General Information

Overview

The Graduate Certificate provides the foundation level for people seeking careers and qualifications in business and management. It may serve as an entry level for managers qualified in other tertiary disciplines. The four units cover the areas of financial planning and decision-making, strategic marketing, operations management and leadership, each within the context of entrepreneurial activity in organisations.  
 
The Graduate Certificate of Business Administration forms the first stage for the Master of Business Administration (MA-BUSADM3S).

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration requires students to complete units of study to the value of 50 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure 

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Accounting Principles
Core unit 		ACC60005
Opportunity Discovery
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		ENT60006
Behaviour in Organisations
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		HRM60016
Marketing Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		MKT60010

Aims and objectives

The Graduate Certificate of Business Administration is designed for high-performing students who are looking to build skills as a business manager. The course covers a range of topics relating to aspects of business management and the development of core capabilities required to lead effectively in a rapidly changing business environment. 
 
The course allows articulation into the Graduate Diploma of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration and associated combined courses. 
 
At completion of the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration, graduates should be able to:

  • apply advanced knowledge of business concepts in diverse contexts and applications using critical thinking

  • apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to identify and provide innovative solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence

  • communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a diverse team, and use the basic tools and practices of business within project work 

  • demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability and an awareness of professional practices in a global and sustainable context

  • apply business fundamentals to the analysis, design and operation of a model using appropriate business methods and tools.

Graduate skills

The Swinburne graduate attributes signify that Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be:

  • capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas and an ability to engage in critical enquiry

  • entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community

  • effective and ethical in work, community situations and reasoning skills

  • adaptable and able to manage change

  • aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. socio-cultural, economic, natural).

Career opportunities

Students’ career opportunities are enhanced by improving their leadership and management capabilities, and learning to operate effectively in a changing, complex and turbulent environment. 

The Swinburne MBA prepares students to successfully improve and manage their careers while leading and managing enterprises in a complex, global and competitive environment.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration is 25 credit points (normally two units).

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in studying the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration online?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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