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Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Finance (360JA.2)
Please note these are the 2026 details for this course
| Selection rank | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| n/a | On campus |
Bruce, Canberra |
0.5 years |
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | UAC code |
| Faculty of Business, Government & Law | Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society |
View teaching periods | |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Selection rank
The selection rank is the minimum ATAR plus adjustment factors required for admission to the program in the previous year. This is an indicative guide only as ranks change each year depending on demand.
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Students enrolled in a Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) are required to make a contribution towards the cost of their education, which is set by the Commonwealth Government. Information on Commonwealth Supported Places, HECS-HELP and how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
| Academic entry requirements | Delivery mode | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 years | |||
| Faculty | Discipline(s) | Available teaching periods | CRICOS code |
| Faculty of Business, Government & Law | Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society |
View teaching periods | |
| Fees | English language requirements | ||
|
|
View requirements | ||
Fees disclaimer
Annual fee rates
The fees shown are the annual fee rates for the course. The annual rate is the fee that applies to standard full-time enrolment, which is 24 credit points. The final fee charged is based on the proportion of 24 credit points in which a student enrols. Information on how fees are calculated can be found here.
Please note: Course fees are assessed annually and are subject to change.
Delivery mode
Blended: Mixture of online and on campus units are available.
On campus: Units are delivered on campus.
Online: All units are online.
Online Plus: Units are available online, except where attendance at a physical location is required for placement or professional accreditation.
English language requirements
An IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0 (or equivalent).
Location
All course material is developed and delivered via the location listed. Online units do not require on campus attendance.
Academic entry requirements
To study at UC, you’ll need to meet our academic entry requirements and any admission requirements specific to your course. Please read your course admission requirements below. To find out whether you meet UC’s academic entry requirements, visit our academic entry requirements page.
Become a highly skilled policy maker
The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Finance is an interdisciplinary course, designed to meet the professional development needs of government departments and public agencies.This course provides participants with:
- critical understanding of the main economic and public policy debates within Australia
- advanced understanding of Australia's budgeting and financial governance
- insight into the preparation, process and politics involved in getting new policy proposals accepted
Learn how to:
- establish strategic direction
- design better and more sustainable policy
- create user-centred service design, delivery and evaluation
- engage people and expertise
- use strategic communication for support in a highly contested policy environment
- deliver quality outcomes whilst ensuring value for money
This course is suited to both mid-career and more experienced public servants (e.g. newly-appointed Senior Executive Service officers, Executive Level staff and APS6 policy officers), and is only available to staff nominated by their department.
Admission to this course is restricted to applicants who have been selected and approved by their Government agency.
Applicants must have a degree or equivalent as approved by the University's Admissions Committee and be currently employed in an Australian Commonwealth, State, or Territory Government Department, OR hold two or more years of relevant work experience.
Assumed knowledge
Essential knowledge: A good working knowledge of the public sector; commitment and the ability to contribute to class learning, to learn from others and to share learning in the workplace; strong commitment to career development; and capacity to complete a rigorous program of study. Desirable but not essential knowledge would include some familiarity with fundamental theories and concepts underpinning effective public policy development, a good feel for the difficulties of delivering results in government and experience of applying theory and analysing data to solve real world public policy problems.
Periods course is open for new admissions
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 1 | 27 January 2026 | ||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 2 | 30 March 2026 | ||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 3 | 02 June 2026 | ||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 4 | 03 August 2026 | ||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 5 | 28 September 2026 | ||
| 2026 | Bruce, Canberra | Period 6 | 30 November 2026 |
Credit arrangements
There are currently no formal credit transfer arrangements for entry to this course. Any previous study or work experience will only be considered as part of the application process in accordance with current course rules and university policy.
Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Finance (360JA) | 12 credit points
In addition to course requirements, in order to successfully complete your course you must meet the inherent requirements. Please refer to the inherent requirements statement applicable to your course
UC - Canberra, Bruce
Year 1
Year 2
Course duration
The standard course duration is one year part-time.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcomes | Related graduate attributes |
|---|---|
| Skills 5. A critical understanding of the central concepts relating to financial management, governance and public policy. |
UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; and take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduate are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; and behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| Knowledge and understanding 1. A broad understanding of different models of policy analysis and advising, and their usefulness for policy and management practice. |
UC Graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; and take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduate are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; and behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| 2. An advanced understanding of the machinery of Australian budgeting and financial governance. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; and take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduate are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; and behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| Application of knowledge and skills 8. The ability to affect sustainable Commonwealth policy. |
UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real¿world problems; and take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduate are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; and behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| 7. The ability to bring a strategic perspective to all policy program design work. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; and take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduate are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; and behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| 10. Undertake primary research both within a collaborative team based framework and independently. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict; display initiative and drive, and use their organisational skills to plan and manage their workload; and take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduate are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; and behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; be self-aware; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| 9. Ability to design, model and craft policy options for simple issues. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real¿world problems; and take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduate are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; and behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| 6. Written and verbal communication skills to engage in informed debates of public sector issues. | UC graduates are professional: Communicate effectively. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Be self-aware. |
| 3. A critical understanding of the main policy debates within public and economic policy-making in Australia and in comparable and other Westminster-style democracies. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; and take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduate are global citizens: Adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; and behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and evaluate and adopt new technology. |
| 4. Understanding of how the international political environment affects organisational objectives. | UC graduates are professional: Employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills; use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems; and take pride in their professional and personal integrity. UC graduate are global citizens: Think globally about issues in their profession; adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries; understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures; make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives; and behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives. UC graduates are lifelong learners: Reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development; adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas; and evaluate and adopt new technology. |
Awards
| Award | Official abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Finance | GradCert PubPolicy&Fin |
Enquiries
| Student category | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Current and Commencing Students | Email: BGLstudent@canberra.edu.au |
| Prospective Students | - |
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