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Graduate Diploma of Business Administration

Postgraduate coursework

Expand your career options with versatile business skills. Broaden your understanding of organisational management, business leadership and operations.

Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

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

Enhance your undergraduate degree with versatile business expertise. Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Business Administration is designed to provide you with a global business perspective, broadening your career options and paving the way to take on our Master of Business Administration (MBA).

This one-year course gives you the opportunity to study the fundamentals of business at a top 3 business school in Victoria* You will cover a broad range of topics relating to organisational management, as well as the development of the creative, analytical and interpersonal capabilities crucial to business leadership, including people management and marketing.

Ready to accelerate your business leadership skills?

The course will prepare you for management roles across a range of sectors. The business skills gained in this qualification can also lead to progression in your current career.

Considering taking your studies further? The Graduate Diploma of Business Administration is a pathway into the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

*AFR BOSS Best Business Schools 2023

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Graduate Diploma of Business Administration
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
M601
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 Diploma of Business Administration, students must attain a total of 8 credit points, consisting of 6 credit points of core units and 2 credit points 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.

6

Core units

2

Elective units

8

Total units

Core units

  • Strategy and Innovation Management: Managing Value and Risk #
  • Financial Decision Making
  • The Economic Environment ^
  • Marketing, Consumers, and the Marketplace ^
  • Enterprise Optimisation and Transformation
  • Leading People in Organisations #
  • ^ MBT code denotes study tour version of the unit

    #MBR code denotes residential version of the unit

    Compulsory 0-credit point module

    To be completed in the first trimester of study:-

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
  • Open elective units

    Students may select any two postgraduate units, including stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials), subject to eligibility.

    Stackable short courses

    Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 credit point microcredentials) to earn up to 1 credit point of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. For more information, visit the Deakin stackable short course options.

    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

    Trimester 3 - November

    • Start date: November
    • Available at:
      • Online

    INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - International students should note that, due to visa regulations, this course can only be undertaken while living outside Australia.

    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.

    Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

    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 provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.

    Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.

    Take the next step to a brighter future

    Kickstart your career growth. We'll prepare you for the career you've always wanted.

    Download course guide

    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 in any discipline and at least three years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)*
    • completion of a graduate certificate in a related discipline and at least three years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)*

    *Definition of minimum work experience: three years' relevant work experience and must include at least two years' (full-time equivalent) in a managerial or professional role with responsibilities for decision making in a range of areas including budgetary oversight, staffing and management, involvement in strategy and planning development and operational implementation.

    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:

    Non-academic requirements

    You must provide the following with your application:

    • a current CV that clearly demonstrates professional / managerial experience
    • current contact details of two referees who can be contacted concerning your work experience
    • a one page brief outlining why you believe that your work experience would be valued by your peers in the course

    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
    $38,800 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
    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. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight 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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    • $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration (8 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

    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

    As a graduate you may find employment in areas such as:

    • Financial planning
    • Corporate governance
    • Human resource management
    • Marketing.

    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 our 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

    Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental business principles and concepts and integrate own business expertise to develop insights into complex, contemporary business issues and apply this to address emerging global business trends and challenges

    Communication Demonstrate high level communication skills to articulate a range of business concepts and their application
    Digital literacy

    Use digital technologies to obtain, organise and disseminate complex business information

    Critical thinking Critically analyse and evaluate business data and information, complex ideas and theories and their application in an organisational environment
    Problem solving Apply problem solving skills to analyse, develop and recommend solutions for complex business issues
    Self-management Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award
    Teamwork Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award
    Global citizenship Demonstrate understanding of global business issues and social and cultural contexts that influence them