Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis will have:

1. Specialised knowledge of the changing contemporary governance institutions and the political and legal context of public policy-making.
2. Specialised knowledge of the main theories of policy analysis.

Deepen your public policy expertise with a Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis. Created for professionals working in or with government, you'll learn skills in policy analysis, evidence-based decision-making and how to effectively implement policy.

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis

• Learn advanced skills in critical thinking, research analysis, written communication and stakeholder engagement to deliver persuasive, evidence-based policy advice.
• Develop a deeper understanding of how government institutions function and how governance frameworks operate in Australia.
• Get practical insights on developing and implementing public policy and measuring its effectiveness over time.
• Graduate with a postgraduate qualification in just one year of part-time study.

Build expertise in contemporary policy analysis

Through case studies and practitioner insights, you'll analyse the stakeholders, key decision-makers and institutions influencing policy decisions and evaluate how they operate in practice. You'll strengthen your ability to assess decision-making contexts, apply appropriate analytical techniques and construct persuasive arguments. Gain the judgement and strategic mindset needed to support leaders in dynamic and complex political environments.

You'll also examine why well-designed policies sometimes fail in delivery and identify strategies that improve public service outcomes. Develop practical skills in program logic, performance measurement and evaluation design so you can assess impact, identify unintended consequences and contribute to continuous improvement across government and non-government sectors.

A pathway into further postgraduate study

If you're returning to study or changing career direction, this graduate certificate may be a good fit for you. You'll build confidence in academic writing, critical thinking, research and digital literacy while gaining expertise in policy analysis.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Implementation and Service Delivery 
• The Political, Legal and Governance Environment
• Policy Advice: Evidence, Argument and Persuasion in Policy-Making
• Evaluating Policy and Measuring Performance

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

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis (GCertPolicyAnalysis), you must successfully Complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Foundation Module

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

Indicative total fee $15,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying part-time, which is typically 4 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.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Griffith University

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria:

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) 
• five years relevant work experience
• a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above

Relevant work experience includes government, campaign or elections, public policy, policy analysis, policy manager or officer, public and regulatory affairs, public health, parliamentary/legislative staff, community relations/organising, diplomacy, non-governmental organisations, international organisations (UN, ASEAN, World Health Organization, etc.), journalism or public relations, law; criminal justice, military, business, international business and multinational corporations, business-policy interface, researcher, economist, analyst

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.

From 2013, students who complete this Graduate Certificate program will be eligible for 40 credit points of credit towards the Master of Public Administration (5580) program.