Start date
January
March
June
September

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DGMA

Fees
AUD$ 43,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.5]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
024133M

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 strategic management, managerial finance, international business, ethics, marketing, leadership and more.
  • 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.
  • 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 a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Business and Management2.
  • Study at a 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).  3Ranked #5, Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023.

Snapshot

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

As part of your studies, you will further develop your managerial skills and specialised knowledge by studying areas such as strategic management, managerial finance, international business, ethics, marketing, and leadership. You will develop your critical and strategic thinking skills, and understand ethical considerations within a local and international context.

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 decide to exit this qualification having completed the first four courses you will receive a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. If you complete this qualification and wish to continue your studies, you can use this degree as a pathway and gain credit for successfully completed courses into the Master of Business Administration.

What you'll learn

BUS01.png

You will study a foundation course in strategic thinking, then select seven courses from a diverse range of subject areas including advanced electives. You will further develop business administration skills and knowledge by studying a range of courses including strategic management, managerial finance, international business, ethics, marketing, and leadership. 

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 7 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
Elective 2 4.5 Note(s): 1 Rule(s): 1

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

ICC_021115_003.jpgYour 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 assessments. 

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 Diploma in Business Administration

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

You can also undertake an international study tour and incorporate authentic global experiences into your studies. 

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.

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

UniSA Video

Industry facts

column-chart-growth

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.

line-graph-growth

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

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

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

Your study experience and support

Global opportunities

International short-term and full semester exchanges, as well as intensive study-tours 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.

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

Student services

Business_Hub_images-11 copy.jpgOur 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.

As a student at the University of South Australia you will have unique access to overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform.

We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, swimming pools, technology zones and great student lounges. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Living in Adelaide

Ranked in the Top 15 most liveable cities in the world, Adelaide is the perfect place to live and study. As one of the world’s most liveable and affordable cities, you will have more to spend on food, accommodation and entertainment. International students also get the same public transport discounts as local students, saving you hundreds of dollars a year.

Adelaide 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.

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.

Please note, all student visa holders are required to meet their visa condition to study no more than one-third of their program in an online mode and maintain enrolment in at least one internal (face-to-face) course per compulsory study period, unless it is their final course and not available internally. If you are currently residing in Adelaide, on-campus attendance (such as seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements would apply, as outlined on individual course pages. If you are currently overseas, online study may be available following your individual study plan.

Your campus

This degree is based at UniSA's City West Campus.

Location This degree is delivered at the following 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
Portrait image for Prof Lan Snell
Portrait image for Prof Lan Snell

Prof Lan Snell

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs