Graduate Certificate in
Public Sector Leadership

Lead with confidence. Elevate your career in 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time.

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Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL

1+ years relevant work experience or a bachelor's degree

See entry requirements Download brochure

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

0.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Fees

2025 : $23,292 (CSP)

2025 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

English language requirements by country

Why study a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership?

Elevate your leadership and policy skills in just 6 months with our Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership. Tailored specifically for managers and professionals looking to develop their leadership skills and to build advanced skills in stakeholder engagement and policy making, digital technology practices, and political systems and governance in the public sector.

Build essential leadership skills

Gain the confidence, concepts, and tools needed to step into leadership roles across the public sector.

Lead and influence public policy

Develop the skills to shape decision-making, inspire others, and take on real-world challenges in diverse public sector domains.

Propel your career forward

Prepare for impactful roles in government, not-for-profits, and public institutions where you can drive meaningful change.

Pathway to advanced study

Transition seamlessly into the Graduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration or the Master of Public Policy to extend your qualifications.

Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial challenges of university study

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students. Find out if you're eligible.

What you will study

You will complete 4 topics developed by public policy experts and develop skills in leadership, policy and governance, and stakeholder engagement. Complete all 4 topics in semester one, or study part-time by selecting topics across both semesters.

Course handbook

Semester 1

March

Emerging Digital Futures
Inclusion and Innovation in Public Leadership
Stakeholders, Engagement and Policy Making
Governing, Complexity and Policy

Semester 2

July

Emerging Digital Futures
Inclusion and Innovation in Public Leadership
Stakeholders, Engagement and Policy Making
Governing, Complexity and Policy

Your career

Elevate your public sector career. Gain skills and confidence to embrace leadership roles in the public sector or roles that interface with the public sector. The Australian public sector has hundreds of departments and agencies at Commonwealth, State and Local Government level, with multiple career opportunities available.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$230,000^*

Expected salary
$210,000^*

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Expected salary
$140,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$230,000^*

Expected salary
$210,000^*

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Expected salary
$140,000^*

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Potential employers

Local, state and Australian government departments
Non-profit organisations
International development organisations
Research institutions
Social advocacy organisations

Industry connections

Flinders University delivers the South Australian Government’s Next Execs Program for the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment. This 10-month leadership experience offers an alternative pathway for public sector leaders and articulates with the Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally*

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment**

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows

Gain public policy and leadership skills in 6-months full-time or 12-months part-time.

Career growth - build confidence with practical, in-demand skills

Continue your learning with the online alumni network built into the course

^{*THE World University Rankings 2023 **QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal}

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.

Dr Jessica Genauer
International Relations

See full profile

Jessica provides analysis on conflict, threat perceptions and post-conflict institution building, particularly in the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine. She also emphasises cultural capability and intercultural leadership in executive training.

Associate Professor Rob Manwaring
Politics and Policy

See full profile

Rob specialises in public policy. He has worked as a senior policy adviser for the UK's Commission for Racial Equality and the South Australian Council of Social Services. He teaches policy and politics, researches centre-left political parties and authored "The Politics of Social Democracy" (2021). Rob is President of the Australian Political Science Association (2023-2024) and co-editor of the Australian Journal of Political Science.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:

have a minimum of three years' full-time professional work experience in a relevant or closely related field; or
hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification
complete 3 full days of the Flinders' IPAA trainings.

Your work experience counts:

Applicants who do not hold a bachelor's degree but have relevant professional experience in the public sector should provide employment experience information in their application.

Three qualifications in one

Flinders University offers staggered qualifications as you complete certain milestones. Finish four topics and you’ll receive a Graduate Certificate. Finish another four topics, and you’ll receive a Graduate Diploma. Complete a further four topics in addition to those, and you will be awarded a Master of Public Policy.

6-month

Complete 4 topics to earn
Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership

12-month

Complete 8 topics to earn
Graduate Diploma in Public Policy & Administration

2 year

Complete 12 topics to earn
Master of Public Policy

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Who is the Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership course designed for?

It is a course designed for public sector professionals looking to enhance leadership and policy skills.

Can I study this course on campus?

No, this course is only offered online.

Am I eligible to study a Flinders Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership?

To view the admission requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership, refer to the Handbook. You’ll normally need to have a bachelor's degree or have at least 3 years' relevant professional experience.

Do you need a degree to study a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership?

Not necessarily. A student who completes any 3 full days of the Flinders' IPAA trainings will be eligible for credit for one topic in the Graduate Certificate Public Sector Leadership (GOVT8015 Governing, Complexity and Policy), please see as below:

Mechanics of Government, Introduction to Public Policy, Writing Policy - The Basics, Advance Policy Writing, Introduction to Program Evaluation, Developing Political Nous.

See the answer above for more information on eligibility. To view the admission requirements, refer to the Handbook.

Is a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Leadership worth it?

Yes, in many ways. Not only will it help you to upskill fast, in as little time as 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time, you’ll also build your networks, improve your confidence and knowledge, and gain access to sought-after public sector knowledge.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 3 March 2025 – Applications close 28 February 2025
Semester 2: teaching commences 28 July 2025 – Applications close 25 July 2025

Some courses have non-standard semester commencement dates as follows:

February Study Period: teaching commences 24 February 2025 – Applications close 21 February 2025
June Study Period: teaching commences 30 June 2025 – Applications close 27 June 2025
September Study Period: teaching commences 29 September 2025 – Applications close 26 September 2025

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.