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The º£½ÇÉäÇø offers a suite of Graduate Certificate programs designed specifically for public sector professionals seeking to strengthen their impact in a rapidly changing policy environment. Developed in close consultation with government departments, these programs equip public servants with the practical skills, analytical tools and leadership capabilities needed to design, deliver and manage effective policies and programs.

We offer up to three face-to-face Graduate Certificate programs tailored for public sector professionals:

• Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Finance

• Graduate Certificate in Policy and Data

• Graduate Certificate in Public Administration

Each program combines foundational knowledge with real-world application, ensuring participants can apply what they learn to current workplace challenges. The availability of individual programs varies from year to year depending on agency/student interests.

How the program works

Each program runs for one year and is made up of four units. Each unit is delivered in an intensive format with two three-day blocks (six days per unit). Units are convened and taught by a staff member at the º£½ÇÉäÇø, complemented by a mix of guest presenters.

The modules are designed for face-to-face teaching with a lot of student interaction, activities and guest presentations/Q&A sessions. Units are typically delivered in hybrid format, with the in-person classes being delivered on UC’s main campus in Bruce, Canberra.

What you will gain

By completing a Graduate Certificate, you will develop:

• Advanced skills in policy analysis, program design and evaluation

• Strong communication and strategic thinking capabilities

• Practical expertise in public sector finance and economic analysis

• Confidence in using data to inform decisions

• Leadership skills to drive reform and manage change

• A deeper understanding of ethics, integrity and accountability in government

• Tailored for public sector professionals. The programs are tailored to suit a wide range of public sector employees in both the Australian Public Service and State/Territory public services.

• High-calibre teaching staff with practical experience. Our teaching team not only has strong expertise in research and adult learning but also brings a wealth of first-hand experience from prior careers in the public service.

• Graduate with a tertiary qualification: you’ll graduate with a tertiary qualification that is highly regarded by employers and stakeholders. Your Graduate Certificate can be a stepping stone to further upgrade your professional skills, such as through a Graduate Diploma or Master of Public Policy.

• Capital-based with a national profile: our location in Canberra enhances our capacity to tap into a range of guest presenters working in senior public service roles in the nation’s capital, while our hybrid delivery options enable students to participate from around the country.

• Intensive delivery format allows you to immerse yourself in the learning experience while also building your networks with other professionals across different agencies.

• Apply learning directly to your work: course activities and assessments are designed around real workplace challenges, boosting the relevance and impact of what you’ll learn.

Who can apply?