Online Graduate Certificate in Marketing

Online Graduate Certificate in Marketing

POSTGRADUATE

Develop the skill set and mindset that businesses demand.

Student type:
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
8 months intensive part-time
Next intake:
5 May 2025
Location:
Online
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
8 months intensive part-time
Fees:

AU$16,800 (2025)

Next intake:
5 May 2025
Location:
Online

Please use plan code GC053O in the application system for this program.

Explore the motivations behind consumer choices, craft compelling communications, navigate the intricacies of marketing management, and harness the power of research to inspire meaningful connections and drive success for your business.

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Next intake
5 May

Applications close for next intake
28 April

Future intakes

  • May
  • July
  • September
  • October

Program overview

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Marketing online?

Learn to apply proven marketing theory

Develop strategic expertise, and the capability to plan, direct, implement and improve marketing campaigns, and apply them where it counts.

Stay relevant in rapidly changing industry

Learn fundamental marketing principles to become an effective marketing expert as the landscape continues to shift.

An Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) accredited course

Students and graduates are eligible to apply for membership of the AMI and the Australian Market and Social Research Society.

This course delves into marketing as both a management activity focused on the marketing mix and a consumer-oriented philosophy.

You'll critically evaluate customer needs from various sources while comparing market segmentation and positioning strategies through both theoretical and practical lenses.

By learning to leverage marketing mix tools, you'll develop the skills to analyse situations and position products for competitive advantage.

The course also emphasises the importance of ethical, social, and cultural considerations in marketing, preparing you for the professional landscape.

Additionally, through collaborative projects and presentations, you’ll enhance your critical thinking and teamwork skills, laying a strong foundation for success in the dynamic field of marketing management.

By the end of this course you’ll be able to: 

  • Demonstrate a broad, critical and practical understanding of contemporary marketing issues and practices in business
  • Evaluate the role of marketing and its relationship with other functional areas of business to create customer value
  • Identify and critically analyse marketing problems and design appropriate marketing strategies and tactics to solve such problems
  • Apply marketing expertise and knowledge to planning, directing, implementing, monitoring and controlling an organisation’s marketing effort
  • Apply innovative thinking and creativity approaches to effectively address marketing problems and build market-based assets
  • Apply research principles and methods to design innovative options and solutions for, and make reasoned judgments about, problems and issues in contemporary business practice.

Career Outlook

Take a closer look at the opportunities available with a career in marketing.

This degree will deliver specialist knowledge to prepare you for a career in marketing.

Career pathways include:

  • marketing management
  • brand management and consulting
  • stakeholder engagement and reputation management
  • strategic marketing and consulting
  • product management
  • communications management
  • market research, market modelling, forecasting and analysis
  • pricing and promotions research
  • product testing and product innovation

Why choose RMIT Online

Get a world-class education and transform your career.

Real world skills

Develop skills that have been validated by industry, while getting credentialed by a world-leading university.

Industry connected

You'll gain knowledge and practical skills from renowned industry partners who are at the forefront of their field.

Flexible delivery

Advance your career while you study. RMIT Online courses let you balance work, study and life commitments.

Supported community

Be guided by a network of industry experts and peers, and supported by our dedicated success team.

Course structure

Learn to assess customer needs, develop effective marketing strategies, and use the marketing mix to gain a competitive edge.

You’ll explore consumer behaviour to understand purchasing decisions, while also building skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and communication.

This degree will teach you to create integrated marketing communications that strengthen brand equity and equip you with the tools to conduct and analyse research, all while considering ethical and cultural factors in marketing decisions. 

Subjects in this degree

The 4 subjects that make up the Graduate Certificate in Marketing include:

  • MKTG1390 Marketing Management
  • MKTG1391 Consumer Behaviour
  • MKTG1392 Marketing Communication Strategy
  • MKTG1395 Marketing Research

Individual subject details

Course overview

This is an introductory course which examines marketing as both an activity concerned with managing specific variables related to the marketing mix and as a philosophy guided by a consumer-orientation.

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate and synthesise information of customer needs and expectations from various sources and experiences
  • Compare and contrast the market segmentation and positioning strategy from both theorist and practitioner perspectives to critically appreciate the benefits
  • Use marketing mix tools to analyse marketing situation and position products for maximum competitive advantage in the marketplace
  • Demonstrate an awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a marketing context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.
  • Develop multiple management skills including critical thinking, working in a group environment, oral and written presentation skills to be successful in marketing management positions.

Course overview

All organisations have consumers who ultimately seek, purchase, evaluate, use and dispose of products and services that they expect will satisfy their personal needs.

This course provides the foundation for understanding the motivations and behaviours influencing customers, which is an essential pre-requisite to the development of effective Marketing and Corporate strategy.

In the context of a decision making model, this course will explore the internal, external and situational influences driving the what, where, when, why and how of Consumer Behaviour.

Learning outcomes

  • Explore and compare the core theories of consumer behaviour in both consumer and organisational markets
  • Apply and demonstrate theories to real world marketing situations by profiling and identifying marketing segments
  • Appraise models of Consumer Behaviour and determine their relevance to particular marketing situations
  • Apply and enhance abilities to input this knowledge in the marketing planning process, particularly in market segmentation, positioning, and marketing mix development
  • Critique the theoretical perspectives associated with consumer decision making, including recognising cognitive biases and heuristics
  • Apply analytical skills in assessing advanced literature in the field of consumer research and critically reflect on your personal writing practices as it relates to the evidence from research. 

