Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 2
- Duration
- 1.4 years P/T
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
-
Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 7470
- CRICOS code -
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $19,500*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $19,500*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $24,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $24,500*
Fees
Fees
-
Flexible study options
-
Industry-aligned coursework
-
Immersive learning
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership empowers experienced managers and professionals to advance their skills and fast-track career growth in public policy. This program enhances your understanding of current and future public policy from both local and global perspectives. You’ll develop critical thinking to analyse complex policy systems and sharpen communication skills for engaging diverse audiences in government.
Created by top public policy experts and academics, this graduate certificate provides a thorough, globally-informed approach to public policy and governance. You’ll learn to navigate multi-layered policy systems and master effective communication techniques across large public sector organisations.
Our curriculum is ideal for those aspiring for senior roles, such as public administrators, executives, and policy managers, or professionals seeking to deepen their leadership capabilities within public policy governance.
Key features
Leadership skills for public sector impact
Develop the advanced leadership skills needed to drive change and lead within large, complex public sector organisations. This program focuses on fostering a culture of ethical governance and effective decision-making to deliver meaningful outcomes for communities.
Develop a global perspective
Gain a comprehensive understanding of public policy issues through both local and global perspectives, with insights from public policy experts and leading academics. This knowledge prepares you to navigate and influence multi-layered policy environments effectively.
Flexible learning options
Designed for busy professionals, this program offers flexible online study options that allow you to balance work, life, and career growth seamlessly. Study at your own pace while enhancing your expertise in policy leadership.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Study at a global top 20 university
When you complete the Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership, you’ll gain a widely-recognised qualification from a world-renowned institution. Part of the wider UNSW network, UNSW Canberra represents one of Australia’s leading universities, recognised for research excellence and impact. We’re also a founding Group of Eight member – a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities.
Flexible study options to suit you
Grow your skill set and nurture your potential with a program that fits around your life. The Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership is a predominantly online course spread across the full academic calendar, enabling you to easily balance work, study and other commitments.
Industry-aligned coursework
Our programs are carefully developed in line with the latest industry trends and developments. We regularly consult with practitioners, academics and researchers to ensure our programs provide students with the most up-to-date information to prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra?
Entry requirements
To gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership, an applicant must meet one of the following entry requirements:
Completion of a Bachelor degree with honours in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or
Completion of a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or
Completion of a Bachelor degree in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; and completion of at least three years relevant full-time professional experience; or
Completion of a Bachelor degree in a non-related discipline; and completion of at least four years relevant full-time professional experience.
*Related Discipline/s: Public Policy, Political Science, Management, IT, Business
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Program structure
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership is a part-time program delivered over four terms, requiring the successful completion of 24 units of credit (UOC). The program’s curriculum is designed to build advanced skills in policy leadership, governance, and evidence-based decision-making.
Full program structure
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership is offered as a part-time program over 4 terms. Students will complete 24 Units of Credit (UOC).
Core courses – 24 UOC
● Adaptive Leadership
● Governance in Policy Systems
● The Business of Managing Projects
● Assessing Data for Evidence-based Policy
Future careers
This graduate certificate is suitable for managers and experienced professionals in the public sector or public sector-adjacent roles. The Australian Public Sector has over 100 departments and agencies, from those looking after aged care, children's health and mental health to the High Court of Australia, Fair Work Ombudsman and the Department of Defence. Professional opportunities are varied and plentiful – you can explore active listings through the APS Jobs portal.
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership may be eligible for course credits* into the Master of Business Administration (MBA), offered by AGSM @ UNSW Business School.
*Entry into AGSM MBA programs is subject to meeting the AGSM Admissions Criteria.
Potential roles
● Community Engagement Manager
● Government Relations Specialist
● Legislative Affairs Advisor
● Policy Analyst
● Policy Manager
● Program Manager (Public Sector)
● Public Affairs Manager
● Public Service Executive
● Regulatory Affairs Manager
● Senior Policy Advisor
● Senior Public Administrator
● Strategic Communications Advisor
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
