Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration

On completion of the course, you will be able to:

1. Assess advanced concepts, theories, contemporary trends and developments in public policy and public administration.
2. Apply relevant theories to problems and challenges in public policy and public administration.
3. Discuss the implications of research findings in relation to theory and practice of public policy and public administration.
4. Critique knowledge, skills and ideas for specialist and non-specialist audiences.

The Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration aims to provide students with advanced understanding of the key theoretical concepts, major historical themes and significant current issues in public policy and administration. This course requires 1 year of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time) and is offered by the College of Business, Government and Law.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Public Management
• Public Policy
• Ideas and Perspectives in Contemporary Public Policy
• Professional Ethics and Public Administration.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration, a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $26,800

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

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Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

Students who have completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration, a Graduate Certificate in International Relations, or an approved equivalent, but not an undergraduate degree, must also meet a Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 

This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider.

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment.