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Want to work at the pointy end of policy?
Make your mark in the public sector with this Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance.
You don’t need a degree to apply for this flexible, online course. All you need is real world experience and a keen interest in getting the skills and confidence to become a key player in policy development. The course was designed around the selection criteria for high level policy positions, which means it’s career-focused and hands on. And best of all it can be completed in just one year. So why not put yourself in a position of influence?
- Learn from policy and governance experts in the real world
- Learn how to present briefing notes, reports and Cabinet submissions, as well as understand the complex structure of government and its functions
- Course delivered completely online – complete learning items within units as quickly as you like.
Highlights
Want to work at the pointy end of policy?
Make your mark in the public sector with this Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance.
You don’t need a degree to apply for this flexible, online course. All you need is real world experience and a keen interest in getting the skills and confidence to become a key player in policy development. The course was designed around the selection criteria for high level policy positions, which means it’s career-focused and hands on. And best of all it can be completed in just one year. So why not put yourself in a position of influence?
- Learn from policy and governance experts in the real world
- Learn how to present briefing notes, reports and Cabinet submissions, as well as understand the complex structure of government and its functions
- Course delivered completely online – complete learning items within units as quickly as you like.
Why choose this course?
This exciting and flexible graduate certificate has been designed in consultation with government agencies. The content has been tailored to government selection criteria, so you will learn key skills that are crucial to working in policy development and analysis.
Although a postgraduate level course, it is unique in that you don’t need an undergraduate qualification to apply. You can even gain recognition for the skills you already have from working in the public sector. If you don’t have an undergraduate qualification, free online resources are available to help you prepare for academic writing, analysis and referencing once you’re enrolled in the course. QUT’s highly experienced academics are also available to you for academic support as you progress through the course.
You will acquire advanced knowledge of: social policy, theoretical and practical approaches to policy development (nationally and globally) and the impacts of policy on marginalised Australians.
This course will enhance your networking and negotiating skills. You will also gain public sector skills in ethics and compliance, which are an essential requirement to work in government.
Real-world learning
- learn from policy and governance experts in the real world
- understand the complex structure of government and its functions
- learn the context and social implications of policy
- obtain recognition for the skills you already have in the public sector and gain a competitive advantage
- draw on your real world experience
- hone your ability to liaise with a diversity of stakeholders
- learn how to gather stakeholder views to policy issues across local and national contexts
- critically analyse social and administrative data sets
- make evidence-based judgements to create real world solutions
- learn how to present briefing notes, reports and Cabinet submissions
- evaluate diverse social perspectives across cultures, gender and income groups.
Explore this course
What to expect
QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance is job focused, with many exciting career opportunities in the influential world of government. Gain advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of: policy planning, implementation and evaluation; ethics; social justice; government systems; and research methods.
Developed in consultation with the Queensland Public Service Commission (QPSC), the course is designed to teach the skill sets identified by QPSC for work in the policy field.
Flexible delivery
This course is delivered completely online and you'll learn in a supportive environment. Collaborate with peers online and access academic and student services support as you study.
QUT's Library also offers an assistance program with resources to help you in your transition to tertiary study.
Career outcomes
Career outcomes
You will have the confidence and know-how to work in the head office of government departments developing policy options. It’s your opportunity to work at the pointy end of decision making to make a real difference.
Careers include:
- Principal advisor
- Principal planner
- Principal planning officer
- Senior policy officer
- Ministerial policy adviser
- AO6 and AO7 government administrative officer positions.
Possible careers
- Government Officer
- Ministerial policy adviser
- Policy Officer
- Policy analyst
- Public Servant
- Senior policy officer
Requirements
- Course code
- JS23
-
- External
-
- External
-
- 1 years part-time
- 1 years part-time
-
- February
- February
Academic entry requirement
A completed recognised bachelor degree in any discipline.
Alternative entry
Applicants without an undergraduate degree who have at least seven (7) years professional work experience in any area or five (5) years relevant professional work experience in the Public Sector and/or Justice Professions may apply for entry.
Those seeking to gain entry based on work experience should provide their curriculum vitae (CV) and Statements of Service from their employer.
Minimum academic requirements
Academic entry requirement
A completed recognised bachelor degree (or higher) with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 (on QUT's 7 point scale).
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cambridge Advanced English Score
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. You must provide your Cambridge English Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number, these are printed on your Cambridge English Confirmation of Entry. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
|
IELTS Academic
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. Please assign your test to QUT in your Pearson profile. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
TOEFL iBT
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Haven't completed an English language test? We can help!
If you have not completed an English language test, you can sit the IELTS test at our IELTS test centre
Fees
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2019
2019: $10,000 per course (48 credit points)
2019
2019: $14,900 per course (48 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
Find out more about course fees
FEE-HELP: loans to help you pay your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.
Scholarships
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
Equity scholarships scheme
A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Struggling financially
Rewarding careers
‘My role within the Department of Finance supports the Department of Defence in delivering its outcomes. The work I do is fascinating and I feel that I am part of something bigger than myself. QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance delivered course content relevant to my work interests and goals. The online delivery allowed me to work full time while studying.’
Real-world learning
‘Studying at QUT has given me the tools and the confidence to implement my policy skills and knowledge across a diverse range of policy matters, which has opened up job opportunities.’
Principal Project Officer
Department of State Development
Queensland Government
Gain a deeper understanding
‘I regularly consult environmental legislation, subordinate legislation and policy. This course has allowed me to tailor my assignments and reports around the policy I use, including the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007. This has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the policy and legislation I use on a daily basis. The flexibility of study at QUT has allowed me to balance postgraduate study with a busy work schedule.’
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Develop future policy
'As an emergency and disaster management researcher, I see the content of this new policy and governance course helping me apply my emergency health congestion research findings to the development of policies that will maintain safety and quality of care. After spending 12 years in state government policy and project roles, I can see how this comprehensive course will help me plan future policy direction to address fundamental issues.'
Rewarding careers
‘My role within the Department of Finance supports the Department of Defence in delivering its outcomes. The work I do is fascinating and I feel that I am part of something bigger than myself. QUT’s Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance delivered course content relevant to my work interests and goals. The online delivery allowed me to work full time while studying.’
Real-world learning
‘Studying at QUT has given me the tools and the confidence to implement my policy skills and knowledge across a diverse range of policy matters, which has opened up job opportunities.’
Principal Project Officer
Department of State Development
Queensland Government
Gain a deeper understanding
‘I regularly consult environmental legislation, subordinate legislation and policy. This course has allowed me to tailor my assignments and reports around the policy I use, including the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2007. This has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the policy and legislation I use on a daily basis. The flexibility of study at QUT has allowed me to balance postgraduate study with a busy work schedule.’
Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Develop future policy
'As an emergency and disaster management researcher, I see the content of this new policy and governance course helping me apply my emergency health congestion research findings to the development of policies that will maintain safety and quality of care. After spending 12 years in state government policy and project roles, I can see how this comprehensive course will help me plan future policy direction to address fundamental issues.'
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