Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Online

Fees

$3,625 per unit | FEE-HELP available

Intakes

Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Oct

Units

4 units, 7 weeks each

Duration

8 months part-time

Why study the online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy 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.

Download your brochure

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Course overview

Public policy is where lasting change is made.

With the University of Canberra’s online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, you can build your knowledge in data analytics, extend your understanding in equity and leadership frameworks and gain a strong foundation in research, briefings and policy planning.

What you will learn

Gain the foundations of public policy

Build core competencies in public policy, governance, equity and public participation.

Recognise equity concerns

Examine the concept of equity from multiple standpoints, its expression in policy and how these concepts continue to change over time.

Engage in evidence-based policy design

Understand rudimentary concepts, techniques and methods employed in policy analysis, and evaluate the credibility of policy analysis as an understanding of policy-making in the real world.

Learn data analytics relevant to policy-making

Know how to summarise highlights, identify patterns and trends, interpret data, understand its quality and limitations, and communicate these meaningfully to policymakers.

Your course pathway

The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy – and the Graduate Certificate in Policy Evaluation – lead on to the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and the Master of Public Policy. Each of the graduate certificates is an entry and exit point.

Design your pathway

Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

4 units | 8 months part-time*

Graduate Diploma in Public Policy

8 units | 16 months*

What you will study

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

Course information

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, applicants must have either:

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

*If you do not meet the entry requirements above, you may still be eligible for admission through alternative qualifications or work experience. Please contact a Student Adviser to discuss your options.

Additional requirements

Fee assistance

Ready to learn more?

Download your course brochure for more detailed information including:

What you’ll study
Recognition of prior learning
Entry requirements
Fees and FEE-HELP

Download brochure

Career outcomes

The Graduate Diploma in Public Policy 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 & Government Relations
Policy & Research Manager
Senior Adviser, Policy & Planning
Policy & Stakeholder Engagement Officer

The Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment projection data reveals professionals – including career changers – will benefit from a postgraduate qualification in public policy at a rate up to three times the Australian average.

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Taught by the industry’s best

“This is a forward‑thinking program designed in close collaboration with industry to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills and insight needed to navigate today’s complex policy landscape. Drawing on the expertise of highly qualified teaching staff, many of whom bring extensive experience in public policy practice and strong industry connections, the program blends academic rigour with real‑world relevance"

Dr. Raymond Li
Program Director for Postgraduate Public Policy

Taught by the industry’s best

“We’ve consulted with our course advisory groups and our industry experts and they’ve told us what they want from employees in the public and non-public sectors, particularly the health, social and intelligence sectors. Through consultation they have provided us with an understanding of what the needs of the professional workplace and employment market are. We have expert input, great pedagogy and a fantastic learning experience that is fully online."

Dr Mary Walsh
Lecturer in Public Policy 

Frequently asked questions

Can I be a lawyer with a GDL?

Completing a GDL alone does not grant the ability to practice law. To become a lawyer, graduates must complete practical legal training (PLT) and satisfy their jurisdiction’s admission requirements. The GDL provides the academic foundation required for these next steps, ensuring students understand the principles and frameworks needed to succeed in professional legal training.

The UC online Graduate Diploma in Law prepares students for progression to PLT programs or further study such as a Juris Doctor, equipping graduates with the core legal knowledge necessary for eventual admission.

Can I do a GDL online?

Yes. Online GDL programs are designed for flexibility, allowing students to study from anywhere without attending campus. Online study is particularly suitable for working professionals or those with family commitments, offering a balance between learning and personal obligations.

The UC Graduate Diploma in Law is delivered fully online, with interactive units, digital assessments, and dedicated support services to ensure students can complete the program effectively while staying connected with instructors and peers.

How much does a GDL cost?

Postgraduate law programs typically charge per unit, with financial assistance options like FEE-HELP available to eligible students. The total cost can vary depending on the number of units undertaken and the pace of study.

For the UC Graduate Diploma in Law, indicative fees are $4,250 per unit (2026), with payment assistance options provided through FEE-HELP for eligible students.

What jobs can you do with a GDL?

A GDL equips graduates for roles requiring legal knowledge, though not all require admission as a lawyer. Examples include:

Legal assistant or paralegal
Compliance or policy officer
Corporate governance or risk management roles
Advocacy, advisory, or community legal work

The UC Graduate Diploma in Law provides the knowledge and skills to pursue these positions, while also offering a pathway toward professional legal practice or postgraduate law study.

Can you do the GDL without a degree?

Admission to a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) typically requires a completed undergraduate degree. While some institutions may consider applicants with substantial professional experience, this is not common practice.

At the University of Canberra (UC), applicants normally need to hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Law, ensuring students have the academic foundation to succeed.

However, UC may also consider applications to the JD, GDL and Graduate Certificate in Law (GCL) under Equivalent Graduate Status (EGS). This pathway recognises prior learning based on a combination of pre-tertiary qualifications, relevant work experience and/or professional membership.

Applicants assessed under EGS are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine their readiness for postgraduate legal study.

What jobs can you do with a GDL?

GDL programs are shorter than full law degrees. Typical completion times are:

Full-time: ~1 year
Part-time: 16–24 months depending on study load

The UC online Graduate Diploma in Law is structured over 16 months part-time, with 8 units designed to cover the essential areas of law while allowing flexibility for students balancing other commitments.

Where to do a graduate diploma in law?

Graduate diplomas in law are offered by multiple universities. Choosing a program often depends on flexibility, mode of study, and accreditation.

The University of Canberra online Graduate Diploma in Law is fully accessible nationally and internationally, offering online delivery, interactive units, and professional pathways.

What is a graduate diploma in law?

A graduate diploma in law is a postgraduate conversion program designed for students who hold a non-law degree. It covers essential legal areas including contract, criminal, property law, and professional ethics.

The UC Graduate Diploma in Law is delivered online with 8 units, providing flexible study and the foundational knowledge needed for legal career pathways or further postgraduate study.

Is a graduate diploma worth it?

Graduate diplomas are valuable for career development, skill acquisition, and transitioning into legal or professional roles. They allow graduates to gain recognised legal qualifications in a condensed format without completing a full law degree.

The UC online Graduate Diploma in Law offers flexible delivery, recognised accreditation, and a pathway to further legal study, making it a worthwhile investment for non-law graduates.