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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
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.
Career opportunities
Graduating with a Graduate Certificate of Public Policy may lead to career opportunities in government and private companies as a policy researcher.
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
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) may be available for this course. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available CSP quota, applicants may be ranked based on academic merit to determine allocation. Applicants who are not offered a CSP may still add a preference for a full-fee place.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
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.
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
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
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
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 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (2 units) | 20cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy |
| 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. EMG505 Research Methodologies in Education Indigenous Contexts ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods Education EMG502 Philosophies and Ethics in Education (not offered 2026) Public Management and Governance HRM504 Organisational Change and Development (replaces BUS504 from 2026) Health PHM516 Indigenous Health Secure and Safe Communities DEM511 Emergency and Disaster Management in Context Environment and Livelihoods ENG519 Sustainability |
| Electives (0-1 unit) | 0-10cp | Unit 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. |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2026
- BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise has been replaced by HRM504 Organisational Change and Development (not equivalent)
- BUS506 Global Megatrends has been replaced by HRM506 Global Human Resources (not equivalent)
- ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship has been replaced by ENT502 Entrepreneurship (not equivalent)
- MAN514 Management for the Executive has been replaced by MAN500 Strategic Management (not equivalent)
TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2026
- Students who have completed BUS504 Sustainable Enterprise should not complete HRM504 Organisational Change and Development
- Students who have completed BUS506 Global Megatrends should not complete HRM506 Global Human Resources
- Students who have completed ENT501 Sustainable Entrepreneurship should not compete ENT502 Entrepreneurship
- Students who have completed MAN514 Management for the Executive should not complete MAN500 Strategic Management
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a part-time study 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 the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| MPP501 Theoretical Approaches to Public Policy in Northern Contexts | CO | MPP506 Public Policy Practice | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective OR Elective | SE/E |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a part-time study 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 the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
Entry requirements
Quota
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) may be available for this course. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available CSP quota, applicants may be ranked based on academic merit to determine allocation. Applicants who are not offered a CSP may still add a preference for a full-fee place.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent international qualification.
Applicants who have at least five years of full-time experience in supervisory roles in business, arts or law will also be considered. Applicants must provide further documentation in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV) tailored to the opportunity, along with their application.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Most of my lecturers also had industry experience working for multinational companies, giving us insight into real-world scenarios.
Sachin
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
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
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
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.
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