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
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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 |
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| 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
$20,400
AUD
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.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the 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.