Public policy analysis

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Learn from leaders in government and international relations

In today’s rapidly changing environment, governments and the organisations they partner with are expected to lead policy and strategy in sustainability, ethics and rapid technological development.

Whether you want to pursue a career in the public sector or gain expert insight into working with government organisations, you'll benefit from learning from Queensland's leaders in government and international relations. Our team of experts will teach you to think differently and give you the professional skills necessary to survive and thrive in a dynamic and complex operating environment.

It is ideal for technical specialists wanting to take the step up into leadership or other, more senior roles. Public sector professionals will also gain competitive advantage from enhancing their knowledge and skills in order to seek promotion or developmental opportunities, and to position themselves for opportunities arising from policy changes at Commonwealth or State level.

Jasmina Joldic

I am the Executive Director to the Director-General of Queensland Health. I strive to improve the lives of Queenslanders by implementing government-led health and wellbeing strategies and policies. As a Bosnian Australian, I am passionate about creating a diverse future where everyone has a voice and who offered equal opportunities. Griffith enabled me to transform my personal values and experiences into making a positive impact in the community every day.

One of my passion projects was conceived when I personally witnessed the heart-wrenching struggle of language barriers in hospital environments. This is a lonely and frightening experience and a daily challenge which thousands of non-English speaking Queenslanders face. I was determined to offer a solution for these vulnerable community members, so I worked with a team to provide badges that identify staff who speak foreign languages; giving Queenslanders in need a voice, no matter where they come from.

Griffith is the nationally-recognised school of excellence in my field, with strong ties to the government sector. When I decided to study a Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis, and a Masters in Public Administration, there was no other choice for me. With thought-leading guest speakers like former Premiers, professors who worked in the industry, and information based on current trends, my studies still give purpose to my work today and will well in to the future.

My degrees enriched my work from the moment I commenced at Griffith, where I was able to directly apply the theory I was learning at night, to my full-time work in government during the day; thanks to teachers who uniquely understood the competing demands of balancing study, family and work commitments. I have remained in close contact with my professors, who helped prepare me for career success and being the best version of me.

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Study public policy analysis at Griffith

Globally respected teaching and research

Griffith University has ranked in the top 150 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for politics and international studies for the past few years. Our staff have an international reputation for research excellence and are in high demand in industry and government around the world. We have been at the forefront of political research and education for more than 25 years, bringing together some of Australia's leading researchers, teachers and practitioners in the areas of political science, public policy, governance, and international relations.

Ranked in the world’s top 150

Griffith University has ranked in the world's top 150 in politics and international studies for the past three years. The QS World University Rankings by Subject measure universities across the world, as determined by surveys of leading academic experts and employers who recruit graduates they regard as being outstanding in their field.

Postgraduate Scholarships

We know that coming back to study can be a big decision. That's why Griffith Business School offers a range of postgraduate scholarships to support new students, like you, to successfully complete your degree through direct financial support.

On-campus Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis

Structured to meet the needs of working policy officers, the on-campus offering of the Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis (GCPA) at South Bank is available to public servants working at the local, state or federal level only. The intensive delivery of the degree provides you with additional opportunities to network with officers from across government and non-government sectors. You’ll learn from expert external speakers who are at the forefront of current policy developments in Australia and beyond.

Entry to the on-campus Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis is competitive with a limited number of places available each year. You must be sponsored by your agency or department to participate.

Exceptional educational experience

You can be assured you’re getting a high-quality education with excellent flexibility and support because Griffith ranks in the top 7 in Australia for overall educational experience for undergraduates in the QILT 2019 Student Experience Survey.

AACSB Accredited

Griffith Business School is an accredited member of AACSB International which means our business degrees are internationally recognised for excellence and outstanding business education. It’s the most prestigious accreditation a business school can earn.

Online Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis

If you regularly interact with local, state or national government agencies, the online GCPA will provide you with a better understanding of the forces that shape policy-making in Australia in order to leverage this knowledge to your organisation's advantage.

You’ll be able to manage your degree in your own time and schedule your study to suit your work and life commitments. Using online tools, you’ll collaborate with other students and your teachers and have 24/7 access to a range of learning resources.

Ongoing connections

The knowledge gained and connections made during your GCPA studies will help you build a solid career. But it doesn't end when you graduate. As a member of GCPA Connect, you'll have ongoing access to a community of policy and public administration professionals including alumni, current students, academics, and experts in the field.

Pathway to further studies

If you want to further your knowledge, the Master of Public Administration could be the next step in your career. Upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis, you may be eligible to receive advanced standing (equivalent to four courses) towards the Master of Public Administration.

On Campus or online Master of Public Administration

Griffith’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) provides the necessary combination of leadership, management and analytical skills to advance your career, both within the public sector and in the increasingly important interface between public, private and community sectors.

Our on-campus MPA is offered in a series of intensive and regular seminar offerings to ensure a high-quality learning experience. Our online program is designed for busy and/or remotely located students, and places strong emphasis on both flexible delivery and student engagement.

Online and intensive on-campus Graduate Certificate in Integrity and Anti-Corruption

The Graduate Certificate in Integrity and Anti-Corruption addresses policy and practice, from global and domestic perspectives. You will learn to respond to trends and challenges in international anti-bribery and corruption, national integrity reforms, identify and deal with integrity risks and new directions in corruption prevention. You’ll also learn to design, implement and monitor state-of-the-art ‘speak up’ and whistleblowing processes. Or discover how international business practices are adjusting to advance modern business ethics, corporate citizenship and stakeholder management in a fast-changing world.

Nominations now open

Queensland public sector agencies are now invited to nominate their staff for the Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis.

Email gbs-postgrad@griffith.edu.au or call (07) 3735 4204 for further information.

Find out more

Andrew Mahon

Andrew Mahon commenced an executive leadership role while studying a Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis at Griffith. He embraced new leadership responsibilities in relation to public policy. 'My GCPA study helped me to challenge my thinking when striving to provide the best possible policy advice,' Andrew says. His new role incorporates the policy agenda for registration, licensing, industry authorisation and accreditation. 'Working through practical examples during the GCPA allowed me to work on a variety of topics. The vast majority of policy issues are complex, challenging and can't always follow uniform processes.'

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BusinessPLUS Scholarships

Rewarding excellence and potential, no matter your background. Valued up to $20,000. ATAR 99.95–66.00

Career outcomes

98% of Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis graduates would recommend the program to others in the public sector*

As a graduate, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to advance your career in government

You will have an enhanced capacity to work with and for organisations that deal with government on a daily basis. You'll find opportunities in a variety of occupations throughout all levels of government. Specialist positions can also be found in a variety of non-government organisations such as industry organisations and lobby groups both nationally and internationally, consultants to the private sector, and in high profile positions in large private sector firms who conduct large amounts of valuable business with the public sector.

Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate you'll be eligible for 40 credit points of advanced standing towards the Master of Public Administration.

*2012 Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis Review

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