Graduate Certificate of Policy Design and Analysis

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the processes, institutions, and politics that shape contemporary public policy and governance;
2. Analyse and evaluate how policy and governance problems are framed, defined and managed;
3. Develop knowledge of policy instruments and the necessary institutional and political conditions for effective implementation; and
4. Develop and apply communication and analytical skills to operate effectively in contemporary policy and governance professions.

The Graduate Certificate of Policy Design and Analysis is a qualification for early-career professionals seeking to start or advance their careers in government and public sector organisations. It equips graduates with the skills they need to confront local, national and global policy challenges of the twenty-first century. On completing the program, graduates will understand the ideas and theories that shape current policy practice and be able to navigate the national and global institutional architecture that governs public affairs. The multidisciplinary curriculum is delivered by a team of leading scholars in policy studies, governance, political development, and public sector leadership with deep expertise in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. The program articulates to the Master of Public Policy.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, subjects in this degree can include:

• Foundations in Public Policy
• The Political and Institutional Architecture of Public Policy
• International Policy Making in the Shadow of the Future

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

Award requirements

The Graduate Certificate of Policy Design and Analysis requires the successful completion of 24 units from the specified courses in relevant areas.

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

Indicative total fee $16,760

The amount shown here is 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.

Australian National University is a world-leading university in Australia’s capital city, Canberra. With ties to the Australian Government, they have special standing as a resource for the Australian people. Their approach to education ensures graduates are in demand the world-over for their abilities to address complex contemporary challenges. Offering innovative online subjects from beginning to advanced levels through Open Universities Australia, they meet varied students’ needs and goals.

Learn more about ANU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

4

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

4

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.

• Bachelor or international equivalent with GPA 4/7; or
• Graduate Diploma or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or
• Graduate Certificate or international equivalent with a GPA 4/7; or
• 24 units of courses in a postgraduate program a GPA of 4/7.

• GRE General test, completed no more than 5 years before the time of application, with a minimum score of 155 for Verbal Reasoning, 155 for Quantitative Reasoning and 4.0 in Analytical Writing and a minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program; or
• A minimum 5 years full-time equivalent work experience at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in a field related to the program.

Applications must show English language proficiency by meeting ANU's English Language Requirements for admission to study this course.

Contact Crawford.Enquiries@anu.edu.au for case by case information.