Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
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
Take the first step towards a more fulfilling career and graduate with lasting professional networks by studying the Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management). Learn valuable business skills from academics with successful careers in the arts and creative sectors and use this short, flexible course as a stepping stone into the master degree.
Want to complement your knowledge of the arts with practical business skills that boost your employability?
The Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) features four core units from Deakin’s Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) – the only course of its kind in Australia delivered by a business school. This gives our graduates a significant advantage by ensuring they have the practical business experience employers are seeking more than ever. It prepares managers ready for work in both not-for-profit and commercial organisations.
The course is responsive to trends within the sector, better preparing you for your future role. Through hands-on tasks and assignments, you will learn to apply the fundamentals of business – including management, marketing, finance, human resources and project management – in arts and cultural management contexts.
The curriculum's connectedness to the sector comes as a result of course content that’s shaped by advisory boards and delivered by industry experts. Working alongside employers and board members within the industry, our academics develop assessments, projects and content that reflect the challenges of the field. Not only are our academics well-connected, they’re also highly credentialed and experienced. From arts managers influencing arts and cultural policies for government, to Presidents of the Green Room Awards, you will be learning from the very best.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- M519
- 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 Arts and Cultural Management, students attain a total of 4 credit points of core units, plus completion of the 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.
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:
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
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 in any discipline with at
least three years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)*
• at least five years’ relevant work experience (or part-time
equivalent)#
*Definition of minimum work experience: must include at least two
years (full-time equivalent) in a managerial or professional role
(either paid or volunteer) in arts and/or cultural management with
direct involvement in operational matters that could include
budgetary, staffing, strategy, planning and implementation decisions.
#Definition of minimum work experience: must include at least three
years (full-time equivalent) in a managerial or professional role
(either paid or volunteer) in arts and/or cultural management with
direct involvement in operational matters that could include
budgetary, staffing, strategy, planning and implementation decisions.
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:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
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
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.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) (4 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
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*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
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.
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.
Apply now
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.
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
This course can be a pathway to:
Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) (M785)
Further study options
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) may be eligible for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) or the Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management).
Graduate Diploma of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) (M665)
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.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
The course’s strong reputation in the industry leads to great career outcomes. Your qualification will give you an advantage when pursuing leadership roles across a range of settings including:
- arts and cultural venues
- community arts and cultural development
- festivals
- museums and galleries
- performing and visual arts
- publishing houses
- screen industries
- touring companies.
While there are many exciting career pathways for graduates, you will also have the option of continuing your studies into Deakin’s Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management). Many leaders within the industry are graduates from the master’s program and have gone on to work in high-profile organisations such as:
- Arts Centre Melbourne
- Australian Ballet
- Creative Partnerships Australia
- Federal, state and local government arts departments.
- Melbourne Fringe Festival
- Museum Victoria
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
- National Gallery of Australia
- Opera Australia
- Regional Arts Australia
- Theatre Network Australia.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring graduates are employable worldwide.
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 Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Assess a broad range of specialised management approaches and their application to arts organisations |
| Communication | Develop appropriate communication strategies and techniques in the practice of arts management |
| Digital literacy | Employ technologies to find, use and disseminate information, concepts and theories in relation to arts management |
| Critical thinking | Appraise and analyse information in order to understand and apply theories of arts management |
| Problem solving | Formulate solutions to a diverse range of current and emerging arts management challenges and issues |
| Self-management | Personalise observations of arts management practice |
| Teamwork | Analyse the contributions made to arts management from a range of disciplines and backgrounds |
| Global citizenship | Translate arts management theory and practice from a range of cultural and international contexts |