Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)

POSTGRADUATE

Strategic thinking and leadership skills are at the heart of this course.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Other
Fees:

AU$20,640 (2023 total) 

 

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$24,960 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Online

Overview

Are you already working in the field and looking to gain leadership and strategic thinking skills? Then this course is for you.

The Graduate Certificate builds on your professional experience through collaborative-style learning and business problem-solving to facilitate your career progression or prepare you for further study in the Executive MBA.

Details

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You will experience a variety of teaching and learning approaches during the course including lectures, tutorials, working independently and in teams where you will benefit from the additional insights and understandings that come from interaction with classmates.

Lectures deliver a comprehensive review of the latest thinking and world's best practice, while tutorials provide opportunities for facilitated discussion. In addition, you will have access to online and digital resources such as lecture notes, assessment tools, discussion boards and podcasts.

Your classes will mostly be held at the Emily McPherson College Building, a magnificent heritage property on the corner of Russell and Victoria streets. Facilities include a student lounge, conference suite, teaching theatres and classrooms with the latest multimedia technology, and a rooftop patio with views of Melbourne’s CBD. Some classes may be held at the Swanston Academic Building or at other locations on RMIT’s City campus.

Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester and includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments. While group assignments are an important component of every course, the focus of the assessment is weighted towards individual performance.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

The course runs a successful professional development series, which connects RMIT’s industry partners with alumni and current students.

The purpose of these forums is to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to strengthen their networks and engage with prominent industry leaders on issues of current relevance.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate comprises four core courses in accounting, management and marketing.

It is recommended that you follow the sequence of courses presented in the enrolment structure.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)
Program code: GC129
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
GC129
084999G
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
GC129
CRICOS
084999G
View plan
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)
City Campus
0.5 years full-time
GC129
084999G
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time
Plan code
GC129
CRICOS
084999G
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

You are encouraged to progress to the Executive Master of Business Administration.

Graduates of the arts, business, engineering, health, IT and many other fields may choose to study the Graduate Certificate or Master degree to broaden their career options.

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Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive)

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML)

Membership and opportunities
  • Students may be eligible for membership category: Affiliate, Member or Associate Fellow (depending on experience)
  • Graduates may be eligible for membership category: Affiliate, Member or Associate Fellow (depending on experience)

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Academic 

  • Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent or higher level qualification in any discipline with a GPA of  2.0 (out of 4.0).

OR

  • Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent or higher level qualification in any discipline and a GMAT overall minimum score of 600.

Work Experience

Minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience in a management role with supervisory responsibilities. Applicants will be required to submit a CV which outlines supervision of staff, performance review and responsibility to budget

Alternate Entry

Significant work experience (8-10 years) with at least 5 years full-time equivalent in a management role with supervisory responsibilities.

Applicants must submit a CV which outlines supervision of staff, performance review and responsibility to budget.

Additional Selection Requirements:

Personal Statement

In addition to the CV, to be considered for selection, you must include with your application a personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking the Graduate Certificate Business Administration Executive course, and your attitude towards personal reflection and reflective learning; and collaboration and class participation. 

Referee recommendations

You must submit two referee recommendations either from your supervisor or from a professional peer.

Entrance requirements for international onshore applicants

All non-Australian residents and overseas full-fee paying students are required to meet RMIT English language requirements. For more information on these requirements and acceptable English Language tests please see Recognised qualifications and English speaking countries.

*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 to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Personal Statement

To be considered for selection, you must include with your application a personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking the Graduate Certificate Business Administration Executive course, and your attitude towards personal reflection and reflective learning; and collaboration and class participation. 

Submit two referee recommendations either from your supervisor or from a professional peer.

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

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Academic 

  • Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent or higher level qualification in any discipline with a GPA of  2.0 (out of 4.0).

OR

  • Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent or higher level qualification in any discipline and a GMAT overall minimum score of 600.

Work Experience

Minimum of 3 years full-time equivalent work experience in a management role with supervisory responsibilities. Applicants will be required to submit a CV which outlines supervision of staff, performance review and responsibility to budget

Alternate Entry

Significant work experience (8-10 years) with at least 5 years full-time equivalent in a management role with supervisory responsibilities.

Applicants must submit a CV which outlines supervision of staff, performance review and responsibility to budget.

Additional Selection Requirements:

Personal Statement

In addition to the CV, to be considered for selection, you must include with your application a personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking the Graduate Certificate Business Administration Executive course, and your attitude towards personal reflection and reflective learning; and collaboration and class participation. 

Referee recommendations

You must submit two referee recommendations either from your supervisor or from a professional peer.

Entrance requirements for international onshore applicants

All non-Australian residents and overseas full-fee paying students are required to meet RMIT English language requirements. For more information on these requirements and acceptable English Language tests please see Recognised qualifications and English speaking countries.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Personal Statement

To be considered for selection, you must include with your application a personal statement (maximum 500 words) outlining a concise explanation of your personal motivation for undertaking the Graduate Certificate Business Administration Executive course, and your attitude towards personal reflection and reflective learning; and collaboration and class participation. 

Submit two Referee recommendations either from your supervisor or from a professional peer.

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 Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants who have successfully completed postgraduate studies in a business or related discipline at another institution can have these assessed for credit or exemptions from this course consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is a pathway to the Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA).

If you wish to progress to the Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA), upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you will be admitted to the Master degree with exemptions from the four courses completed in the Graduate Certificate, leaving a further eight courses to complete.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration you are guaranteed entry into the Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT postgraduate programs.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$20,640.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

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 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

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.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

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.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$24,960.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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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Acknowledgement of Country

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 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

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.

More information