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Course Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Business (Leadership) (Grad Cert Bus Admin) is widely regarded as the degree of choice for an astute business professional’s employment portfolio. A Grad Cert Bus Admi, from a quality university like CQUniversity Australia (CQUni), greatly increases your chances of being promoted to the ‘C’ Chief Executive suite. A Graduate Certificate in Business in Leadership at CQUni offers you an affordable, fresh, and compelling graduate educational experience. Delivered entirely online, this contemporary course of graduate business education is designed for busy emerging leaders. CQUni’s Grad Cert Bus Admi is intentionally lean from start to finish. Within this course, adaptive technology is used to improve the learning experience by streamlining the delivery and subsequent acquisition of business knowledge.
This course is closely aligned with the industry capabilities expected of graduates. Units in this course include essential business functions, such as accounting/finance, law, marketing, economics, human resources, operations, and research methods relevant to business analysis and strategy. This Grad Cert Bus Admin retains these core areas and supplements them with a focus on leadership in a contemporary business environment. Considerable emphasis is also devoted to developing the capacity to resolve problems, create innovative solutions, and generate potential entrepreneurial business.
Contemporary competencies in theory and business practice are developed through problem and activity based learning. Primarily, learning is directed to identifying and solving business problems and creating new business opportunities. Essentially, the Grad Cert Bus Admin curriculum and attributes provide what is required to become an internationally astute business leader.
The CQUni Grad Cert Bus Admin is conveniently organised into four discrete units (for a total of 24 Credit Points). This is approximately the equivalent of one term of full time study. You can enrol, study and undertake assessment at times that suit you. Our Grad Cert Bus Admin is not bound by term dates or submission deadlines. You have up to 5 years to complete the course.
Career Information
If you are seeking to reinvigorate your career, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is for you. A Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is widely regarded as the degree of choice for inclusion into an astute business professional’s job portfolio. A Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Leadership) from a quality university like CQUniversity Australia (CQUni) will greatly increase your chances of being elevated to the ‘C’ Executive suite. A Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Leadership) at CQUni offers you an affordable, fresh, and compelling graduate educational experience. This contemporary course graduate business education is delivered 100% fully online, and is specifically intended for ambitious, busy and aspiring leaders. Units based on essential business functions are included, such as; accounting/ finance, marketing, human resources, operations and research methods relevant to business analysis and strategy. A considerable amount of time and energy in the course is devoted to solving problems, creating innovative solutions, and generating entrepreneurial business.
Contemporary competencies are developed by problem and activity-based learning. Primarily, learning is directed to identifying and solving business problems and creating new opportunities. Essentially, this Graduate Certificate in Business Administration provides what is required to become an internationally astute business leader. This course is closely aligned with the industry capabilities expected of graduates. Within this course adaptive technology is used to improve the learning experience by streamlining the delivery and application of knowledge.
| Duration | 3 years maximum |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 24 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in postgraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
| Course Type | Postgraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | GradCertBusAdminLead |
| AQF Level | Level 8: Graduate Certificate |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
|
Admission Codes
|
Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
|---|---|
|
International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
Domestic Availability
-
Hyperflexible Annual Term - 2027
-
Hyperflexible Annual Term - 2025
-
Hyperflexible Annual Term - 2024
-
Hyperflexible Annual Term - 2026
Overseas Availabilities
-
Hyperflexible Annual Term - 2027
-
Hyperflexible Annual Term - 2025
-
Hyperflexible Annual Term - 2024
-
Hyperflexible Annual Term - 2026
To be eligible for entry into the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration applicants must have one of the following:
- A completed bachelor degree in any discipline from an Australian university or college, or equivalent, or
- A completed graduate certificate or graduate diploma from an Australian university or college, or equivalent, or
- A recognised diploma and two years relevant business experience, or
- Five years of relevant work or managerial experience
Relevant work experience should include an understanding of how a business operates, which includes a working knowledge of a range of areas such as human resource management, budgeting, project management, financial reporting, process management or other relevant professional experience.
Note: Consistent access to a mentor, with significant managerial work experience, is recommended to advise you throughout the MBA journey to provide an important crossover into ‘real world’ business. Such guidance will assist you to make the transition into becoming a world class manager and leader.
Desirable attributes, access and experience:
- Current resume if claiming relevant work, managerial or business experience.
- Demonstrated experience as a proactive and independent learner.
- Highly developed communication skills (written, spoken and comprehension).
- Excellent time management skills.
- High levels of self-discipline and self-motivation.
- Access to a computer and the Internet, preferably at home.
- Competent in using a computer and the Internet.
- Adequate time to devote to studying a university course [An entire unit will take approximately 125-150 hours to complete or approximately 10-12 hours of study per week per unit].
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
- a secondary qualification (Year 11 or 12, or equivalent), or
- tertiary diploma level qualification, or
- bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years full time with a minimum overall GPA 4.0 completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland, or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.
If you do not satisfy any of the above you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores as below:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.5 overall with a minimum 6.0 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 79 or better overall and no score less than 21 (Internet Based Test); or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 62 with no sub-score less than 54; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components; or
- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Score of 180 or above; or
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English - Score of 200 or above; or
- Combined Universities Language Test (CULT) - 70% with no individual component score of less than 15.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.
Each student will be assessed individually.
N/A
Be Different
- Indicative Year - 2026
- Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $7,488
- International Indicative First Year Fee - $8,040
- Indicative Year - 2025
- Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $7,200
- International Indicative First Term Fee - $7,800
- International Indicative First Year Fee - $7,800
- Indicative Year - 2024
- Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $6,888
- International Indicative First Year Fee - $6,888
- Indicative Year - 2023
- Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $6,378
- International Indicative First Term Fee - $6,840
- International Indicative First Year Fee - $6,840
- Indicative Year - 2022
- Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $6,120
Higher Education
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Exit Awards | Not applicable |
| Accreditation |
|
Residential School Requirements
No Residential School for this course.
Practicum/Work Placement
| Not applicable |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2021 | 22 |
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating respect for cultural and professional diversity as well as individual differences and capacities in business administration.
- Demonstrating honesty and integrity in academic and professional practice.
- Engaging with colleagues and academic and professional staff in a manner that demonstrates respect and integrity.
- Maintaining behavioural stability through successfully distinguishing your own personal behaviours, experiences and emotions from others and situations in a professional setting.
- Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate to professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/marker/peer feedback or criticism.
- Knowing, understanding and complying with the laws of the Sovereign State in which you reside, work and/or study.
- Complying with the policies and practices of businesses or organisations in which you may be placed.
- Complying with university and workplace policy with the use of social media, online discussion forums, email and other electronic forms of communication.
- Using a computer with sufficient computer skills to engage in online learning, reading, initiating and responding to emails and other forms of electronic communication, and completing relevant assessments for the course. This includes being able to regularly access the Internet for coursework and research.
- Performing a wide range of advanced written communication skills that address critical business problems and solutions. These include (but are not limited to) constructing logical and succinct academic essays, applied projects, business reports or strategic plans that demonstrate substantive research while using correct CQU referencing.
- Performing a wide range of advanced verbal, non-verbal and ICT communication skills that address critical business problems and solutions. These include (but are not limited to) being able to deliver an enhanced message (in English) for maximum effectiveness, while utilising a variety of technologies or media; the ability to deliver succinct yet effective communication; the ability to deliver effective communication that results in impact and/or influence; the ability to design and deliver effective verbal presentations, in clear English, that utilises a variety of technologies or visual media, as well as appropriate business management concepts and language.
- Utilising a variety of technologies and/or visual media as well as speaking in front of an audience with an appropriate middle or senior management/leadership voice, manner, style and presence that addresses the required outcomes as well as the needs of the audience.
- Developing the skills of reflective practice to increase self-awareness with personal delivery of advanced communication skills, including being able to determine personal developmental needs with advanced communication deficiencies.
- Using appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, body movements and gestures, being mindful of personal space, time boundaries, and cultural sensitivities.
- Conceptualising and applying, in academic assessment items, the knowledge, skills, processes, tools and techniques of the course to real-world examples and contexts of management or discipline-specific issues.
- Applying theoretical knowledge, research evidence, policies and procedures in management and/or cognate discipline practice.
- Constructing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary, correct grammar and conventions of speech, including being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic and professional conventions.
- Understanding, acquiring and demonstrating the components of emotional intelligence for effective working relationships and outcomes.
- Being able to interact and demonstrate tact when dealing with stakeholders, including (but not limited to) employees, management/leadership peers, customers, and suppliers.
