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Postgraduate Coursework

Graduate Certificate of Public Policy

Not available to international students.

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Key details

Duration

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

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Not available to international students.

Credit points required

40

Course code

UPPOL2
SATAC/UAC 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.

Menzies Public Health Julie

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.

  • #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Top 100 university globally for quality education
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Menzies Public Health Julie

Why study humanities and social sciences at CDU?

Interested in world events and where we're heading? Study humanities and social cciences at CDU to dive into global issues like social and political change. You'll develop the critical thinking skills, analytical abilities and creativity to understand society's biggest issues and how to address them.

  • #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Unique focus on Indigenous and Asia Pacific perspectives
Menzies Public Health Julie

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University to upskill at work, fast-track your career, increase your job prospects or explore a new interest. We offer flexible study options so you don't have to put your life on hold while you learn.

  • #2 Australian uni for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Top 100 university globally for quality education
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
Menzies Public Health Julie

Why study humanities and social sciences at CDU?

Interested in world events and where we're heading? Study humanities and social cciences at CDU to dive into global issues like social and political change. You'll develop the critical thinking skills, analytical abilities and creativity to understand society's biggest issues and how to address them.

  • #1 in Australia for postgraduate teaching quality in humanities and social sciences (GUG 2024)
  • #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
  • Unique focus on Indigenous and Asia Pacific perspectives

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)
20cpCompulsory 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
MPP503 Realist Research and Evaluation
MPP505 Ethnography and Policy
MPP507 Evidence and Policy Evaluation (new from 2023)
PHM526 Research Design
PHM527 Research, Ethics and Impact
PHM588 Qualitative Research

Indigenous Contexts

ENV517 Natural Resources and Indigenous Livelihoods
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)

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
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
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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in 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 ModuleA 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.
 

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

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
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.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

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

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

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 or TAS.

UAC

UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.

SATAC/UAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
UAC Code
Casuarina campus (FF)
1GC575
871180
Online (FF)
1GC575
871180
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

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