Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
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)
Program Code
DCMA
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 19,950 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2024
-
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
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.
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.
- UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide1 and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings 2022.
- Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Business and Management2.
- Ranked No. 1 in SA and Top 10 in Australia for Business and Management3.
1UniSA Business is one of just 12 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2022. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 32022 QS Subject Rankings.
Snapshot
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.
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
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.
2023 teaching dates
- Study Period 1 (Term 1)? ? 9 January - 24 March
- Study Period 3 (Term 2)? ? 3 April - 16 June?
- Study Period 4 (Term 3)? ? 26 June - 8 September
- Study Period 6 (Term 4)? ? 18 September - 1 December
Why Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
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.
Hear from our graduates
Industry facts
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.
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.
Study on Demand with Australia's University of Enterprise
UniSA Online – 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning.
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
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 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.
-
How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
-
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
-
Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
