Why Undergraduate Certificate in Business?
Every business needs people who can think clearly, work in teams, solve problems and communicate effectively. These skills are in demand across all industries.
In this short online program, you’ll build core business skills – and specialist knowledge in an area of interest to you. You’ll choose from a range of electives and learn from experienced academics who bring their research into teaching.
When you finish, you’ll have a job-ready qualification or the option to carry your credit straight into a full business degree.
Overview
Our Undergraduate Certificate in Business is flexible and contemporary. In just six months, you’ll learn all about the fundamental principles of business, all informed by industry case studies and the latest research.
You’ll explore the ethics, laws and professional standards influencing today’s business world. Develop problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills relevant to local and global business contexts. Pick three electives to suit your goals and interests, choosing from areas like marketing, accounting, tourism, management, law and more.
You can use this certificate as a stepping stone into a bachelor degree. Or use your new expertise to enter entry-level roles in retail, e-commerce, finance, tourism, marketing and logistics.
Key features
Earn a business qualification in just six months of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). - Network with peers, industry experts and world-class researchers.
- Explore the ethical, legal and professional issues influencing business today.
- Choose three electives, from marketing, accounting and management to tourism and law.
- Build global problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills.
- Use credits from this program for entry into a range of bachelor degrees.
What you'll learn
This undergraduate certificate gives you a flexible way to build business skills, explore career options or prepare for further study. In just six months of full-time study, you’ll gain a strong foundation in core business knowledge that you can apply across many industries.
You’ll explore how business connects with society, government and the not-for-profit sector, and look at the cultural and historical forces influencing contemporary business practices. You’ll examine the different roles professionals play – as managers, employees, practitioners and customers – within this environment.
You can also tailor your study around your interests. You’ll choose three electives from areas like marketing, accounting, human resource management, economics, tourism, event management, law or advanced business.
The program is designed to be a pathway to existing degrees, both online and on campus. Up to 24 units of credit may be awarded towards the following online degrees:
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Business (Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
- Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Digital Business)
- Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)
- Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance and Trade)
- Bachelor of Marketing and Communication.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 6 units for Core courses, and
- 18 units for Electives
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
UO Business and Society
|
Course code
BUSI1018
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
UO Accounting for Business
|
Course code
ACCT1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Principles of Economics
|
Course code
ECON1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Fundamentals of Global Tourism & Hospitality
|
Course code
HOSP1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Foundations of Event Management
|
Course code
HOSP2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Foundations of Human Resource Management
|
Course code
HRES2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Business Law
|
Course code
LAWS1018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange
|
Course code
MARK1013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Critical Approaches to Online Learning
|
Course code
SOCI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Career Development in Business
|
Course code
BUSI1030
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate with a well-rounded qualification designed to meet industry demand. Your certificate could lead you into roles as a:
- Customer service officer
- Administrative assistant
- Accounts clerk
- Logistics officer
- Sales support
- Marketing officer
- HR assistant
- Project officer
- Office coordinator.
With further study, you could be a:
- Business analyst
- CEO
- Global sourcing manager
- Marketing lead
- Consultant
- Director of operations
- Entrepreneur.
Industry trends
There is growing demand in Australia for business professionals who can adapt to service-oriented roles, embrace digital transformation and support evolving sectors like healthcare, construction and professional services (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). An Undergraduate Certificate in Business from Adelaide University will give you foundational knowledge and skills that are applicable across a wide range of growing industries.
Your study experience and support
Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Student support services
Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.
As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.
Online academic support
From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.
Tech support
We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.
Study hours
Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:
- An industry-relevant project or case study
- An online presentation
- Essays and reports.
