Graduate Certificate in Applied Business
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Applied Business is designed for managers aspiring to move into more senior positions. This program teaches you the skills to boost your performance and upgrade your skillset, preparing you to be mentored for C-Suite roles. Our focus is on providing you with practical learning that can be integrated into your existing role.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
Upgrade your skills
- Analyse complex situations
- Innovate
- Problem solve
- Manage projects
- Communicate effectively
- Lead change management
Learning outcomes
- Learn transformational and collaborative practices and strategic leadership
- Provide strategic leadership during times of dynamic change
- Develop a change process with a clear rationale for the change and its objectives
- Learn how to source financial data, liaise and negotiate with stakeholders, create financial management systems, manage costs, and be able to change track when unforeseen events occur
- Develop skills for creating a culture of innovative thinking and practice from the top down
- Manage complex situations with a high level of innovation and problem solving
- Develop strategic skills necessary to develop and implement a successful operational plan
Stretch your career further
Students can enhance their career opportunities by gaining additional leadership and management skills – an important asset in a today’s complex and changing business environment. The below examples demonstrate the types of roles graduates can attain.
- Senior manager
- Change manager
- Business lead
- Change lead
Why Swinburne?
Delivered by facilitators who are industry experts
Participant course training manual
Live Online delivery allows you to do the course from anywhere
Access to our team of Customer Development Advisors
Our Live Online delivery
Our Live Online delivery is a dynamic, engaging and interactive way to learn remotely. It’s just like face-to-face but with the added benefits of digital technology. Your facilitator will present in real-time, and you will be able to participate in group discussions and collaborate on exercises and group activities using our interactive platforms.
Qualifications
Standard entry
A recognised bachelor degree as well as three years of managerial work experience.
Non-graduate entry
A recognised diploma as well as five years of managerial work experience.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.0 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 65%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Masterclass: Change Management
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Masterclass: Lead Innovative Thinking and Practice
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Masterclass: Transformational Leadership
How credit points work
To achieve the full Graduate Certificate in Applied Business qualification, participants are required to successfully complete four units comprising two core units, plus two elective units from the electives list.
Course outline
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Lead strategic transformation
Core unit |
BSBLDR811 |
|
Lead innovative thinking and practice
Core unit |
BSBSTR801 |
| Elective units | |
|
Lead and manage organisational change
Elective unit |
BSBLDR601 |
|
Manage financial performance
Elective unit |
AMPMGT801 |
|
Lead strategic planning processes for an organisation
Elective unit |
BSBSTR802 |
Course delivery
Live Online
Live online delivery is just like face-to-face but with the added benefits of digital technology. Your facilitator will present in real time, and you will be able to participate in group discussions and collaborate on exercises and group activities using our interactive platforms.
Assessment
Students will be given six weeks to complete their assessment(s) and submit assessments online via Swinburne’s Learning Management System, Canvas.
Assessor Guidance Session
Each cluster of the program embeds a personalised guidance session tailored to the learner’s needs. This key checkpoint in the blended framework provides the opportunity to clarify understanding, ask questions, and ensures learners are on track for successful course completion.
Workplace delivery
This course (or units from it) can be tailored to industry delivery within the workplace for groups of eight or more students. Students may enrol in the course at any stage during the year. Students have the chance to select from a range of dates for elective units to determine the duration of their course.
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$14,960
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET Student Loans
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Employer sponsored training
Many organisations are more than willing to help employees build on their skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities. In some circumstances, employers may be able to assist you in your professional development by sponsoring all or part of your fees.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Register your interest
To register your interest and request an application form you can submit our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call us on 1800 633 560, or email us at edge@swinburne.edu.au with the relevant information.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and spoken with one of our Course Advisors to understand your eligibility, what are you waiting for? Apply online!
Course timetables and start dates
Course timetables
2024 Graduate Certificate in Applied Business
2023 Graduate Certificate in Applied Business
The dates shown indicate when the unit Lead strategic transformation commences. Students are eligible to commence this course during one of the other units if desired. Please see timetables further down for more information on all unit dates.
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“The manual and workshops were well laid out and easy to follow. Simple language was used throughout and relevant examples were used. The workshop session plans were very helpful. Thorough explanation of each assessment task and reference to these during workshops was helpful”
Jacquelyn , Graduate Certificate in Applied Business