Course overview

This course emphasises a strategic planning perspective and provides a theoretical appreciation and practical understanding of the process of contemporary integrated marketing communications.

A major focus of the course will be on communication techniques that lead to the establishment of strong brand equity.

Learning outcomes

  • Outline the components of the integrated marketing communications planning process and demonstrate the strategic interaction between these aspects and their relationship to the marketing plan
  • Critically assess and apply integrated marketing communication theories and practices to identify appropriate target audiences, suitable objectives, and contextually appropriate communication approaches that build brand equity
  • Design ethically appropriate creative messages that reflect suitable positioning and which affect (target audience) behaviour through interrelated marketing communication activities
  • Evaluate markets in various forms in order to identify strategically appropriate communication channels that permit effective media utilisation and planning. 

Course overview

Marketing Research focuses on developing knowledge and skills that are practical in nature yet grounded in theory.

In this course, you will concentrate on learning theory to assist in applying appropriate tools and techniques, diagnosing suitable methods and approaches, and applying these to a contemporary workplace situation.

The overall objective of the course is to provide you with the capability to effectively plan and manage marketing research projects as well as conduct basic data analysis.

The course also aims to provide a foundation for higher-level courses requiring quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Learning outcomes

  • Critique and propose how marketing research can be conducted and managed by both clients and suppliers for optimum results for stakeholders
  • Critically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of different types of research designs, data collection, and sampling methods
  • Design a marketing research plan that will achieve the research objectives of the organisation
  • Assess the overall quality of a marketing research project and its usefulness in the marketing decision making process. 

Get more information about what you will learn in each of these courses.

Admissions requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Marketing, you must have:

  • An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent (or higher-level qualification) in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.*
  • If you do not meet the above entry requirement for the Graduate Certificate, you may be considered if you have 5 years of relevant work experience.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago, you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master's degree.

You must meet the University’s minimum English language requirements for postgraduate coursework programs to be eligible for a place in this program.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Marketing, you can continue your studies in the following programs with 48 credit points (4 courses) worth of credit:

Credit outside of the above arrangements will be assessed consistently with the RMIT University credit policy and procedures. If you wish to apply for a credit transfer/RPL, please refer to 'Apply for credit'.

RMIT assesses each student’s prior learning and qualifications to grant credit so you can complete your online postgraduate degree sooner. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis. RMIT aims to grant as much credit as possible at the time of offer, so it’s important to provide as much evidence of prior study and work experience as possible with your application.

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Marketing, you must have:

  • An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent (or higher level qualification) in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.*
  • If you do not meet the above entry requirement for the Graduate Certificate, you may be considered if you have 5 years of relevant work experience.

All non-Australian residents and overseas full-fee paying students are required to meet RMIT English language requirements and are required to provide current evidence of English language proficiency for admission to RMIT University (see English language requirements below).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master's degree.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

RMIT’s Online Graduate Certificate in Marketing does not meet Australian Student Visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Marketing, you can continue your studies in the following programs with 48 credit points (4 courses) worth of credit:

Credit outside of the above arrangements will be assessed consistently with the RMIT University credit policy and procedures. If you wish to apply for a credit transfer/RPL, please refer to 'Apply for credit'.

RMIT assesses each student’s prior learning and qualifications to grant credit so you can complete your online postgraduate degree sooner. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis. RMIT aims to grant as much credit as possible at the time of offer, so it’s important to provide as much evidence of prior study and work experience as possible with your application.

Fee summary

2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for the standard year of full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in Marketing is:

  • AU$4,200 per course
  • Total AU$16,800^ for 4 courses

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

^Fees typically increase each year and may change without notice. Total fees are estimates and should only be used as a guide.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to apply for a deferral, withdrawal or refund please see deferrals and withdrawals.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is AU$365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks, and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program. Find out more about calculating your actual SSAF.

FEE-HELP loans

Some students may be eligible to apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme. FEE-HELP is for eligible full-fee paying students and allows you to defer payment of your tuition fees to the Australian Tax Office up to your HELP limit.

SA-HELP loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying.) 

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice. For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist. 

Visit our HELP loans page for lots of useful information about eligibility, how to apply and payment. You can apply for FEE-HELP once you have enrolled in a degree.

HELP loans are not available to international students.

2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for the standard year of full-time study in the Graduate Certificate in Marketing is:

  • AU$4,200 per course
  • Total AU$16,800^ for 4 courses

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

^Fees typically increase each year and may change without notice. Total fees are estimates and should only be used as a guide.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to apply for a deferral, withdrawal or refund please see deferrals and withdrawals.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is AU$365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks, and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program. Find out more about calculating your actual SSAF.

Learn with industry experts

Program Manager – Daniel Rayne

After a robust marketing career developed through various well-recognised organisations, Daniel shaped his career trajectory to pursue a passion for academia. This was driven by a commitment to making an impact on students, colleagues and broader society through shared knowledge. Daniel is committed to generating a teaching environment that is inclusive, dynamic and innovative to help students achieve their learning objectives, and advancing research that addresses contemporary social issues.

Student success team, RMIT Online

Our student success team are here to help you with 1:1 coaching, tips on how to successfully study online, and any questions or concerns you may have.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.