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Graduate Certificate of Business

Postgraduate coursework

Whether you're wanting to boost your skills or make a career switch, this flexible degree is perfect for professionals of all backgrounds. Study a wide range of majors and pursue your career goals, while earning a business qualification valued by employers.

Key facts

Duration

0.5 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

This highly flexible course is for students with a degree in any field, who want to refine their business skills and industry expertise. 

Advance your career with a graduate certificate from a top 3 business school in Victoria* that exposes you to the key areas that impact business today. You will learn the principles underpinning social responsibility, business technology, financial systems, innovation and entrepreneurship, and how each of these areas influence revenue and business success.

Gain the skills to tackle the business challenges of tomorrow

Customise your studies to match your unique career goals by selecting from a wide range of electives, all while earning a business qualification valued by employers. Study online or at Burwood and graduate ahead of the curve with a business degree that prepares you for the future. 

Want to keep your options open for further study? This course provides a direct pathway to the Master of Business. 

*AFR BOSS Best Business Schools 2023

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Course information

Award granted
Graduate Certificate of Business
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
M556
Level
Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Business, students must attain a total of 4 credit points, consisting of 3 credit points of course elective units, 1 credit point of open elective units, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.

3

Course elective units

1

Open elective units

4

Total units

Compulsory 0-credit point units

To be completed in the first trimester of study:-

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
  • Course elective units

    Students must complete a minimum of three (3) credit points of course electives from the following:

  • Environmental Sustainability for Business
  • Information Technology, Markets and Business Strategy
  • Financial Interpretation
  • Small Business Management
  • Open elective units

    One (1) credit point of open elective which may be chosen from:

    • A unit that has not been attempted from the list above
    • Other postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to eligibility)
    • Up to two (2) Deakin stackable short courses equal to 1 credit point (0.5cp microcredentials)

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Mandatory student checks

    Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

    Workload

    You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

    Participation requirements

    Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Work experience

    This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.

    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher
    • at least two years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
    The estimated fee for this course is not currently available, please contact Student Central for further information.
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

    Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Pathways

    Further study options

    M756 Master of Business

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Completing a Graduate Certificate of Business opens up opportunities for employment in a diverse range of sectors. Apply your knowledge of business and practical experience to elevate your career in the industry of your choice.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcome
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Develop core knowledge of fundamental business principles and concepts and apply this in contemporary business contexts.

    Communication

    Demonstrate business communication techniques to convey complex business concepts.

    Digital literacy

    Not explicitly assessed as a learning outcome in this award.

    Critical thinking

    Critically analyse a range of complex business related information to make informed business decisions.

    Problem solving

    Apply problem solving skills and techniques to analyse solutions and develop informed recommendations to real-world business problems.

    Self-management

    Not explicitly assessed as a learning outcome in this award.

    Teamwork

    Not explicitly assessed as a learning outcome in this award.

    Global citizenship

    Not explicitly assessed as a learning outcome in this award.