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Postgraduate Coursework

Graduate Certificate of Public Policy

Not available to international students.

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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

Not available full-time
1 year/s part-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Not available to international students.

Credit points required

40

Course code

UPPOL2
SATAC codes

Overview

Be a change maker and help shape social, environmental, and economic policy in Australia.

Our Graduate Certificate of Public Policy will give you the in-demand knowledge and skills to engage in effective and ethical research, analysis and writing for policy development in government or private companies.

You will explore a variety of political, cultural and social theory approaches to public policy and gain a solid understanding of evidence-based policy development, evaluation, and practical research theories and methodologies.

Study with us: 

  • to get a unique perspective on the challenges and characteristics of policy development in Northern Australia including the policy issues in the region-s remote contexts, the significance of First Nations people and cultures, and its proximity to South-East Asia.
  • to receive one-on-one supervision and support from university research, public policy researchers, policy developers and evaluators, and teaching staff.
  • for flexible study options; part-time or full-time, either 100% online or on campus.

Specialist elective units can be chosen from the postgraduate offerings at Charles Darwin University in a variety of discipline areas including education, emergency and disaster, environment, health, Indigenous knowledges, management and governance, safety and security.



Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways


Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Credit transfer

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU

Fees

Non-Commonwealth supported places

Full fee paying places are available in this course.

Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International students Adele and Zarah

Why study business at CDU?

Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.

  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
  • Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
International students Adele and Zarah

Why study business at CDU?

Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.

  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
International students Adele and Zarah

Why study business at CDU?

Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.

  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
  • Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
International students Adele and Zarah

Why study business at CDU?

Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study Business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.

  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond

What will I study?

This course requires a total of 40 credit points, involving completion of two (2) core units that provide a background and context to the study. Students then select two (2) units from a variety of specialist streams relevant to their field of employment and/or interest.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units 
(2 units)
20cp

Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below.

MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy 
MPP506 Public Policy Practice

Specialist Elective  
(1 - 2 units)
10 - 20cp

Units totalling up to 20 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below.  The specialist elective units can be taken from one stream or spread across streams. 

Research Methodologies

EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education 
ENV511 Real-World Statistics and Data Reasoning (unit title change 2022) 
HGE501 Topics in Human Geography: A 'Remote' Perspective 
IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp)  
IAS521 Principles of Research in Indigenous Contexts 
IAS524 Indigenous Representation and Ethical Practice 
MPP502 Evidence-Based Policy Development in Northern and Indigenous Contexts (not offered 2024)
MPP503 Realist Research and Evaluation 
MPP505 Ethnography and Policy 
MPP507 Evidence and Policy Evaluation (new from 2023) 
MPP510 Minor Public Policy Project (new from 2024) 
PHM526 Research Design 
PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact 
PHM588 Qualitative Research

Indigenous Contexts

ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods (not offered 2024)
IAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development 
IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics (new from 2023) 
IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation 
IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies 
IAS536 Indigenous Sovereignty and the Challenges of Reconciliation 
PHM516 Indigenous Health  
PHM525 Indigenous Health Research

Education

EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics 
EMG503 Assessment and Quality Assurance in Learning and Teaching 
EMG504 Leadership in Education 
IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm 
EMG609 Internship (20cp) (repeatable) (not offered 2024)

Public Management and Governance

BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise 
BUS506 Global Megatrends 
BUS508 Business Analytics  
ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship 
MAN514 Management for the Executive 
PRT551 Project Management, Risk and Reliability

Health

PHM516 Indigenous Health  
PHM517 Public Health Anthropology 
PHM523 Health Promotion 
PHM525 Indigenous Health Research 
PHM536 Health Systems, Planning and Management 
PHM554 Public Health Economics and Decision Making 
PHM559 Health Policy 
PHM567 Public Health

Secure and Safe Communities

DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context 
DEM512 Interdisciplinary Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management 
DEM513 Leadership in Emergency and Disaster Management 
DEM514 Cultural, Social and Psychological Aspects of Emergency and Disaster Management 
SWK522 Co-Creating Social Justice in Practice (not offered 2024)
SWK524 Communities, Social Change and Development 
SWK526 Leadership in Social Policy 
SWK558 Cultural Security in Child Protection Practice

Environment and Livelihoods

ENG519 Sustainability 
ENV501 Tropical Invaders and Biosecurity 
ENV503 Ecological Restoration and Conservation 
ENV507 Fire Ecology and Management 
ENV509 Ecology and Management of Tropical Forests and Savannas 
ENV513 Environmental Planning and Policy 
ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods (not offered 2024)
ENV520 Wildlife Management 
ENV521 Community Engagement for Biosecurity and Natural Resource Management

Electives 
(0 - 1 unit)
0 - 10cpUnit totalling 10 credit points may be selected from postgraduate units offered by the University. Students may select a unit from any of the approved specialisations (as above) as an elective or by cross institutional enrolment that is approved by the course coordinator. 
 
 40cpTotal Credit Points

 

Study plan


Students commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Part-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy in Northern Contexts COMPP506 Public Policy PracticeCO
Specialist ElectiveSESpecialist Elective OR
Elective
SE/E


Students commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Part-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  MPP506 Public Policy PracticeCO
  Specialist ElectiveSE
Year 2
MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy in Northern ContextsCO  
Specialist Elective OR
Elective
SE/E  

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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification.

Applicants who don't meet the entry requirements, are advised to contact the course coordinator in the Faculty of Arts and Society by email to fas@cdu.edu.au for further advice.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.

DOMESTIC STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS   
English language proficiency requirements - International students   
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40)Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake)A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.  
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.  
 

Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.

Sachin

CDU student

MBA graduate Commander Sachin Sharma

I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.

Ellie

CDU student

CDU International students

Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.

Sachin

CDU student

MBA graduate Commander Sachin Sharma

I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.

Ellie

CDU student

CDU International students

Course details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Australian qualification framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Graduate Certificate of Public Policy
Faculty/College
Faculty of Arts and Society
Sector
HE
Area of study
Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, Indigenous Knowledges, Arts

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn about business at CDU

Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

Learn about business at CDU

Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

How to apply

There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.

Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (FF)
1GC575
Online (FF)
1GC575
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

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