Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

Support the frameworks of society  


Public policy shapes our lives. It governs everything from how we do business, to how our health, welfare and education systems operate, and how our nation engages with the world.

Those who set and/or influence policy can create profound change by improving things like community equity, diversity, wellbeing, security and prosperity. Our Graduate Certificate in Public Policy starts you on that path.

 

What will you do?

Studied over six months full-time, the graduate certificate provides a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in policy processes, analysis and design, and governance institutions.

The degree is highly interdisciplinary. It integrates knowledge from the University’s world-class experts in: politics; international relations; economics; law; environmental and social sciences; strategic communications; philosophy and more. You will gain awareness of:

  • the political, legal and ethical issues affecting public policy
  • public policy's underlying economic principles
  • effective community engagement processes.

Where could it take you?

Upon graduation you will be on your way to a career in politics or the public service. You could support policy analysis and response in a major industry body or consulting firm. Perhaps you’ll help a large company, a lobbying organisation, or not-for-profit comply with relevant policy. You could also go on to further study with our Graduate Diploma in, or Master of, Public Policy.

  • Learn with our world-class discipline experts
  • Specialise in policy processes and government institutions
  • advance your skills to design & implement complex environments

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GC111
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students N/A N/A
    All students 1 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

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Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $16,000

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Manager / Business Management;  Business Analyst;  Business Consultant;  Business Development Manager;  Non Government Organisation Worker;  PR Advisor;  Consultant;  Policy Adviser;  Contract Manager;  Policy Developer ...

Degree Structure

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

To qualify for the degree of Graduate Certificate of Public Policy, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following courses with a combined total of not less than 12 units, comprising:
1. Core courses to the value of 9 units
2. Electives to the value of 3 units

Example Study Plan


Example Indicative study plan for the Graduate Certificate of Public Policy (12 units) - Winter School start
Year 1 CORE course CORE course POLICY 7001
Fundamentals of Public Policy
(Winter School only)
Elective course
Core courses
ECON 7200 Economic Principles
GEOG 7016 Engaging Communities: Techniques and Analysis
POLICY 7002 Ethics and Politics in Policy
LAW 7177 Introduction to Australian Law

Elective courses

Students must complete elective courses to the value of 21 units from the list:
AGRIBUS 7054 Global Food & Agricultural Policy Analysis  (3 units)
AGRIBUS 7057 Trends & Issues in the World Food System (3 units)
AGRIBUS 7064 Water Security and Governance (3 units)
ECON 7016 Resource & Environmental Economics PG (3 units)
ECON 7032 Public Economics PG (3 units)
ECON 7058 Development Economics PG (3 units)
ECON 7228 Behavioural Economics IID (3 units)
EDUC 7550 Education Policies & Systems (3 units)
GEOG 7002 Environmental Planning and Governance (6 units)
GEOG 7003 Environmental Impact Assessment (6 units)
GEOG 7013 Sustainable Cities: Climate Change and Planning (3 units)
GEOG 7015 Introduction to Urbanisation (3 unit)
LAW 7170 Public International Law (3 units)
LAW 7177 Introduction to Australian Law (3 units)
LAW 7192 Government, Law and Policy (3 units)
PLANNING 7034 Planning Policy and Regulation (3 units)
PLANNING 7035 Planning Theory and Practice (3 units)
POLIS 7004 International Relations in the Indo-Pacific Region (6 units)
PUB HLTH 7090 Global Public Health (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7091 Public Health Evaluation and Economics (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7092 Health Systems, Systems Thinking & Advocacy for Change (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7093 Promoting Health in Individuals and Populations (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7096 Making Healthy Public Policy (3 units)
PUB HLTH 7147OL Health Technology Assessment (3 units)
SCIENCE 7035 Emerging Issues in Science and Society (3 units)
TRADE 5000 International Trade: Negotiations & Agreements (3 units)
TRADE 5001 International Trade: Strategies & Opportunities (3 units)
TRADE 7004 Principles of International Trade and Development (3 units)
TRADE 7005 Agriculture and Food in International Trade (3 units)

Testimonial

The University has numerous support networks to assist students with adjusting to their new lifestyle, and the difficulties this may bring.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 20 Mar 2024