Study Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
January
March
June
September

Campus
City West

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DCMA

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Fees
$AU 20,950 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025

Entry requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:

a) A minimum of three (3) years full time management experience and a recognised university Bachelor degree or equivalent professional qualifications;

or

b) A minimum of seven (7) years full time management experience.

All applicants are also required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae or equivalent with at least one referee who can validate work experience.

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Degree overview

Use this qualification as a pathway into UniSA's award-winning Master of Business Administration if you have management experience but do not hold an undergraduate qualification.
Learn current business issues, trends and challenges with a focus on experience-based and interactive learning.
Study topics such as strategy, leadership, marketing, managerial finance, international business, ethics, and more.
Tailor your studies to suit your needs with flexible options including face-to-face, online or mixed mode study, as well as full-time or part-time.
Work on real-life business cases, and learn from visiting business leaders and guest lecturers.
Gain valuable industry insights and mentorship from an experienced senior business leader through the Executive Partners Program.
Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence¹.
Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Business and Management².
Study at the #1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality³.

¹UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. ²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ³Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2024.

Snapshot

Catherine Macleod.jpg With a focus on experienced-based learning and current business trends, the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration will help you take the next step in your career.

As part of your studies, you will develop business administration skills and knowledge by studying areas such as managerial finance, international business, ethics, marketing, and leadership. You will learn to think strategically and critically, and to work collaboratively.

You can tailor your studies to suit your individual needs with the option to learn face-to-face (including intensives and evening classes), online or in mixed mode, as well as full-time or part-time.

This postgraduate degree is offered as part of a nested suite in Business Administration where each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to the next level qualification. If you finish this graduate certificate and want to continue your studies, you can use this degree as a pathway and gain credit for successfully completed courses into the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration or Master of Business Administration.

What you'll learn

You will study a foundation course in strategic thinking, then select three courses from a diverse range of business areas, including an elective course. You will develop business administration skills and knowledge by studying strategy, leadership, marketing, managerial finance, international business, and ethics.

All courses have an applied focus. They draw on real-life business case studies, and you are encouraged to draw on your own industry and workplace-based scenarios for assessment tasks. Courses also feature visiting industry leaders who will lead discussions around contemporary business problems.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
COURSES and SEQUENCING:
FIRST:
Strategic Thinking: Concepts and Tools	BUSS 5424	4.5
THEN - in any order, any 3 of the following courses:
Accounting for Decision Making	BUSS 5247	4.5
Data Visualisation and Communication for Business Professionals	INFS 5128	4.5
Managing People and Organisations	BUSS 5425	4.5
International Business	BUSS 5251	4.5
Strategic Marketing	BUSS 5245	4.5
Ethics, Governance and Sustainability	BUSS 5385	4.5
Leadership for Growth	BUSS 5438	4.5
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Specified electives
Entrepreneurship and Innovation	BUSS 5080	4.5
Negotiation	BUSS 5355	4.5
The Law for Managers	LAWS 5016	4.5
Responsible Leadership	BUSS 5389	4.5
Contemporary Management Issues B	BUSS 5419	4.5
Digital Business Strategy and Operations	BUSS 5451	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. The elective is to be chosen from a range of specified elective courses set out in the electives schedule and online timetable or, subject to Program Director approval, from courses in other postgraduate programs at the University of South Australia or from other recognised higher education institutions.

Notes

1. Not all electives will be offered each year. Students should refer to the online timetable for details of courses offered in the current year as additional electives may be offered on a once-off basis.

Study hours

There are 4 courses in the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration program, run over four study periods each year. Each course is ten weeks in duration, requiring approximately 15 hours of study per week, and may also be studied in intensive mode.

Study periods commence in January, April, June and September each year, providing you with a choice between four intakes.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. Some of the assessment types you might undertake include:

Case studies and reports
Essays and assignments
An industry-relevant project
An oral or online presentation
A journal or a portfolio
Team-based assignments.

Research

UniSA is recognised and respected for its high quality, comprehensive research inspired by the contemporary challenges facing Australia and the world.

