Why Graduate Certificate in Business Administration?
Empower yourself with essential leadership, management, marketing and financial skills to confidently navigate the business world.
This program is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects or transition into business roles. You’ll be well-equipped to pursue managerial positions, consulting roles or entrepreneurial ventures.
Our Graduate Certificate in Business Administration can also serve as a stepping stone toward further postgraduate study, such as an MBA, broadening your career opportunities even further.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is a six-month program, designed for working professionals who are looking to broaden their career opportunities. Through a blend of theory and practice, you’ll develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making and effective communication skills – preparing you for senior management and leadership positions.
This postgraduate program is offered as part of a stackable suite in Business Administration, meaning you can easily transition from one qualification to the next. You’ll learn from industry professionals and experts in the field, and benefit from opportunities to bring your own experience to real-world case studies.
As a graduate, emerge ready to take on managerial roles, drive organisational success, or even launch your own entrepreneurial pursuits.
Key features
Learn current business issues, trends and challenges.- Develop your knowledge in areas including finance, accounting, sustainability, ethics and marketing.
- Learn from real-world case studies, business leaders and guest lecturers.
- Connect with experienced professionals with extensive management expertise.
- Discover a flexible curriculum, with a mix of on-campus and online study.
- Enjoy a stackable qualification to continue your MBA studies.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration comprises of four courses chosen from the business discipline. Each course covers a range of topics including leadership, talent management, finance, accounting, sustainability, governance and marketing.
You will develop business administration skills and knowledge by drawing on real-life business case studies, your own industry experience and through visiting industry leaders and lecturers.
You’ll study topics on:
- People
- Metrics: Finance and Accounting
- Sustainability, Risk and Governance
- Value: marketing.
Deepen your understanding of the links between social and cultural diversity – exploring its impact on business environments. Develop a solid grounding in the theoretical and practical application of accounting and financial operational information and explore their role in management and leadership. Discover the impact of corporate sustainable business and business governance in managing strategy and risk. You’ll also learn how to evaluate marketing activities and make effective marketing decisions for brands and businesses.
If you’re interested in further postgraduate study, your courses can be credited toward our graduate diploma or master's degree in business administration.
This program is tailored to suit your individual needs. Adelaide University offers flexible study arrangements for working professionals, including a mix of on-campus and online study.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units for Core courses
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
|
Course code
BAFI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
|
Course code
BUSI5018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
People
|
Course code
HRES5010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Value: Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Metrics: Finance and Accounting
|
Course code
BAFI5006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sustainability, Risk and Governance
|
Course code
BUSI5018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People
|
Course code
HRES5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Value: Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5002
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Business Administration can open a range of career opportunities for professionals looking to advance their careers or transition into business-related roles.
You might seek out leadership roles, overseeing diverse teams or managing large projects. Maybe you’ll pursue consulting roles, offering business advice to organisations. Perhaps you’ll become an entrepreneur – utilising your new strategic thinking and marketing skills to start a new business.
With further study, career opportunities might include:
- Chief and executive leadership
- Senior management across business, not-for-profits and government
- Board directorship
- Entrepreneurship.
Industry trends
The rapidly changing business environment calls for ongoing skill development in professional workers. With professionals and managers projected to make up 40.7% of employment in Australia by May 2033 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024) – there’s no better time to add leadership skills to your belt. Our Graduate Certificate in Business Administration ensures you graduate with competitive, transferrable skills, ready to thrive in the dynamic business landscape.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
