Grow with sustainable leadership
Organisations that align to environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria perform better and are more resilient to impacts, such as COVID-19, according to independent research. This short course equips you with the practical tools and methodologies to achieve a sustainable and resilient business future.
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Start date
20 Aug 2025 -
Duration
4–6 weeks -
Study mode
Online masterclass -
Investment
$1980 (inc. GST)
Job skills outcome
After completion of the masterclasses and assessment, you will be able to apply these skills immediately in your workplace.
- Understand the drivers and impacts of the climate, energy and the circular economy transition.
- Identify physical and transitional opportunities, risks and implement optimum responses, on a range of meaningful timescales.
- Develop and present a credible case for change, including recommendations on an integrated response to strategy, management and reporting to your senior executive.
Earn a digital credential
We’ve teamed up with Credly to award you a digital credential when you complete this industry-recognised stackable short course, plus you can bank the credit towards a Deakin postgraduate degree. You can also share your digital credential on social and professional platforms.
Co-designed with industry
This industry-led stackable short course is co-designed with Out of the Box Executive. Together, we’ve designed a course where you’ll gain skills that you can apply immediately in your workplace.
Meet the experts
Neil Plummer is a climatologist who has been immersed in the Australian and global climate community for more than 30 years. He was head of Climate Services in the Bureau of Meteorology for eight years. Neil currently works with organisations to support them in the climate, energy and circular economy transition and, in particular, to help them capture opportunities and manage their risks.
Fabian Sack has been a leader in sustainability transformational theory and practice in the public, private and NGO sectors, using interdisciplinary technical and educational tools, for 20 years. Fabian’s portfolio includes leading corporate transformational processes in complex regulatory and operating contexts, the development of best practice adult education programs in higher education and building collaborative partnerships across sectors.
Meet the organisation
Out of the Box Executive is a consultancy firm that helps boards, businesses and executives to perform at their optimum, as well as deliver outcomes beyond their purpose and value proposition.
Reshaping university education
An innovative learning structure delivered by a leading university. With more than 40 years’ experience in distance and online education, we’re proud to be adding this unique study format to our courses, providing you with more choice to further your career and fulfil your lifelong learning needs.
Course overview
How you'll learn
Learn directly with industry experts in small groups during online live sessions delivered over six weeks. Build your expertise and elevate your industry knowledge with support from your educator, fellow learners and our team. We’re there for you before and after the online live sessions and assessment tasks. You are required to attend all masterclasses.
What you'll learn
During the short course you’ll:
- explore what ‘Sustainable Leadership to 2030’ is and why it matters to business and your professional development
- build your own kit of frameworks, methodologies and tools
- focus on risk management – existing and emerging from sustainable leadership
- learn how to integrate strategic and operational business planning, monitor and evaluate systems, and reporting
- gain the skills and tools required to build your case for change.
How you're assessed
Complete and submit an online diagnostic survey for your business (or one of your choice) that will allow you to rate:
- how well the organisation is positioned for the climate, energy and circular economy transition
- strengths and weaknesses over a range of factors considered important for the transition.
During the short course you’ll engage in a mix of presentation, practical exercises, self-reflection and group simulation. In the final masterclass, your small group will make a ‘pitch’ (presentation) for change.
Following the final online masterclass, you’ll be required to submit an executive summary (of 500 to 800 words) that highlights how you will leverage ‘Sustainable Leadership to 2030’ learnings to progress your organisation’s (or the one you chose) prosperity and career development.
Further details about the assessment requirements will be sent upon registration into this masterclass.
Entry requirements
To be successful we recommend you are proficient in English and have a minimum of an undergraduate degree in a related field or significant work experience.
Course dates
All webinars will be delivered from 5pm to 8pm AEST
- Monday 25 August 2025
- Monday 1 September 2025
- Monday 8 September 2025
- Monday 15 September 2025
Please note: Start date of course is Wednesday 20 August 2025 as a self-paced assessment task is due Thursday 21 August 2025.
Register your interest
Register your interest and get notified about upcoming course dates. We’ll be in touch when the next online masterclass is scheduled.
Stackable or standalone short course
Complete one stackable short course as a standalone credential, or stack multiple to build towards a full postgraduate degree at Deakin. Stackable short courses are affordable and help you to complete a postgraduate degree faster.
Recommended pathway to a related postgraduate degree
Learners who study this stackable short course also complete Change Tools
Postgraduate degrees you can apply stackable credit to
Unsure what degree you want to study? Study two stackable short courses that interest you and apply both as credit towards a wide range of postgraduate degrees at Deakin – from business administration to nursing, sustainability to communication, and more.
Other stackable short courses you can study at Deakin
If you're interested in this stackable short course, you may also like:
Got a question?
We've curated some of the most common questions students like you are asking about applications, entry requirements, fees and more.
Stackable short courses
Skip to next topicCan I gain credit towards a degree?
Yes. We offer fast, flexible and affordable online stackable short courses that give you the skills you need now, and are designed to stack together as credit towards a full Deakin postgraduate degree.
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Do Deakin's short courses guarantee entry to a postgraduate degree?
You’ll still need to demonstrate that you meet the postgraduate degree entry requirements. Two stackable short courses are equivalent to one credit point.
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How do I transition from a stackable short course to a graduate certificate or masters?