We focus on finding practical solutions, creating new knowledge, and delivering economic and social benefits. We collaborate with industry to generate high quality research that solves real-world problems. We are renowned for our concentration of academic experts and global thought leaders in marketing, human resource management, applied economics, tourism and international business.

The curriculum is informed by our research expertise. In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, all of our assessed research was rated at or above world-class. We have particular strengths in management and marketing, and we are one of only three business schools globally with an academic focus on SME business growth. Read more about our strengths in research.

Timetable

This degree is offered across four study periods each year.

2024 teaching dates

Study Period 1 (Term 1) 8 January - 15 March
Study Period 3 (Term 2) 1 April - 7 June
Study Period 4 (Term 3) 24 June - 30 August
Study Period 6 (Term 4) 16 September - 22 November

Why Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

SNoonan_UniSA BusHub_231017_004.jpg This graduate certificate has a strong focus on real-world application. You will work with real business case studies and learn from visiting business leaders and guest lecturers.

UniSA is renowned nationally and internationally for excellence in business education. We develop our degrees in partnership with industry and connect with top professional bodies.

We understand the demands on busy professionals and provide you with the flexibility to tailor your studies. Choose to learn face-to-face (including evening classes and intensives), online or in mixed mode, as well as full-time or part-time.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

Real-world connections

Executive Partners Program

The Executive Partners Program is a unique mentoring opportunity, where you will be matched to a senior executive with extensive business experience and networks. You will gain new perspectives, develop business insights, and consider your career trajectory. Executive Partners are selected from a diverse range of professions and industries, and have worked for companies such as Alcoa, BP, Commonwealth Bank, CSR, ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi and SA Health.

Hear from our graduates

Industry facts

Employment as a business administration manager in Australia is projected to increase by 19,100 (or 12.1 per cent) by May 2024.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019.

By 2024, employment for information and organisation professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 18.3 per cent.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019.

How to apply

Please apply via the UniSA MBA Application Portal.

As part of the application process, you will need to submit:

An academic transcript
A current curriculum vitae which addresses the entry requirements, includes qualifications and provides evidence of management experience.

If applicable, scholarship applications must also be submitted in conjunction with your completed application.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Global opportunities

International short-term and full semester exchanges, as well as intensive study tours can open doors to new possibilities and experiences. The University of South Australia has strong connections with prestigious universities in Europe, Asia and the Americas – there are over 25 countries and 60 universities to choose from.

Travelling and studying with leading academic staff and your peers is a wonderful opportunity to develop first-hand knowledge of the international business environment. You’ll find the experience invaluable for your personal and professional development, and gain a global perspective.

Study tours

The European Summer School of Advanced Management is a two-week study tour that gives 100 of the world’s outstanding MBA students an intensive international business experience. It has previously been hosted in London, Glasgow and Copenhagen.

The Business in China Intensive School is a two-week study tour and project, offered in partnership with Peking University – a leading international business school.

There are also a range of international study grants available, making study abroad much more accessible.

Student services

Business_Hub_images-11 copy.jpg Our dedicated MBA team is available to support you throughout your studies. The team can provide expert advice on study options, elective choices, career services and more, and can help with referrals to other support services across the University.

Our City West campus also has fantastic facilities if you're studying on campus including purpose-built teaching spaces, a state-of-the-art library and modern study rooms, as well as student gyms, pools and campus sport activities.

Interactive learning environment

Regardless of whether you study on campus, online or in mixed mode, you'll have access to online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, allowing you to organise your study to suit your lifestyle.

You'll be able to:

Access online videos and course resources
Participate in virtual classrooms
Submit your assignments and get feedback online
Use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

Our online facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning around your lifestyle. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

This degree can be studied face-to-face on campus, online or in mixed mode. If studying on campus, you will be based at UniSA's City West Campus.

Your program director

I am a true believer that we all possess leadership skills innately and programs such as the Master of Business Administration are critical in bringing those skills to the fore and enhancing them. Partnering industry and academia ensures we are not only developing the skills of today but also the leadership skills required for the future.

Prof Lan Snell

Program Director

Enquire

Prof Lan Snell

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.