Professional development and short courses
- We offer a range of professional development courses.
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Griffith Online
- Our online degrees are delivered 100% online, giving you control over where and when you study.
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Respond to the challenges of government cycles
Whether you want to pursue a career in the public sector or gain expert insight into working with government organisations, you'll stand out from the crowd with a Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis 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.
Key dates
You can talk to us about your study options just about anytime.
See our key dates page for information on upcoming events.
Study public policy analysis at Griffith
Globally respected teaching and research
Griffith University has ranked in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for politics and international studies for the past three 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.
On-campus Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis
Structured to meet the needs of working policy officers, the on-campus offering of the 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.
Nominations now open
Queensland public sector agencies are now invited to nominate their staff for the 2019 student intake of the on-campus Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis.
Email gbs-postgrad@griffith.edu.au or call (07) 3735 4204 for further information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
5-Star Rated
Griffith Business School is rated 5-stars for Educational Experience and Teaching Quality in Business and Management by the Good Universities Guide 2018, a leading independent provider of high-quality education and career information.
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.'
Study options
| Degrees | Campus | OP rank |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Integrity and Anti-Corruption | Other | |
| Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis | South Bank Online |
|
| Graduate Diploma of Public Administration | Other | |
| Master of Business | Gold Coast Nathan |
|
| Master of Business Administration | Gold Coast South Bank Online |
|
| Master of Global Development | Nathan Online |
|
| Master of Public Administration | Other |
It is important to check the degree requirements including placement requirements, before you apply.
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
Life at Griffith
You can gain more than just a degree at Griffith. With plenty of opportunities to balance life and study, you can make memories and mates to last a lifetime.
June 18, 2018
Griffith makes Australian top 10 on research publication rankings
Read more about Griffith makes Australian top 10 on research publication rankings
Key dates
Monday 5 February — Friday 21 December
Ongoing Q&A sessions
Book a 30 minute, personalised appointment with a member of our student recruitment team, to help find the right degree for you and get personalised advice about your study options. You can also find out about scholarships and discover admission pathways to university. Find out more
Thursday 21 June
Discover Griffith - Gold Coast campus
Join us at our Gold Coast campus for a fun and informative day with family and friends. You'll have the opportunity to tour our campus with a student ambassador, hear from program staff about your preferred degree and chat with our recruitment team about entry requirements and admission pathways to Griffith. Find out more
Saturday 21 July — Sunday 22 July
TSXPO (Tertiary Studies Expo)
Visit the Griffith University stand at the Tertiary Studies Expo to find out about your study options, how to apply and university life. Find out more
Tuesday 24 July
Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo
Visit the Griffith University stand at the Sunshine Coast Daily Careers and Employment Expo to find out about your study options, how to apply and university life. Find out more
Monday 6 August
Townsville Careers Expo
Visit the Griffith University stand at the Townsville Careers Expo to find out about your study options, how to apply and university life. Find out more
Sunday 12 August
OPEN DAY - Nathan, Gold Coast and South Bank campuses
Discover what's possible at Griffith at Open Day. Visit our Gold Coast, Nathan or South Bank campus to attend information sessions and activities, chat with academics about your preferred degree, find out about services and support, and tour our campuses. Find out more
Monday 17 September — Friday 28 September
Q&A Sessions
Book a 30 minute, personalised appointment with a member of our student recruitment team, to help find the right degree for you and get personalised advice about your study options. You can also find out about scholarships and discover admission pathways to university. Find out more
Tuesday 13 November
Mature Student Open Evening - South Bank campus
If you’re considering returning to university for postgraduate study, or starting for the first time, come along to a Griffith University Mature Student Open Evening to speak to our specialist advisers about admission pathways to study and support for non-school leavers and mature age students. Find out more
Thursday 15 November
Mature Student Open Evening - Gold Coast campus
If you’re considering returning to university for postgraduate study, or starting for the first time, come along to a Griffith University Mature Student Open Evening to speak to our specialist advisers about admission pathways to study and support for non-school leavers and mature age students. Find out more
Saturday 15 December — Thursday 20 December
Explore Your Options - Online
Chat online with our expert study advisers after you have received your entry score, to discuss your study options. Find out about admission pathways, entry requirements and program options, plus what you can do if your OP or ATAR score was higher or lower than expected.
*Excluding Sunday 16 December Find out more