Policy development is crucial to driving organisational change, solving complex challenges and ensuring long-term operational success. So, whether you work in government, compliance, governance, or collaboration with the public sector, this course is ideal for professional development.
The Certificate of Policy Development is a professional development course that provides the skills and knowledge to develop effective, evidence-based policies that deliver positive outcomes.
In this policy development course, you will learn to analyse complex policy environments and navigate legal, organisational, and strategic considerations. You will learn to identify policy problems, gather and analyse evidence, and apply strategic thinking to policy design. You will explore research, stakeholder engagement, risk assessment, and effective policy writing, ensuring that policies are clear, actionable, and aligned with organisational goals.
You will learn to strengthen policy proposals using tools like logic models, PICO frameworks, and data analysis methods. You will also explore change management, continuous improvement, policy implementation, measuring success, and refining policies through evaluation and quality improvement.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident in shaping and influencing policy decisions with clarity and accountability.
Course Structure
Certificate of Policy Development
Unit 1: Introduction to Policy Development
- Introduction to policy development
- Policy and policy types
- Understanding the policy cycle
- Policy development cycle
- Legal, organisational, and strategic drivers of policy
- Features of good vs poor policy
- Aligning policy with organisational strategy and goals
Unit 2: Identifying Issues and Scoping Policy
- Identifying issues and scoping policy
- Defining a policy problem
- Steps to define a policy problem
- Assessing relevance and urgency
- Using strategic and environmental scanning tools
- PESTLE Analysis
- SWOT Analysis
- Risk matrices
- Conducting feasibility and risk analysis
- Identifying key stakeholders
Unit 3: Research and Evidence-Based Policy
- Apply evidence-based practice (EBP) in policy
- Practical research methods
- Interviews
- Focus groups
- Document review
- Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
- Evaluating credibility, relevance, and cost of sources
- PICO and logic models
Unit 4: Writing and Structuring Policies
- Policy writing principles
- Structuring policies for ease of use
- Drafting supporting documents
- Tailoring tone and language to different audiences
- Justifying proposals with data and research
Unit 5: Implementation and Change Management
- Planning for successful implementation
- Allocating resources and set timelines (Gantt and PERT charts)
- Stakeholder engagement
- Addressing resistance and manage change
- Communicating the policy effectively
Unit 6: Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
- Developing an evaluation plan
- Setting KPIs and success criteria
- Conducting impact assessments and audits
- Use Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) models
- Evaluating policy effectiveness
Study Hours
Estimated duration 30 Hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% Online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Click to See What Our Students Say
This one was really interesting and really made me think about my answers and how I was going to complete them. I learnt a lot from this course on top of my pre-existing knowledge working within HR for the past 10+ years.
Michelle | Craigie, WA | Certificate of Policy Development
I found it very informative. I accessed learning through a range of options, that satisfied my overall learning experience. I’m glad to have chosen Australian Online Courses, and I am so proud to have passed my exams.
Noah | Nundah, QLD | Certificate of Policy Development
Very well structured and met the expectations I had about the course. The support was always available, and although I never needed to use it, I was reassured that I had support if I needed it. Am very pleased with the outcome. Thank you. The opportunity came at the perfect time and am glad I took it.
Beth | Albany Creek, QLD | Certificate of Policy Development
The ability to study when I could was great, worked in with my life. Topics were easy to follow.
Brigitte, Kangaroo Flat, VIC | Certificate of Policy Development
Well guided through and easy to follow directions.
Carla | Manjimup, WA | Certificate of Policy Development
It was a pleasant and easy experience.
Veronica | Craigieburn, VIC | Certificate of Policy Development
Content was easy to understand and assessment were easy to complete.
Monica | Newstead, QLD | Certificate of Policy Development
It has been supportive and informative, I am enrolling in my next course with AOC now. Thank you
Meagan | Horningsea Park, NSW | Certificate of Policy Development
Overall satisfied with course experience. Provides a good overview of policy work.
Gisele, Yukon Canada | Certificate of Policy Development.
Whilst I found some questions difficult to answer, perseverance enabled completion. Any concerns I had were answered quickly and assisted in completing the relevant question or replying to any concerns. Guidance material was clear and understanding majority of the time with some clarification/guidance needed from support. I feel this course would be ideal to enhance career goals or as a refresher course and would not hesitate to recommend Australian Online Courses as a go to learning organisation
P. Holt, Melton West, VIC | Certificate of Policy Development
I found studying with Australian Online Courses to be a very accommodating studying method in regards to being able to study at my own pace; as well as gaining informative learning materials that is easy to understand, and the unit information presented is engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed studying this course.
Jessica | Boddington, WA| Certificate of Policy Development
Really enjoyable, very good and clear feedback from Tutors. Course material was interesting and well presented. I used the printed material option, it would have added to the experience if this was in colour, like the online learning material.
S. Riley, Kingston, ACT | Certificate of Policy Development
I found the course helpful and holistic. The examples were practical.
A.Mason, Beecroft, NSW | Certificate of Policy Development
It was very detailed and relevant
M. Graczol, Cobbitty, NSW | Certificate of Policy Development
The online assistance was prompt and the course material was easy to navigate.
Cristine | Nowra, NSW | Certificate of Policy Development
Platform is easy to use. Was happy with the course. Thank you.
Joseph | Greenway, ACT | Certificate of Policy Development
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
- Policy Officer/ Coordinator
- Policy Development Officer
- Policy Advisor
Related Blogs
