Start in March, July or November. Study online.
Pathway into a masters degree
Program designed with policy experts
Why choose politics and policy at Deakin
Build the knowledge and practical skills to influence public life with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Politics and Policy. Studied online and part-time, this course helps you understand how democratic systems work, how policy is shaped and how governments respond to complex social and economic challenges. This course has been designed by policy experts and taught by academics who bring deep expertise and strong professional networks across politics and policy. Our academics have networks in government, community organisations and UN agencies.
You will apply your learning through tasks such as policy briefs and political communication strategies drawn from authentic contexts. Electives give you flexibility to explore areas including accountability, federalism, public opinion and contemporary policy issues in Australia and overseas. By graduation, you will have a strong foundation in politics and ethical policymaking, ready to pursue roles such as policy officer, adviser or analyst.
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Combined focus
Study one of Australia’s few combined politics–policy courses and build linked skills in politics and policymaking.
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Real policy practice
Work on policy briefing papers and political communication strategies drawn from authentic contexts.
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Connected teaching
Learn from academics with networks in government, community organisations and UN agencies.
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Career-ready skills
Prepare for roles like policy officer, analyst, consultant or adviser across government and stakeholder engagement.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build practical policy skills for roles across government, political offices, international relations and the private sector, including policy analysis, communication and stakeholder engagement.
Policy officer
Research complex issues, analyse evidence, consult stakeholders and prepare policy advice, briefings and reports that support decision-making and policy development across government and other organisations.
- $113k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 8.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Management consultant
Analyse organisational challenges, research evidence and develop practical strategies and recommendations to help government, businesses and other organisations improve decision-making and performance.
- $105k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 11.6%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Professional areas
- Government
- International relations
- Communication and training
- Political office
- Stakeholder engagement
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Politics and Policy?
Build a practical understanding of democratic systems and policymaking, while keeping room to follow the issues that matter most to you.
Politics and policy foundations
Study politics and policy together
Explore democratic systems and governance alongside policy development, implementation and evaluation, helping you connect political ideas with practical decision-making.
Practise policy work
Work on tasks such as policy briefing papers or political communication strategies that reflect professional practice.
Use electives to shape your focus
Go deeper into areas such as federalism, accountability, public opinion or policy lessons from overseas, with some electives offering work-integrated learning.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Politics and Policy, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
This course is part-time only.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Advanced knowledge of, and specialised cognitive skills involving Australia’s political system and governance that may be applied in professional practice and adapted to different contexts. Sound understanding of policy development, implementation and evaluation. |
| Ability to communicate effectively potentially complex knowledge and ideas involving political and policy issues to a variety of audiences, both specialist and non-specialist. |
| Develop the skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas and proposals involving diverse institutions and actors, within and beyond the ‘formal’ political sphere. |
| Employ appropriate methods of research and analysis to investigate complex real world problems in a systematic manner and generate and evaluate potential responses to issues in such areas as: public policy; political institutions, processes and practices; democratic governance; citizen engagement; and, political communication. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development personally, academically and professionally in the field of politics and/or public policy. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with others from similar, but also at times quite different disciplines and backgrounds. |
Approved at Faculty Board July 2019
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Politics and Policy
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A502
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$14,000
- Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Applications for credit transfer will be considered depending on the quality and subject matter of the student's prior qualifications and professional experience.