Why study with us?
We're ranked 23rd in the world for Arts and Humanities in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
Gain a critical and multidisciplinary perspective on the global, national and local levels of a rapidly changing policy environment, with growing public scrutiny, shrinking resources, and new trans-boundary challenges through the Graduate Certificate in Public Policy.
Explore the opportunities and constraints stemming from political, social, economic, civil and technological factors at both the national and global levels. During this course, you will study migration, corruption, crisis management, governance and the environment. The course also brings together theoretical insights from public policy, with examples from the political world.
Why study with us? The degree is designed for those working or looking to work in government and the public sector, and for those working in non-government or private sector bodies who seek a better understanding of the role of government in public policy making. Based within the University's Department of Government and International Relations, you will study electives such as international relations, comparative politics and Australian politics, gaining a deeper understanding of policy design and implementation. Join practically minded and career-oriented peers, with the opportunity to create valuable networks. Capitalise on the many government and private sector networks available in Sydney.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
For an up-to-date list of units of study for this degree, please refer to the online postgraduate handbook.
Study plan
The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy requires the satisfactory completion of 4 units of study (24 credit points) (cp), including the core unit of study (6cp) GOVT6316 Politics of Policy Making, plus at least one other core unit of study (6cp) from the designated selection. Other units of study are normally chosen from the list of approved electives, or undertaken in a relevant or related field, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator.
This course provides opportunities for a career in administration, research, planning, education and management. Our graduates have become policy analysts in national, state and local government, advisers to political parties, business groups and trade unions, strategic planners or advisers on government/business relations, policy experts within non-profit or `third sector' agencies and policy advocates for international organisations such as the United Nations.
