Graduate Diploma in Public Policy

What you will study

To earn the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy Online, students must complete eight 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
• Evidence-Based Policy Analysis
• Data Analytics and Public Policy
• Policy Analysis and Evaluation
• Communicating Policy Expertise
• Co-Design and Deliberative Engagement
• Public Policy Governance and Law

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Public 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.
• Completed the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy or the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation with the University.

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 Diploma in Policy Online requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Policy analysis and evaluation: Learn to address critical questions about how we interpret findings from policy analysis and evaluation to provide a sound evidence base for policy-making.
• Communicating policy expertise: Understand the art of effectively communicating public policy initiatives, goals and outcomes between governments, other public sector departments, NGOs and the community.
• Co-design and deliberative engagement: Investigate the power and limits of participatory forms of policy-making and reflect on what it means to collaborate meaningfully with different stakeholders today.
• Understanding of public policy governance and law: Gain an understanding of the intersection between Australian public law and public policy in various areas, as well as current debates for reform.

Career outcomes

The Graduate Diploma in Public Policy Online is designed for professionals ready to take the next step in policy-making or management, especially those aiming to work in government, non-government, health, intelligence or social sectors.

Your career options may include roles such as:

• Adviser – policy and government relations
• Policy and research manager
• Senior adviser, policy and planning
• Policy and stakeholder engagement officer

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative fee per unit in 2026: $3,625 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative full course fee in 2026: $29,000 (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.