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Graduate Certificate of Commerce

Postgraduate coursework

Build a foundation of business and commerce knowledge in preparation for further study. Select from a range of commerce-related subjects.

Key facts

Duration

0.5 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 are closed.

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

Advance your career with Deakin's Graduate Certificate of Commerce and gain a broad base of business knowledge and application. This course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of commerce, teaching you skills you can apply in contemporary business contexts.

The Graduate Certificate of Commerce allows you to select subjects to suit your interests and goals and build knowledge to help you make informed business decisions. With studies chosen from the areas of capital markets, business and technology and business and society you will cover a breadth of critical information to forward your career.

Ready to build upon your business skill set and expand your career options?

With options to study at Deakin's Melbourne Burwood Campus or online, you can tailor your study experience to fit around your commitments. Want to keep your options open for further study? This course provides a direct pathway to the Master of Commerce.

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Graduate Certificate of Commerce
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
M516
CRICOS code?
059821J Burwood (Melbourne)
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 Commerce, students must attain a total of 4 credit points, consisting of 4 credit points of course electives, 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.

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:-

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
  • Course electives

    Students complete 4 credit points of course electives, which must include at least one from each of the following groups:

    Group 1- Capital Markets

  • Financial Markets and Digital Innovations
  • Accounting
  • Financial Interpretation
  • Principles of Finance
  • Group 2- Business and Technology

  • Foundation Skills in Data Analysis
  • Value of Information
  • Managing Digital Transformation
  • Digital Transformation of Supply Chains
  • Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications
  • Group 3- Business and Society

  • Economics for Managers ^
  • Marketing Management ^
  • Business Law
  • Human Resource Management
  • ^ MMT/MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit

    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

    Trimester 3 - November

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

    Please note: Full-time study is available in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 only.

    For students commencing before T1 2022, please see the 2021 handbook.

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.

    Recognition of prior learning

    Recognition of prior learning into the Graduate Certificate of Commerce may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate postgraduate studies. There are negotiated Recognition of prior learning arrangements in place for CPA members.

    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 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.

    Estimate your FEE-HELP

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    Your estimated FEE-HELP repayments

    • $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Certificate of Commerce (4 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
    • is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
    • of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP

    *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.

    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

    This course can be a pathway to:

    Master of Commerce (M755)

     

    Further study options

    M755 Master of Commerce

    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 Diploma of Commerce opens up opportunities for employment in diverse sectors of business and government in Australia and internationally. Equipped with a business mindset and practical experience, you will excel in roles like:

    • economist
    • human resources manager 
    • international trade officer 
    • IT and systems professional
    • marketing assistant/manager 
    • professional accountant
    • social and economic policy developer.

    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 Develop and synthesise a brief base of critical commerce knowledge and apply this in contemporary business contexts
    Communication Demonstrate business communication techniques to convey complex commerce concepts and proposals
    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.