Graduate Certificate in Public Administration
Boost your skills and knowledge in public policy, management and administration to pursue a career where you can make a difference in the world. This is the only course of its kind in Western Australia.
What type of student are you?
Murdoch code
C1143Study mode
Part TimeDuration (years)
1Selection rank
CRICOS code
Apply to start
You can apply to start studying at the following times.| Internal | External | |
|---|---|---|
| Murdoch | Semester 1 | Semester 1 |
| Semester 2 | Semester 2 |
Overview
Fascinated by how the world works? In this course, you’ll analyse the role and structure of governments throughout the world.
You’ll also explore the latest trends and developments in public administration, public sector management, policy research and evaluation, financial budgeting and management in both developed and developing countries.
You’ll develop a deeper understanding of public sector administration and public policy, so you can explain and analyse the unique set of challenges that governments face with public policy, public sector administration and management.
3 reasons to study a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration at Murdoch
- This course is unique to Murdoch and not offered anywhere else in WA.
- This course has been developed in consultation through our partnerships with local, state and federal government agencies, including the Public Sector Commission and the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA).
- You’ll be taught by leading academics who have worked in government, the public sector and the not for profit sector.
Develop your skills
Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:
- Comparative governance and public administration
- Public sector management
- Policy research and evaluation
- Financial administration and budgeting
Your future career
Whether you are pursuing a new career in the government or public sector, or are currently working within it, this course will give you additional knowledge and skills in public administration and evaluation to take your career to the next level. This course could also be a pathway to study at a Master level.
You could find work in the government and public sector, the not-for-profit sector and in business. Careers could include:
- Policy Officer
- Policy Evaluation Officer
- Strategic and Implementation Officer
- Public Sector Manager
- Public Sector Liaison Manager
Study areas
Apply to start
You can apply to start studying at the following times.| Internal | External | |
|---|---|---|
| Murdoch | Semester 1 | Semester 1 |
| Semester 2 | Semester 2 |
Structure
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Entry requirements
I have completed studies in
Select which option best describes your path to university :
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Enabling courses | Successful completion of one of the following within 12 months of bachelor course commencement:OnTrack, FlexiTrack, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch UniversityMurdoch FlexiTrack High program in year 12 and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)TLC – Learning for Tomorrow, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and achievement of a scaled score of 50+ in ATAR English or a grade of 'C' or better in General Englishan enabling or bridging course at another Australian University. | Successful completion of the course. |
| Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses | Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. | Successful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. |
| University study | Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). | Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
| Enabling courses |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following within 12 months of bachelor course commencement:OnTrack, FlexiTrack, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch UniversityMurdoch FlexiTrack High program in year 12 and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)TLC – Learning for Tomorrow, the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and achievement of a scaled score of 50+ in ATAR English or a grade of 'C' or better in General Englishan enabling or bridging course at another Australian University. |
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of the course. |
| Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subjectMUPC (1 Trimester)Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. |
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:Murdoch University Preparation CourseIntroduction to Academic Communication unitFoundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. |
| University study |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) | Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. | Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:EnglishEnglish Extension (Literature)English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| GCE A Levels | Aggregate of 6 points from:
At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5) |
A Levels: D in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish LiteratureKnowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Total score of 24 or higher. | Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| VET course studied at school | Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) | 70 | Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
| Extenuating circumstances | We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more. | Case-by-case assessment. |
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) | CPS 54 or higher. | 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
| Overseas Year 12 | Please refer to the information under the country of study. | Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementOverall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. |
Minimum english requirementSound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:EnglishEnglish Extension (Literature)English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| GCE A Levels |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementAggregate of 6 points from:
At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5) |
Minimum english requirementA Levels: D in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish LiteratureKnowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following:English LanguageEnglish Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementTotal score of 24 or higher. |
Minimum english requirementHigher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| VET course studied at school |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. |
Minimum english requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirement70 |
Minimum english requirementScaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):English ATARLiterature ATAREnglish as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
| Extenuating circumstances |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementWe'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more. |
Minimum english requirementCase-by-case assessment. |
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementCPS 54 or higher. |
Minimum english requirement50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
| Overseas Year 12 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study. |
Minimum english requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study. |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5–6 | Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. | Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 | Successful completion of a Certificate IV. | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5–6 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
Minimum english requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV. |
Minimum english requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) | MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) | Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. |
Minimum english requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMultiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Minimum english requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which can be demonstrated through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Advanced Standing
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Advanced Standing
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.
Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.
If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.
Scholarships
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship.
Whether you’re a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
How much will it cost?
Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.
International students are full fee paying. Use our Fee Calculator to estimate the cost of your course.
Scholarships
Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Our International Welcome Scholarship offers eligible students between $8,000 and $11,000, depending on the course you study.
The Australian Government also offers scholarships to students from developing countries through the Australia Awards Scholarship program.
Explore our scholarships and find out if you’re eligible to apply.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
How to apply
I want to start studying in
No Admissions
To start studying in Semester 1, you can apply directly to Murdoch online for all courses except Nursing and Veterinary Science. If you're applying for Nursing or Veterinary Science, you must apply through TISC.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Semester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Semester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Semester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can being your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 3 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
To start studying in Trimester 3 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.
Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.