.
- Understand how to respond to contemporary challenges.
- Harness the power of data to leverage policy.
- Learn in-demand skills in data analytics.
- Study online around your life and work.
Key facts
16th March, 2026
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation 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
- Evidence-Based Policy Analysis
- Data Analytics and Public Policy
- Policy Analysis and Evaluation
- Communicating Policy Expertise
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation, 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
You can demonstrate your proficiency in a number of ways, including through an approved English language test or recognised past study taught and assessed in English.
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Build skills in policy analysis: Learn to analyse complex issues surrounding the formation, implementation and evaluation of public policy and the institutional and organisational contexts that shape the policy-making process.
- Understand data analytics and public policy: Analyse and communicate approaches to complex problems while engaging in politically aware and evidence-based policy design.
- Gain experience in evaluation: Discover how to judiciously apply data analysis and key modelling tools and techniques to inform the policy-making process.
- Strengthen your communication: Develop the effective communication skills required to disseminate policy positions, policy recommendations, policy research and analysis to a range of relevant audiences.
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation is designed for professionals working and aiming to work in the government, non-government, health, intelligence or social sectors.
Your career options may include roles such as:
- Senior Community Inclusion Officer
- Policy and Planning Manager
- Communications and Advocacy Lead
- Policy and Research Manager
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.