Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies is designed for policy practitioners, educators, and human service providers in the fields of education, social and community services and health and may be undertaken full-time over one semester or part-time over one year. You should consider the Graduate Certificate if you're seeking a shorter period of study than that required for the Master of Policy Studies degree. You will choose core units of study that may include the study of social policy process, policy frameworks, and global social policy, and also choose electives from a pool shared by the graduate diploma and master degree. The course is distinctive in its attention to international policy trends, and is undertaken through international comparative analyses of policy debates and changes relating to human service organisations. Subject to meeting progression requirements in the graduate certificate, you may apply to transfer to the Graduate Diploma in Policy Studies or the Master of Policy Studies.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
Full units of study list
- EDPA5001 - Organisational Theory,Managemnt & Admin
- EDPA5011 - Organisational Culture and Change
- EDPA5013 - Program Evaluation
- EDPA6016 - Organisations as Learning Communities
- EDPA6018 - Social Policy Process
- EDPB5002 - Globalisation and Education
- EDPK5001 - Qualitative Methods
- EDPK5002 - Quantitative Methods
- SCLG6901 - Citizenship Rights and Social Movements
- SCWK6902 - Social Research
- SCWK6908 - Authorised Independent Study and Report
- SCWK6910 - Working with Communities
- SCWK6948 - Social Policy Frameworks
- SCWK6949 - Global Social Policy
Further course information
Study plan
Candidates complete 24 credit points (4 units of study) comprising 12 credit points of core units and 12 credit points of elective units of study chosen from the program Units of Study Table
Graduate opportunities
The Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies has been designed specifically for people working in the fields of education, social work, and the human services who want to move into a policy position, expand their policy role or conduct policy research.
Admission
Admission requirements
A successful applicant for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies will hold a Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent qualification recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers, or a bachelor's degree in relevant area and at least three years' relevant work experience in the field of education or human services.
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty. On-time applications for the March Semester close on the last working day of November. On-time applications for the July Semester close on the last working day in June. Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies.
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies.
Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students not available for Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies.
Annual review
Annual review not available for Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
Additional incidental fees and health insurance not available for Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies.
Potential for inaccuracy
Potential for inaccuracy not available for Graduate Certificate in Policy Studies.