Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance

Nearly two million Australians work in the public service across federal, state and local government levels. While governments change, there will always be a need for highly skilled public sector officers to work in a range of policy and governance roles. QUT Online's Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance will open pathways into policy development roles in government agencies and policy analysis roles in political and non-government offices.

Public sector roles are dynamic and require public officials to possess a broad skill set. Students will explore topical issues in policy and governance while building specialist skills for public sector roles, including policy writing and analysis. Equipped with the skills needed to undertake rigorous and critically informed analyses of government policies, you are guaranteed opportunities to play a vital role in successfully designing and implementing various policies. Similarly, you will be able to reinforce your understanding of the relevant ethical obligations required of a public official.

For effective and ethical governance of the public sector, public officers must have practical knowledge about government services and procedures as well as an ability to fully explore issues and approach the drafting and analysis of policies with consideration of the ethical implications. With a Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance, you will be equipped to do the following:

• Make an impact on society, as the government's decisions directly impact the community the government serves and influence how funding is allocated.
• Formulate policies and influence decision-making that are evidence-based as you will be equipped with skills in research and rigorous evaluation of issues.
• You will be challenged and required to navigate ethical dilemmas with limited resources.
• Unpack ethical implications of decision-making by examining a range of real-world case studies such as Robodebt.
• Strongly advocate for the democratic process and justice institutions that operate in the decision-making landscape, including parliament, interest groups and the media.

Key stakeholders from the public sector and academic experts have helped develop this course to be sure graduates have the skills needed to be effective in their current and future careers. The Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance opens up various public and private sector career opportunities, including roles in other organisations and agencies that work closely with the government.

"We have designed our courses to help you get the job you want. The course has been designed to give you the skills to meet the selection criteria for a Senior policy job." ~ Policy and Governance - Mark Lauchs

Develop the writing, communication and consultation skills all public officials need to excel in public policy development.

Cultivate the ability to undertake rigorous and critically-informed analyses of policies, identifying opportunities for improved outcomes.

Build research and policy evaluation knowledge and skills for public policy development.

Acquire advanced knowledge of governance institutions across all levels of Australian government, with a core focus on the ethical responsibilities of public officials.

A sophisticated understanding of key governance institutions from the federal parliament to political parties, the High Court of Australia and the media.

Ability to think critically about public sector issues and explore ethical implications of policy decisions.

In partnership with internal and external stakeholders, evaluate the viability of a government policy and assist in the successful implementation of that policy.

Excel in an advisory role, providing sound and well-evidenced advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Conduct analytical research and prepare policy reports, all supporting successful policy development.

Coordinate a targeted, culturally appropriate communication strategy that supports government policy implementation.