Graduate Certificate in Leadership
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 17,100 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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Entry requirements
Entrants to the program shall hold one of the following:
- A completed Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
- A completed AQF equivalent Advanced Diploma (or Associate Degree) plus 1 year professional experience; or
- A completed AQF equivalent Diploma and 2 years professional experience; or
- 3 years professional experience.
Degree overview
- UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
- Learn to lead high-performance teams and manage organisational change Explore current, practical case studies and confidently apply your new leadership skills to real-world business environments.
- Use this qualification to continue your studies through a range of UniSA Master's degrees.
- Connect with a senior business leader through our Executive Partners Program.
- Benefit from flexible study options and learn full-time, part-time, on-campus, online or in mixed mode.
- Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
- Study at the No.1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality1.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Management2.
- 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 excellence3.
- Experience UniSA’s campus facilities, ranked in the Top 5 in Australia for Business and Management4.
- Complete the Leaders Institute of South Australia Amplify program as part of your degree, or gain credit towards one elective course.
1Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3UniSA 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. . 4Ranked #4 (Undergraduate) and #5 (Postgraduate), ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Learning Resources Indicator. Public universities.
Snapshot
Develop critical problem solving, research and leadership skills needed to succeed as a professional manager in today’s workplace.
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership will enable you to develop specialised skills and knowledge in leadership, applicable across industries and professions including business, education, health, government, and not-for-profit. The program will develop the foundational skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead in changing environments, managing dispersed and diverse teams, providing leadership in online workplaces and making effective businesses decisions under pressure.
This qualification can enable admission into select UniSA Business Master's degrees.
What you'll learn
The program will develop the foundational skills and knowledge needed to effectively lead in changing environments.
You will study a total of four courses – three courses about people, leadership and change, as well as one elective from the following:
- Project Management for Business
- Negotiation
- Research for Business Decision Making
- Managing Employee Performance and Rewards
- Leading Learning: Educational Leadership in Globalising Times
- Leadership, Accountability and the Challenge of Complexity.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Courses in the program will apply extensive use of case studies. Assessments are contextualised within organisational environments and address operational activities and strategic issues. Courses will investigate real world management problems, enabling students to analyse and provide recommendations.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Certificate in Leadership
This graduate certificate will enable you to learn from the only university in South Australia to have all its Business and Management research rated above world–class1. You will develop skills in fundamental business areas such as leadership and resource and change management, which are vital for modern managers to thrive in today’s workplace.
This graduate certificate will provide you with the knowledge and skills to gain a solid foundation in management, and enable entry into select UniSA Business masters degrees. It is suitable for those who don't hold a prior business qualification but have substantial work experience, or a non-business undergraduate degree.
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.
Executive Partners Program
Extend your network and career by connecting with a senior business professional as part of our Executive Partners Program.
This is a unique opportunity for you to engage with a highly successful industry executive to enhance your study and career. Our Executive Partners are active, semi-retired or recently retired professionals who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you achieve your career goals.
An enriching student experience
Our program delivery and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from a blend of online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and leadership skill development. You can also explore accelerated learning pathways and seek program support from our Business Student Hub.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Real-world connections
We have a strong reputation as a dynamic, vibrant and connected organisation, and as such we have extensive national and international industry links and relationships.
These industry relationships are of great benefit to students and will form part of your important industry network.
Our links to UniSA’s research facilities ensure your learning is connected to the latest technologies, theories and applications of knowledge. Our teachers are leaders in their field and you could be learning from globally recognised research groups such as the Ehrenberg Bass Institute for Marketing Science.
We also host regular University-wide employee master classes, employment expos and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Graduates will be able to seek various leadership and supervisory positions in a wide range of industries, in both the public and private sectors. Responsibilities include leading teams, projects, and organisational change.
Due to the flexibility in this degree, there are many career paths our graduates aspire to – you could consider careers such as a:
- General manager: planning and directing the operations of companies or public and private sector organisations; duties can include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources.
- Management consultant: offering strategic and objective advisory services to help organisations to improve productivity and performance; advising in areas such as change management, financial performance, restructuring and human resources.
- Project manager/lead: ensuring projects are delivered on time and according to project plans; managing project team resources; scheduling, preparation and resource forecasting; managing vendors and suppliers; managing budgets.
- Business development manager: working with business and advising on business plans; advising on investment, finance and marketing strategies; analysing domestic and global economic factors on business; advising businesses on growth opportunities.
- Team leader: effectively managing, leading and inspiring employees to achieve organisational objectives; openly communicating with employees to build trusted professional relationships; setting and implementing clear team goals and delegating tasks to achieve deadlines.
You may also decide to continue onto additional postgraduate study to further your knowledge with a Masters’ degree in related fields.
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.
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.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline 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 to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- Study online, including assessing videos and course resources
- Participate in an interactive online learning environment
- Submit your assignments and get feedback online
- Use discussion forums for teamwork and communication.
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops, or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your program director
With well over 30 years of extensive business-linked experience both nationally and internationally, I maintain a long held commitment to preparing students to become the business professionals and leaders of the future. As the Program Director I see how students who undertake this program develop advanced knowledge and skills in business but are also empowered with the confidence to graduate career-ready and achieve their future career goals.
Ask UniSA
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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.
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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.
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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.
