Graduate Certificate of Business Administration
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
This suite of courses provides opportunities for students to develop their capability to engage and deal with uncertainty, change and turbulence in the environments in which their organisations operate, and to develop skills in strategy, leadership, innovation and ethical and social responsibility.
Duration
6 months full-time or equivalent part-time
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online
2021 Start Dates
Teaching Period 1 -
08 March 2021
Teaching Period 2 -
05 July 2021
Teaching Period 3 -
08 November 2021
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
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).
The Graduate Certificate of Business Administration forms the first stage for the Master of Business Administration (MA-BUSADM3S).
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Business Administration students must complete 50 credit points comprising of four core units.
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)
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)
Units of study
Complete all four units listed below:
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
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.
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:
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).
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2021 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2021 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.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
Entry requirements
- Successful completion of an undergraduate degree equivalent to an Australia Bachelor degree, or
- 3 years relevant work experience*
* Work experience
Documents substantiating work experience need to be provided on company letterhead and clearly detail roles as well as duties and duration of posts held.