Contact us and we’ll provide you with instructions before you start the application process. You’ve already provided us with some of your details for the short course, but we will need a bit more information to support your application for a postgraduate course.
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Do employers recognise Deakin's stackable short courses?
Deakin has undertaken extensive industry and labour market research to identify key in-demand skills and growth areas. Our short courses are co-designed with industry experts and partners, to meet your career goals and their employment needs.
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How many stackable short courses can I study?
As many as you like! However there are limits on how many can be used for credit in specific degrees, which is outlined in the University Handbook. Typically, a maximum of four stackable short courses can be used as credit towards a masters and two stackable short courses towards graduate certificates and diplomas.
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How do I qualify for credit?
When you enrol in a stackable short course, you’re registered in Deakin’s student management system. When you complete two stackable short courses (1 credit point), your credit is automatically applied when you apply for a related degree. Upon successful completion you’re issued with a digital credential, which you can use as evidence.
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What if I only do one stackable short course, not two?
You can choose to do one stackable short course, developing in-demand skills for your employment now and with the option to ladder your study into a formal qualification in the future. Completing one course means you’re not eligible for credit towards a related destination degree – you need to complete two for credit.
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Do you have to do two stackable short courses in one year?
No. You can complete the stackable short courses at any time, even if you're completing them as part of a related degree, as long as you complete two before you are eligible to graduate (when you're enrolled in an award course).
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Will the 10-year rule apply to stackable short courses?
Yes. Where you want to use the stackable short course as credit, the 10-year rule will apply. Your application will be assessed if your qualifications were completed within the last 10 years. The rule exists to ensure learning and job skills maintain relevance.
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Will recognition of prior learning apply to courses that have 'university-wide' elective choice?
Yes. If there is non-specified credit then stackable short course credit can be used. Limits on elective space in a destination degree are outlined in specific degrees’ course rules within the University Handbook.
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Are there any assessments?
Yes. Each stackable short course contains an assessment. The assessment may be completed during learning or submitted within 4 weeks of the final masterclass, or up to 24 weeks if you’re studying an on-demand stackable short course.
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What are the assessments?
Assessments take the form of a presentation, written report or development task. Head to the course overview section to find out what you’ll be asked to submit.
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Are the stackable short course masterclasses on weekends or during the week?
Masterclasses will be scheduled as a mix of weekend and weekday evenings. Details are provided in each stackable short course description. Some may run over 4 to 6 weeks, others may be an intensive single weekend offering. Please note that for on-demand courses you can log in anytime and finish within 20 to 26 weeks.
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Do I have to attend all masterclass sessions and complete the assessment?
Yes. To be eligible for credit, you must achieve a Certificate of Completion. This means you will have to attend all sessions and pass the assessment for each masterclass. If there are special considerations that arise during your study, please speak with the course presenter or send an email to the stackable learning team.
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What is the difference between masterclass and on-demand stackable short courses?
A masterclass is delivered live by an industry expert so you must attend on the specific dates to participate.
Whereas on-demand study mode means you can log in anytime and finish when you want within the allocated timeframe of 20 to 26 weeks. Optional online live sessions are provided on rotation approximately every 6 weeks.
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Are masterclasses face-to-face or online?
All masterclasses are offered as online sessions. Full details are provided on each stackable short course masterclass page in the How you’ll learn section.
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Do I need to purchase textbooks or any materials?
No. All materials are provided as part of the stackable short course.
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Do I become a student of Deakin University?
You become a microcredential learner of Deakin University. You’ll be enrolled, receive a Student ID, and gain access to student systems and support during your study. As a part of the Deakin community, you’ll also be required to accept the Terms and Conditions of a microcredential learner.
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Are any discounts available?
A 10 percent discount is available to Deakin Alumni and 20 percent for staff. We also offer discounts for group bookings; 10 percent for groups of three to nine students, 20 percent for 10–29 students, and 30 percent for groups of 30 or more. For full details, email stackablelearning@deakin.edu.au
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What do I need to validate my eligibility for a discount?
If you register for an alumni or staff discount, you'll need to provide requested details to validate (check your ticket for more information). If your status cannot be validated within seven days, you’ll be removed from the course until you can validate or pay the outstanding amount.
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Is Fee-HELP available?
No. You will need to make full payment upfront.
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What is the refund policy?
For on-demand short courses you’ll have 7 days from purchase to apply for a refund. For masterclasses, let us know 30 days beforehand for a full refund. Cancellations within 30 days but at least 10 days from commencement will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 10 days of commencement will receive no refund. If we cancel, a full refund will be provided.
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Are there specific entry requirements or prerequisites for international students?
No. However, you need to meet the recommended experience and English language requirements listed on the course page to ensure you can be successful.
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What is the global standing of Deakin's stackable short courses?
In the digital badge, credit points are specified using the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Each microcredential is worth 3.75 points in the ECTS.
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Footnotes
*Subject to successful completion of the short course and meeting Deakin’s award course admission and selection requirements, including English language proficiency requirements.
Limits on elective space in a destination degree are outlined in specific degrees’ course rules within the Deakin University Handbook. Typically, a maximum of four stackable short courses can be used as credit (2 credit points) towards a masters; and two stackable short courses can be used as credit (1 credit point) towards graduate certificates and diplomas.