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 alumni network of public service and government leaders.
  • Graduate in just 15 months with our flexible and dynamic delivery style. 
  • For current blended and virtual offerings, refer to the timetables below under ‘what to expect’.
  • Undertake a work-based project that delivers real outcomes for your organisation. 
  • Expand your studies and receive credit (advanced standing) towards relevant QUT master degrees.
  • Attend our upcoming information session.

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 alumni network of public service and government leaders.
  • Graduate in just 15 months with our flexible and dynamic delivery style. 
  • For current blended and virtual offerings, refer to the timetables below under ‘what to expect’.
  • Undertake a work-based project that delivers real outcomes for your organisation. 
  • Expand your studies and receive credit (advanced standing) towards relevant QUT master degrees.
  • Attend our upcoming information session.

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.

What to expect

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.

For more information download a copy of the Public Sector Management Program brochure (PDF file, 2.4 MB).

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:

2026 timetables

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.

Careers and outcomes

Possible careers

  • Assistant director
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Program manager
  • Project manager

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2027 fees

2027: Fee available from July

Students have the option to pay their own fees, charged at the commencement of each unit. This independent payment facility is not offered to staff of the Northern Territory Government. Students who opt to pay their own fees may not have to pay anything upfront if they are eligible for a FEE-HELP loan. Note that employer authorisation to participate in the course is still required.

Unit costs per year

  • 2026 $3,277 per unit (GST exempt)
  • 2027 $3,375 per unit (GST exempt)

Departments and agencies have the option to pay the fees on behalf of the student however fee help does not apply to employer payments.

2027 fees

2026 fees

2026: $3,277 per unit (12 credit points)

Students have the option to pay their own fees, charged at the commencement of each unit. This independent payment facility is not offered to staff of the Northern Territory Government. Students who opt to pay their own fees may not have to pay anything upfront if they are eligible for a FEE-HELP loan. Note that employer authorisation to participate in the course is still required.

Unit costs per year

  • 2026 $3,277 per unit (GST exempt)
  • 2027 $3,375 per unit (GST exempt)

Departments and agencies have the option to pay the fees on behalf of the student however fee help does not apply to employer payments.

2026 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.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships