Postgraduate Coursework
Graduate Diploma of Public Policy
Credit transfers and 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
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Additional information
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
This course is not available for entry however is available as an alternative exit award from the Master of Public Policy.
Essential 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.
| IELTS Academic Module | 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 Proficiency | A 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 module | A 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.
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 type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (4 units) |
40cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below.
ATI502 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics (no longer available from 2021) |
| Specialist Electives (4 units) |
40cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below.
ACH401 Research Preparation: Knowledge and Skills #20 (20cp) (no longer available from 2021) |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Diploma AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
COURSE CHANGES - 2021
EMG502 Teaching and Learning and Global Learning is now Philosophies, Ethics and Global Frameworks
COURSE CHANGES - 2018
PHM516 Indigenous Health and Social Change is now Indigenous Health.
ENV508 Applied Geographic Information Systems is now Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking.
ENV512 Tropical Wetland and Coastal Management has been replaced by ENV519 Aquatic Resource Management.
| Units Added to Specialist Electives | Units Removed from Specialist Electives |
| ACH401 Research Preparation: Knowledge and Skills BUS501 Decisionmaking BUS502 Entrepreneurship ENV518 Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data MAN501 Cross Cultural Management MAN509 Contemporary Management Issues MPP503 Realist Research and Evaluation MPP505 Policy and Ethnography |
GOV501 Public Governance: Scope and Issues (no longer available) GOV502 Government Finance and Economics (no longer available) MAN505 Managing Innovation |
Study plan
Recommended Study Plans are not required for the exit only award.