Public Policy - A4011

Public Policy

Graduate certificate

Discover how to make real change at a foundation level though this unique course sitting at the intersection of public policy and theory. Developed and led by internationally-renowned academics, you will learn the skills to be at the forefront of policy development challenges relevant to diverse business, professional and public policy communities.

Set in a multidisciplinary field, you’ll develop your leadership capacity for working with multicultural teams in intercultural environments. Your advanced critical thinking and analytical skills will be indispensable for delivering innovative solutions to policy-related challenges for both professional and non-professional audiences. On completion of the course, you will be well-versed in applying your knowledge to real-world policy-related challenges.

This course is particularly designed to focus on themes relevant to change-makers wanting to work in policy areas across both the public and private sectors, from government organisations, multi-nationals through to independent consultancies, and those wishing to develop expertise in public policy theory and practice. It is designed to ensure you will have the industry-level skills needed to hit the ground running, such as developing and supporting arguments, advance communication, research skills, and an understanding of the possibilities and challenges of public policy practice and reform.

The Graduate Certificate of Public Policy offers practical knowledge and skills for careers in a range of policy making, governance and management sectors. You will develop essential skills in critical thinking, writing and presentation in multicultural settings which are designed to enhance learning success and career capabilities.

The program develops a robust critical understanding of public and social policy which can be brought to a wide range of problems and applications. You will feel confident applying your knowledge to real-world professional contexts after the seminar and field trips, industry site reports and practice based units.

At the end of the course, you will be able to continue studies in the discipline with the Master of Public Policy.

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At a glance

Course Details

Location
  • On-campus at Caulfield: Full time
Duration
  • 0.5 years (full time)
Start date
First semester (February) and Second semester (July)
Qualification
Graduate Certificate of Public Policy
Course Handbook

Industry advantage

In this Graduate Certificate course, you'll be taught by leading experts and hear from some of the best industry connections in the field. Graduate with the insights and connections to take the next step in your career.

Monash flexible study options

Flexible study

On-campus and selected flexible online options available. Complete in as short as 6-months, or study part-time (domestic only). Choose from early evening classes and intensive several week block units – we have multiple options to suit you.

Study Public Policy

Learn from academic experts and industry leaders in this flexible, world-class degree.

Test-drive a Master's degree

Successful completion of this degree can count towards a Master of Public Policy.

Entry Requirements

You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.

Minimum Entry Requirements (International students)

Qualifications

An Australian bachelor degree with at least 50% average (or equivalent), or a minimum of three years work experience in a relevant field*.

*Applicants are required to provide a Curriculum Vitae and a reference from their employer.

English entry requirements

Level A
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 Overall score, with minimum band scores: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0 and Speaking 6.0 or Pearson Test of English (Academic): 58 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 50, Reading 50, Speaking 50 and Writing 50 or TOEFL iBT:

0 - 120 scale:
79 Overall score, with minimum scores: Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18 and Writing 21

1 - 6 scale:
4 Overall score, with minimum scores: Reading 3.5, Listening 3, Speaking 3.5 and Writing 4.5

or Courses that require English Level A only: Other approved English tests (minimum entry scores apply)

Courses with English Level B, C, D, E and F: Other approved English tests (higher entry scores apply than specified)

University entrance requirements

Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.

The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.

See also: Arts course maps

Making the application

Future students

Semester one (February)

Apply directly to Monash using course code A4011

Apply

Semester two (July)

Apply directly to Monash using course code A4011

Apply

Current Monash students

You may apply to transfer from another Monash course. Transfers are a competitive process. You may apply mid-year for available courses however consideration will be given as to whether you will be able to follow your course progression.

Please note that if you apply for a course transfer, you should still enrol in your current course as if you were continuing so as not to jeopardise your enrolment in the Faculty if your transfer application is unsuccessful. More about Course Transfer.

Self assess for credit eligibility

Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page.

Fees

Fees are subject to change annually.

International fee

The total fees for 2026 for this 24 credit point (6 month full-time) course are:

A$23,000

The equivalent fee per 48 credit points representing a standard full-time course load for 2026 would be A$46,000

Scholarships

We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.

Other costs and fees

For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.

Enrolment Obligations

International students enrolling in a CRICOS-registered course can study no more than one third (33%) of their course by distance and/or online learning. Students must enrol in at least one unit that is not by distance and/or online in each compulsory study period unless the student is completing the last unit of their course. See standard 8.19 and 8.20 of National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.

CRICOS code: 0100209

International course guides

If you are an international student and wish to find out more about our courses, entry requirements, studying at Monash and more, please download our international course guides below.

International Study Grants

International study grants

International Study Grants valued at up to $10,000