Send me a PDF copyHighlights
- Become a leader in the public sector, gaining the confidence and expertise to make a positive difference.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the business and inner workings of government.
- A strong balance between academic theory and hands-on practical skills will ensure your learning can be applied directly in your workplace.
- Join an impressive national alum network of public service and government leaders.
- Graduate in just 15 months with our flexible and dynamic delivery style.
- Option for blended delivery (online learning with four intensive mandatory 3 or 4-day workshops) in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Perth and Sydney, for further information please refer to the state timetables below.
- A separate option for fully virtual delivery offerings (online learning with virtual classrooms) will also be offered nationally, for further information please refer to the virtual timetable below.
- Undertake a work-based project that delivers real outcomes for your organisation.
- Expand your studies and receive credit (advanced standing) towards relevant QUT master's degrees.
- Scholarships are available for NGO and local government employees. Find out more at the scholarships page.
Highlights
- Become a leader in the public sector, gaining the confidence and expertise to make a positive difference.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the business and inner workings of government.
- A strong balance between academic theory and hands-on practical skills will ensure your learning can be applied directly in your workplace.
- Join an impressive national alum network of public service and government leaders.
- Graduate in just 15 months with our flexible and dynamic delivery style.
- Option for blended delivery (online learning with four intensive mandatory 3 or 4-day workshops) in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Perth and Sydney, for further information please refer to the state timetables below.
- A separate option for fully virtual delivery offerings (online learning with virtual classrooms) will also be offered nationally, for further information please refer to the virtual timetable below.
- Undertake a work-based project that delivers real outcomes for your organisation.
- Expand your studies and receive credit (advanced standing) towards relevant QUT master's degrees.
- Scholarships are available for NGO and local government employees. Find out more at the scholarships page.
Real-world learning
QUT delivers a holistic, theoretically rigorous and real-world focused program through an innovative workplace blended learning framework.
You will undertake a workplace project delivering real outcomes for your organisations.
Explore this course
QUT has delivered the Public Sector Management Program nationally for Commonwealth, State and Local Governments for a decade.
Offered to both public sector and non-government organisation (NGO) staff, the program provides an engaging and relevant curriculum, delivered through a unique blend of work-based learning, workshops and a virtual learning environment.
Experts in business and government education
Since its inception in Adelaide in 1991 and national rollout in 1992, the PSMP boasts over three decades of proven success. With such a trusted program, you can feel confident knowing you’ll gain industry-relevant knowledge needed to navigate the public sector effectively.
Drawing on over a decade of experience delivering the PSMP, QUT’s team of academics and industry professionals will equip you with essential skills and expertise to advance into leadership roles.
Enhance your management and leadership skills
Specifically designed in consultation with the governments of Australia, the Public Sector Management Program is all about developing your management skills in the business of government.
Course timetables
Timetables are available for the below state cohorts:
- Queensland timetable (PDF file, 235.3 KB)
- Australian Capital Territory timetable (PDF file, 188.3 KB)
- New South Wales timetable (PDF file, 189.1 KB)
- Northern Territory timetable (PDF file, 706.0 KB)
- Virtual 2401 (PDF file, 236.0 KB)
- Virtual 2402 (PDF file, 233.4 KB)
- Virtual 2403 (PDF file, 235.8 KB)
- Virtual 2404 (PDF file, 235.7 KB)
Flexible delivery
Designed to maximise workplace learning, this national curriculum employs a blend of workshops (face to face or virtual delivery), workplace projects, case studies and an online learning environment offering participants access to QUT’s library database, PSMP cohort Canvas (online learning software), weblinks, videos and PDF e-books.
Duration
The four-unit course is delivered over 15 months.
Assessment items
Assignments will be marked by the unit facilitator in accordance with standard assessment criteria and moderated nationally to ensure consistency.
Student support
QUT supports participants throughout the course, delivering a high-quality learning experience with a national team of committed administrative and academic staff.
As a PSM Program participant you will be enrolled as a QUT student before the start of the program. You will have access to student support such as QUT library access and library support, learning support and academic writing support.
Possible careers
- Assistant director
- Director
- Manager
- Program manager
- Project manager
Program content
The public sector management program is designed in collaboration with the governments of Australia to meet the needs of the contemporary public sector. It consists of four core units.
Unit One: GSZ631 Managing within the Context of Government
GSZ631 provides the 'big picture' of government and the context within which public sector managers operate. It develops an understanding of the institutional frameworks and conventions which guide practice and ensure sustainable democratic processes.
Unit Two: GSZ632 Managing Self and Others
GSZ632 provides insights into key individual and group behaviours, and offers skills for communicating and managing people and teams.
Unit Three: GSZ633 Managing Outwards in a Networked Government
GSZ633 explores the variety of relationships that managers need to build across the public sector and outside it - with the private sector, with community and not-for-profit sector and with citizens and clients of government services.
Unit Four: GSZ634 Managing Operations for Outcomes
GSZ634 builds on the overall operational capabilities of managers and provides them with highly effective and appropriate tools, processes and diagnostic capabilities to deliver and sustain the business of government. This unit also includes a workplace project.
Course coordinators are located across Australia with administrative support staff in Brisbane and Canberra.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2025 fees
2025: $3,175 per unit (12 credit points)
2025 fees
2024 fees
2024: $3,100 per unit (12 credit points)
2024 fees
FEE-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
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