Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration

On completion of the course, you will be able to:

1. Assess advanced concepts, theories, contemporary trends and developments in public policy and public administration.
2. Apply relevant theories to problems and challenges in public policy and public administration.
3. Discuss the implications of research findings in relation to theory and practice of public policy and public administration.
4. Critique knowledge, skills and ideas for specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Enhance your ability to lead and influence in the public sector with the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration. This program equips professionals with the strategic knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate complex government systems, drive policy innovation, and implement effective public service initiatives. Designed for those aspiring to leadership roles in government, non-profits, and policy-making institutions, this diploma provides a pathway to higher qualifications while offering real-world insights into governance, policy analysis, and organisational management. Whether you're looking to advance within your current role or transition into the public sector, this program empowers you to make a lasting impact in your field.

Recommended study pattern

You’ll study 8 topics designed for flexibility to explore policy-making processes, social justice considerations, economic analysis, and the role of governments in shaping national and global policy agendas. 

Year 1

Core Topics:

• Evidence in Policy and Program Management: Innovation, Effectiveness and Adaptation
• Theories and Concepts in Public Policy
• Critical Perspectives in Public Policy
• Strategies in Public Management

Elective Subjects may include:

• Inclusion and Innovation in Public Leadership
• Sustainable Development and Global Inequality
• Innovation for Social Impact
• Smart, Liveable and Resilient Cities GE

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of Pass (P) or Non-Graded Pass (NGP) or better in each topic, following the program of study detailed in the course handbook.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Select 4 topics from the options below:

Management, Administration and Leadership

• Inclusion and Innovation in Public leadership
• Stakeholders, Engagement and Policy Making
• Advanced Research Methods

Skills, Research and Applications

• Advanced Research Methods

Policy in Global Context

• Debating International Relations
• International Order in the 21st Century
• Critical Approaches to International Relations
• Sustainable Development and Global Inequality
• Contemporary Conflict Zones
• Policy Analysis for Climate and Environment
• Governing East Asia in the 21st Century

Social Impact

• Social Impact in Context
• Leadership for Social Impact
• Innovation for Social Impact
• Demonstrating Social Impact

International Business

• Leading a Future Workforce
• Business Analytics
• International Business in the Asia Pacific Region

Policy Domains

• Policy in the Lives of People with Disability
• Design and Evaluation of Disability Programs
• Smart, Liveable and Resilient Cities GE
• Sustainable Development in a Global World: Challenges and Prospects GE
• Process Redesign and Lean Thinking in Health and Aged Care
• Health and Aged Care Systems and Policy
• Social Issues and Social Policy

Exit points

• Graduate Certificate in Public Policy: Students who complete 18 units, including core topics, may exit with this qualification.
• Pathway to Master of Public Policy: Graduates may progress to the Master of Public Policy, receiving credit for completed topics.
• Pathway to Master of Public Administration: Graduates may also transition into the Master of Public Administration with credit granted.
• Exit Award from a Master’s Program: The Graduate Diploma in Public Policy is available as an exit option for students in the 72-unit Master of Public Policy or 72-unit Master of Public Administration, provided they meet program requirements and formally request to exit.

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

Indicative total fee $30,082

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.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

Learn more about Flinders University.

Explore Flinders courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification: From an Australian university or a recognised overseas institution.

Students who have completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in International Relations, or an approved equivalent, but not an undergraduate degree, must also meet a GPA requirement.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.