Graduate Certificate (GradCert) in Public Policy

Summary

If you are looking to quickly acquire skills for a new career, a graduate certificate is a great option for you.

Why study a GradCert?

Graduate certificates are intended to develop your knowledge and skills in a subject area that is different to your first degree's major. You may be eligible if you haven't studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability. By choosing to study a graduate certificate you can quickly develop career competency in a single subject area.

A graduate certificate is a shorter version of a graduate diploma, is studied at undergraduate level, and can be completed in the equivalent of one trimester of full-time study.

The Graduate Certificate comprises a minimum of 60 points at 100 level or above, including 45 points at 300 level or above in the Graduate Certificate subjects listed below, and including at least 45 points from one of the subjects listed in Schedule A. Normally it involves one trimester of full-time study (or more extended part-time study).

Why study Public Policy?

Government decisions influence our lives on a daily basis. They affect the price of our housing, clothes, food, transport and water. They determine the types of jobs we do, how much we are paid and where we live. Studying Public Policy equips you with the skills to understand and interpret current affairs, deal with government in your future profession or business, and work within government or for groups that lobby government. It is particularly suitable for students who want a career in the public sector, and for employees of organisations that are seeking to influence public policies. At Waikato, Public Policy is an interdisciplinary subject. That means you can combine it with programmes from a variety of other disciplines, creating a programme of study to suit your needs. The minor in Public Policy offers both structure and flexibility – there's a compulsory paper at each level of study, but you'll also have the freedom to focus on the particular policy areas that most interest you. Choose from papers on economic, educational, environmental, ethnic, foreign, population and social policy. In your studies you'll discuss theories of organisation, decision-making and administration, public management, and how public officials work and interact with the public sector and the political executive. You'll learn to examine policies in the context of political values and culture, economic constraints and political party agendas, and come to understand how and why particular policies are adopted by governments.

Career Opportunities

Environmental Consultant

Foreign Policy Advisor

Health Sector Analyst

Maori Development Policy Adviser

Policy Analyst and Planner