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The Public Sector Management Program (degree is a Graduate Certificate in Business, Public Sector Management) has been offered by the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) since 1991 to employees of the public sector.  The APSC recognises the importance of the NGO sector in delivering services on behalf of the government, and to encourage participation in this post graduate course, is offering scholarships for NGO participants.

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has been delivering the PSM Program nationally since 2015. QUT is offering a limited number of Public Sector Management Program (PSMP) scholarships in 2016 to NGO employees on a two for one basis. When two NGO employees apply (they do not need to be from the same NGO), the cost of the $9,900 course fee is split, allowing each successful applicant to complete a Graduate Certificate in Business (Public Sector Management) for less than $5000.

Some points about PSM Program:

  • A distinctive curriculum developed by academic and public sector experts
  • Focused on a dynamic mix of contemporary government case studies and challenging theory exercises
  • A flexible and dynamic study option designed specifically for mid-level managers from across all tiers of government and the NGO sector
  • A national program tailored to each jurisdiction by integrating relevant case studies, policies and local speakers
  • This is an employer sponsored program focusing on building public sector capabilities.

Benefits to Participants from the NGO sector include:

  • A Graduate Certificate in Business (Public Sector Management)
  • Eligible for credit or advanced standing into further post-graduate programs including QUT’s Masters of Business Administration (MBA) or the Master of Business and with other universities with PSM articulation agreements
  • Broadened knowledge of the public sector
  • Enhanced management and leadership skills,
  • Increased understanding of the language of government
  • New networks within governments
  • Increased understanding of policy drivers and decision making processes within government
  • Improved ability to target grants application due to increased skills in interpretation of  government language and policy frameworks 

Program summary:

The program develops participants' understanding of the role of the business of government and develops their management capacity to:

  • understand and effectively manage the business of government
  • think systemically in an ambiguous and contestable world
  • be accountable and be held to account
  • become reflective practitioners
  • manage relationships for customer and business outcomes
  • enable self and others for productivity and performance.

The PSMP consists of 4 units of study, which can be completed over a 15 month period. The units have been designed in consultation with the governments of Australia and are delivered using a flexible blended approach to learning and work based assignments:

Unit one Managing within the Context of Government:  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 Managing Self and Others:  Provides insights into key individual and group behaviours, and offers skills for communicating with and managing people and teams.

Unit threeManaging Outwards in a Networked Government:  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 fourManaging Operations for Outcomes:  Builds 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.

More details are available on the PSMP website.

Program brochure

NSW Timetable

QUT Application Assessment Form

QUT Employer Financial Authorisation Form