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.

If you are a current or aspiring public sector manager or policy maker, the postgraduate program in public administration provides opportunities for you to enhance your understanding, knowledge and skills in this area. It includes courses at the graduate diploma and masters level.
The program is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law, and postgraduate courses in public administration have been taught at Flinders University since 1986. The program is designed with the needs of current and future public-sector employees in mind and is reviewed regularly.

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 Masters level.

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 $24,300

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

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.

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