Short answer: A flexible postgraduate qualification that introduces you to how policy works in practice.

This degree builds your understanding of how policy is developed, analysed, implemented and evaluated across local, national, regional and global contexts. 

It’s designed as an accessible entry point into postgraduate study, while still delivering practical, career-relevant skills. It gives you direct credit towards the Master Public Policy if you choose to keep studying. 

Short answer: Flexible study with an optional intensive format.

You can study the course in different ways depending on your needs:

• Standard mode: Complete the degree in 6 months full time (with part-time options available) 
• Intensive mode (optional): Study each unit over four consecutive days, allowing you to complete the course with just 16 days of in-person learning, plus independent study and assessments.

The intensive format is ideal if you prefer immersive learning or need to minimise weekly study commitments.

Short answer: People looking to enter or grow their career in public policy, public sector and non-profit management or business-government relations.

This course is suited to:

• Recent graduates exploring policy career pathways
• Early to mid-career professionals in government or industry
• Professionals working alongside government or regulation
• Anyone looking to progress to a Master of Public Policy

It’s particularly useful if you want to build your policy knowledge quickly or test postgraduate study before committing to a longer degree.

Short answer: Core policy study plus units tailored to your interests.

You’ll complete four units (24 credit points), including:

• Two core units in policy making and public management and governance
• Two units chosen from a range of topics, including policy issues, public sector ethics, democratic politics and more

You’ll learn how to:

• Analyse policy challenges and trade-offs
• Understand political, economic and social drivers
• Evaluate real-world policy options and outcomes

Short answer: It connects theory with real-world policy practice.

You’ll benefit from:

• Access to leading University of Sydney academics
• Exposure to industry and government perspectives
• A diverse cohort of peers from across sectors
• Opportunities for networking and professional connection

Whether you study intensively or across a semester, the course is designed to build both skills and professional networks.

Short answer: Yes - this course is designed with flexibility in mind.

With part-time options and the choice of intensive delivery, you can tailor your study to fit around your professional commitments.

Short answer: Into policy, advisory and strategic roles across sectors.

Graduates pursue roles such as:

• Policy analyst or adviser in government
• Strategy or government relations specialist
• Policy roles in NGOs, advocacy organisations or international bodies

Short answer: This degree is your entry point.

The Graduate Certificate is part of a nested program, allowing you to:

• Start with a short qualification
• Progress into the Master of Public Policy or Graduate Diploma in Public Policy when you’re ready 

It’s a practical way to test postgraduate study while building credit towards a full masters.