Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis

As a graduate, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to advance your career in government will possess an enhanced capacity to work with and for organisations that deal with government on a daily basis. You may find career opportunities in a variety of occupations throughout all levels of government, as well as specialist positions in non-government organisations such as industry organisations and lobby groups both nationally and internationally, consultants to the private sector, and in high profile positions in large private sector firms who conduct large amounts of valuable business with the public sector.

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis, a student must:

• hold any Bachelor degree (or higher) from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (using a 7.0 scale) OR
• have a minimum of five years equivalent full-time professional work experience in or with the public sector OR
• have a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above.

English Proficiency Requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University policy for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Postgraduate Programs Admission Policy

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.

• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.

• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies

This program equips professionals who work with policy or in policy roles with the skills needed to respond to the complex challenges and rapidly evolving demands of policy analysis, design and implementation. The research- led and industry engaged program draws on current thinking and real-life examples to significantly build the professional skills of those in the public and private sector. Whether you already work in government at local, state or national level, or you work with government and want to understand what drives and influences decision-making, this degree will equip you with a sophisticated understanding of how 21st Century policy-making and governance works.

Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate you will be eligible for 40 credit points of advanced standing towards the Master of Public Administration (5580).

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Implementation and Service Delivery 

• The Political, Legal and Governance Environment

• Policy Advice: Evidence, Argument and Persuasion in Policy-Making

• Evaluating Policy and Measuring Performance

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis (GCertPolicyAnalysis), a student must acquire 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 40 credit points for the prescribed core courses