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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.

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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.

Find out more

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.'

Andrew Mahon

Study options

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Degrees Campus OP rank
Graduate Certificate in Integrity and Anti-Corruption Other
Graduate Certificate in Policy Analysis South Bank
Online
Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business 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
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It is important to check the degree requirements including placement requirements, before you apply.

Scholarships

Over 600 Scholarships available

Find out more about Scholarships

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

Have questions?

Get personalised study advice at a 30-minute Q&A session.

Book now about applying for postgraduate study

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.

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News

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14 Feb 2019

Griffith University partners with QLD Social Enterprise Council and English Family Foundation to grow social enterprise in Queensland

Read more about Griffith University partners with QLD Social Enterprise Council and English Family Foundation to grow social enterprise in Queensland

13 Feb 2019

Calling small businesses: Griffith researcher wants to help your cash flow

Read more about Calling small businesses: Griffith researcher wants to help your cash flow

Key dates

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Monday 18 February — Friday 22 February

Trimester 1: Orientation

Get the right start and find out everything you need to know about starting at Griffith.

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Monday 25 February — Saturday 8 June

Trimester 1: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Monday 27 May to Saturday 8 June.

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Sunday 7 April — Monday 8 April

Adelaide Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Adelaide Tertiary Studies and Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Thursday 2 May — Sunday 5 May

Melbourne VCE and Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Melbourne VCE and Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Monday 13 May — Thursday 16 May

Mature Student Open Evenings

If you’re considering further study, get the right advice and information you need at our January Mature Student Open Evenings. No matter whether you're returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help.

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Thursday 23 May — Thursday 23 May

Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Tuesday 11 June — Tuesday 11 June

Discover Griffith

Get a taste of university life at our Discover Griffith event. Designed for Year 12 students, their parents and families, this event helps answer questions about what to expect on your journey to university and deciding on the right study path.

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Thursday 13 June — Thursday 13 June

Discover Griffith

Get a taste of university life at our Discover Griffith event. Designed for Year 12 students, their parents and families, this event helps answer questions about what to expect on your journey to university and deciding on the right study path.

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Monday 1 July — Friday 5 July

Trimester 2: Orientation

Get the right start and find out everything you need to know about starting at Griffith.

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Monday 8 July — Friday 4 October

Trimester 2: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Tuesday 8 October to Saturday 19 October.

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Monday 8 July — Friday 12 July

Q&A Sessions

Do you have questions about studying at Griffith? Book a personalised 30-minute Q&A session with one of our expert study advisers to get advice about your study options, available scholarships and support services.

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Saturday 20 July — Sunday 21 July

Tertiary Studies Expo (TSXPO)

TSXPO is for anyone considering further study. Talk to our academic and professional staff about our degrees, flexible study options, admission pathways, how to apply, scholarships and support services. Entry is free.

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Tuesday 23 July — Tuesday 23 July

Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Monday 5 August — Monday 5 August

Townsville Careers Expo

Visit the Griffith University stand at the Townsville Careers Expo to talk to our expert advisers about your study goals, life at Griffith, online study options and more.

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Sunday 11 August — Sunday 11 August

Open Day

On Open Day, you’ll find general information about all our degrees at each campus, as well as essential information about student support services, admissions, scholarships and postgraduate studies. It’s a great time to get to know our campuses, experience life at Griffith, explore your study options and find the information you need to make a decision about your future.

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Monday 9 September — Tuesday 10 September

Mature Student Open Evenings

If you’re considering further study, get the right advice and information you need at our January Mature Student Open Evenings. No matter whether you're returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help.

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Thursday 12 September — Thursday 12 September

Mature Student Open Evenings

If you’re considering further study, get the right advice and information you need at our January Mature Student Open Evenings. No matter whether you're returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help.

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Monday 23 September — Friday 4 October

Q&A Sessions

Do you have questions about studying at Griffith? Book a personalised 30-minute Q&A session with one of our expert study advisers to get advice about your study options, available scholarships and support services.

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Monday 21 October — Friday 25 October

Trimester 3: Orientation

Get the right start and find out everything you need to know about starting at Griffith.

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Tuesday 29 October — Thursday 31 October

Application Support Nights

Need help with your university application? Receive personalised advice and assistance from one of our expert study advisers to start and/or complete your university application.

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Monday 16 December — Thursday 19 December

Explore your options

If your OP or ATAR result changes your direction, chat online with our expert study advisers to explore your study options. Find out about admissions pathways, entry requirements and changing your preferences.

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