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:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Other
Fees:

AU$21,120 (2024 total) 

 

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$24,960 (2024 total)

Next intake:
February
Location:
Melbourne City
Online

Overview

Gain essential business leadership and strategic thinking skills to take your career to the next level.

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) gives you the opportunity to study leadership, ethics and cross-functional management as you further develop your skills in design thinking, creativity and analytics, allowing you to make a greater business and social impact.

In this course, you will benefit from:

  • a curriculum reimagined to leverage RMIT's international strengths in technology, design and enterprise
  • industry guest speakers, international study tours and networks, and work-integrated learning (WIL) projects with business, social or ethical purposes.
  • subjects designed for the leaders of tomorrow, allowing you to network, take control of your career and lead sustainable organisations
  • the Executive Master of Business Administration degree pathway, accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and meeting the quality and content standards for their Program Accreditation System (EPAS).

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Executive) at RMIT?

Industry links

Connect with industry partners and strengthen your networks.

Graduate job-ready

Build a foundation for your career, or be prepared for further study.

Professional association

Gain eligibility to join the Institute of Managers and Leaders.

Details

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Learning and teaching

You will experience a variety of teaching and learning approaches throughout your study, 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.

Assessment methods

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 subject, the focus of the assessment is weighted towards individual performance.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

This 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 in Business Administration (Executive) comprises four core subjects.

In addition to further developed skills in leadership, you will also have the opportunity to explore design thinking, marketing, and accounting for business decisions.

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.

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available in this course. The minimum GPA to be considered for a CSP is 2.7 out of 4.0. To be considered for a CSP you must apply for the CSP offering through the RMIT Application System.

Students currently enrolled in this course in a full-fee place may apply to transfer to a CSP upon completing 48 credit points (not including credit transfer), subject to meeting minimum GPA requirement in full-fee course.

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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This program has full-fee places, with a limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP). 

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2024 indicative fees

Full-fee places

  • Full-fee places: AU$21,120* (2024 total).

Commonwealth supported places

  • 2024 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*. 

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • 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

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-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.

If you are offered a full-fee 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.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

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 2024 is $351.  

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 2024 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.

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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