- Relating positively and effectively to a wide variety of business and community stakeholders.
- Being able to exercise self-direction in learning and research.
- Demonstrating a commitment to action learning by attending and actively participating in the weekly student support sessions.
- Developing effective time management skills to enable sustained learning and research activities.
- Engaging in personal reflection as a way of increasing self-awareness regarding how individuals interact and affect others.
- Creating cultural competence, sensitivity and willingness to work with a vast array of people both in Australia and abroad.
- Demonstrating the skills of collaborating with fellow students and colleagues, modifying and reflecting on practice during a project, or in response to supervisor feedback.
- Relating positively and effectively to a wide variety of business and community stakeholders.
- Understanding, acquiring and demonstrating the components of emotional intelligence for effective working relationships and outcomes.
- Combining appropriate business deliberations with the inclusion of the relevant interpersonal factors of the people connected in those processes.
- Being consultative and collaborative in creating and maintaining effective working relationships and outcomes.
- Recognising others as sentient human beings with rights that must not be violated.
- Recognising others in the workplace as ends in themselves and never exclusively as means to an end.
- 1. Develop the ability to motivate, inspire and make a positive impact as a global citizen
- 2. Initiate the need for change and implement transformational leadership strategies to manage and guide others through the change
- 3. Review business concepts and complex information by applying problem solving and cognitive skills
- 4. Critique new ideas by drawing from advanced technical knowledge and creative thinking
- 5. Synthesise deep discipline knowledge that is applicable to the contemporary professional environment
- 6. Develop business strategies and a comprehensive business plan by applying an advanced body of contemporary business knowledge
- 7. Assess critical information using appropriate research methods and techniques
- 8. Design independent research using best principles and methodologies
- 9. Appraise self-reflection to objectively evaluate and improve individual performance
- 10. Develop the capability of managing oneself with high level of autonomy and accountability
- 11. Consider a culture that place strong emphasis on ethics and professional responsibility
- 12. Evaluate ethical, social and legal dimensions to govern professional behaviour
- 13. Attribute various functions as a member of a team in a multi-cultural and linguistically diverse context
- 14. Determine communication styles to interact effectively with others
| Course Learning Outcomes | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have specialised knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge that may include the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in a new or existing discipline or professional area | ||||||||||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review,analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems | ||||||||||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas | ||||||||||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have specialised technical and creative skills in a field of highly skilled and/or professional practice | ||||||||||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts | ||||||||||||||
| 6. SKILLS Have communication skills to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences | ||||||||||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to make high level, independent judgements in a range of technical or management functions in varied specialised contexts | ||||||||||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate broad functions within varied specialised technical and/or creative contexts | ||||||||||||||
| 9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for personal outputs and all aspects of the work or function of others within broad parameters | ||||||||||||||
| 10. FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE sufficient to undertake qualifications | ||||||||||||||
| 11. ACQUISITION AND APPLICATION of knowledge in new or existing disciplines or professional areas drawn from higher education units | ||||||||||||||
| 12. FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS sufficient to undertake qualifications | ||||||||||||||
| 13. ACQUISITION AND APPLICATION of skills in new or existing disciplines or professional areas drawn from higher education units | ||||||||||||||
| 14. Course content drawn from higher education units | ||||||||||||||
- Complete the core structure
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
Given the self study nature of the Graduate Certificate in Business, you are encouraged to study units in a particular order of progression. Ultimately, it will be your choice but you are strongly advised and encouraged regarding the progression of learning that will most likely result in successful completion of this course. The Graduate Certificate in Business consists of 4 units worth 6 Credit Points each. All 4 units are compulsory, there are no optional or elective subjects or provision for recognised prior learning.
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Leadership) course structure
|
Phase |
# |
Unit Code |
Unit Name |
|
Phase 1 -
Graduate Certificate |
1 |
N2867 |
Disruption, Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
|
2 |
N2864 |
People, Leadership & Culture |
|
|
3 |
N3195 |
Communication for Leadership Success |
|
|
4 |
N3194 |
Strategic Marketing |
|
|
Exit Point for Graduate Certificate |
|||
N/A
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| BUSN20022 | Disruption, Innovation and Entrepreneurship | |
| BUSN20023 | People, Leadership and Culture | |
| BUSN20024 | Communication for Leadership Success | |
| BUSN20025 | Strategic Marketing | |
N/A