Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management

Graduates will be able to:

• understand contemporary trends and developments in public policy, public sector administration and management in both developed and developing countries;
• demonstrate the ability to apply relevant theories in explaining and analysing real world public policy, public sector administration and management problems.

This course is intended for applicants seeking or consolidating careers in public administration, public policy and the management of public and non-government organisations and provides a basis for continuing on to master level study in public administration and mid-career opportunities for practitioners to address major issues in greater depth and breadth.

It is 1 year in length on a full-time basis and can be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete four core (compulsory) subjects and four subjects chosen from a range of elective subjects available. These subjects aim to provide a broad overview of issues in public policy, management and administration and to provide a foundation for those wishing to pursue studies at the master level.

It is expected that POAD8014 Public Policy and POAD8022 Public Management will normally be completed before other subjects are undertaken.

As a guide, full-time students generally undertake four subjects per semester and part-time students undertake two subjects per semester. 

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Management, students must successfully complete four core (compulsory) subjects and four subjects chosen from a range of elective subjects available.

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

Indicative total fee $18,612

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally:

• hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification, or;
• hold either the Graduate Certificate in Development Administration, the Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management, or the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy or equivalent qualification and must have achieved a grade point average (GPA) of 4.00 or above in this postgraduate study.

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. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit