Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis will have:

1. specialised knowledge of the changing contemporary governance institutions and the political and legal context of public policy-making
2. specialised knowledge of the main theories of policy analysis.

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

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis (GCertPolicyAnalysis), you must successfully

Complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Foundation Module

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $14,250

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis, you must have:

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.5 using a 7.0 scale OR
• A minimum of five years full-time (or equivalent) relevant professional work experience or with the public sector OR
• Combination of formal study, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above.

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 procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

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.

From 2013, students who complete this Graduate Certificate program will be eligible for 40 credit points of credit towards the Master of Public Administration (5580) program.