Graduate Certificate
in Business
Administration
Graduate Certificate
in Business
Administration
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration provides a preliminary overview of the core theories of management and the application of these in a professional environment.
This course has been accredited by TEQSA.
What you'll learn
You will be well-versed in current leadership and people management practices and be able to communicate and promote your managerial vision in a range of business environments.
You will have well developed project management and financial management skills to contribute to business planning and to operate as an ethical business leader.
Potential careers
Once you graduate from the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, you will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities. Listed below are a few typical roles you could consider.
- Entrepreneur
- Manager
- Consultant
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration course is comprised of 4 units, which are level 400 units. To find out unit delivery information view the relevant Yearly Planner.
The course duration is 8 months full time or part time equivalent. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None
Unit Description:
This unit is a comprehensive introduction to the topic of leadership and professional development, addressing a broad range of issues ranging from personal leadership style, exploration of current and foundational leadership theory, through to change leadership in organisations. You will build the knowledge, skills, self-awareness and confidence to effectively lead in a variety of settings. As you grow in understanding of the role of leading in organisations, you will also develop a deeper understanding of your own leadership capacity, style and developmental needs.
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None
Unit Description:
Project Management is an established practice for initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specified goals and meet specified success criteria for a defined project. Project management is today an established profession driven by a range of best practice standards that are globally recognised. However, the major challenge of project management is to achieve all the project goals within the given constraints of scope, time, quality and budget.
Through timetabled activities, personal study, and collaboration with your peers in syndicate work, this unit will equip you with the project management skills required to identify, explain and critically apply the key processes, terminology and concepts relevant to the project management life cycle – including AGILE methods and SCRUM. You will be able to execute independent research and exercise professional judgement in solving complex and ethical dilemmas including contemporary issues such as sustainability and environment.
This unit will comprise weekly group synchronous and asynchronous discussions and case study analysis, together with formal assessments. Assessment tasks in this unit support your effective completion of the final MBA Capstone Project – students will be encouraged to consider how the learning outcomes for this unit will inform the continued development and final implementation of their project.
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Unit Type: AQF 8 Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None
Unit Description:
This unit focuses on the topic of leading people and change, which also encompasses the more traditional area of human resource management.
You will learn effective people management techniques to develop one of the primary investments a business makes, its people. You will explore what it takes to become a leader who improves workplace communication, prepares employees for success and influences productivity, ultimately creating a positive workplace culture for a business to achieve its goals.
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Unit Type: AQF 8 Core
Credit points: 6
Prerequisites: None
Unit Description:
This unit covers the concepts, tools and techniques that managers use to make financial decisions in the contemporary business context. It is designed for the professional who will be using, rather than producing, accounting and financial information. Completion of the unit will raise your awareness of how businesses and corporate organisations make short- and long-term financial decisions.
You will learn the main responsibilities of financial managers, types of business costs, and assessment of financial statements. You will also learn how to evaluate projects, value financial securities, estimate the cost of capital and formulate capital structure and dividend policies.
Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Examine and describe the functions of a financial manager in contemporary businesses and within the current regulatory and legal context.
2. Critically analyse company working capital using appropriate financial concepts and analysis techniques.
3. Critically evaluate the role and content of the four principal financial statements using effective strategies and apply accounting information for informed business decision making.
4. Evaluate future cash flows and their impact on long- and short-term business decisions.
5. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of project and capital asset evaluation and appraisal concepts and make investment decisions using appropriate capital budgeting techniques.
6. Evaluate corporate financial decisions related to capital structure and dividend policy aimed at maximising the value of the firm using appropriate tools and methods.
View unit descriptions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
ACAP’s Graduate Certificate in Business Administration provides a practical introduction to contemporary business, management and leadership
Drawing on ACAP’s expertise in human-focused leadership, the course combines practical business knowledge with the interpersonal skills needed to lead people effectively. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership capabilities, prepare for further postgraduate study or advance your career, it provides a strong foundation for professional growth.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is a postgraduate qualification that introduces the core knowledge and skills needed to lead effectively in contemporary organisations.
The course provides a foundation in business administration, leadership and management, preparing you to navigate organisational challenges, make informed decisions and build confidence as a leader.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is designed for professionals looking to strengthen their business knowledge and leadership capabilities.
It may suit aspiring leaders, experienced professionals, business owners or those looking to begin postgraduate study in business before progressing to a higher qualification.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration can be completed in eight months of full-time study (two trimesters) or part-time equivalent.
Yes. ACAP’s Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is delivered online, providing the flexibility to balance your studies with work and personal commitments.
The course combines online learning with practical, applied activities that help you develop business and leadership capabilities that can be applied in the workplace.
Yes. The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration forms part of ACAP’s MBA pathway.
After successfully completing the course, eligible students can progress to the Graduate Diploma of Business Administration and continue towards the Master of Business Administration, subject to meeting the relevant admission requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration can help you build the knowledge and leadership capabilities needed to take the next step in your career.
The skills developed throughout the course may support career progression into leadership and management roles across a wide range of industries, while also providing a strong foundation for further postgraduate study.
Entry requirements vary depending on your previous qualifications and professional experience.
Generally, entry requirements include:
- The completion of an Australian bachelor degree or higher, or an equivalent qualification and/or professional experience; and
- 3-5 years of work experience in related fields such as business management, financial management, leadership, human resources, and people management.
For more information and tailored advice, book a call with our friendly Course Advisors.
Professional experience may be considered as part of the admissions process, depending on your previous qualifications and the entry pathway you apply through.
Our Course Advisors will be able to provide advice on your specific circumstances. Book a call today to discuss your study options.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration combines practical business knowledge with leadership development to prepare you for today’s evolving business environment.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore topics including:
- Leadership and professional development
- Project management
- Leading people and organisational change
- Financial decision-making.
You’ll also develop practical skills in communication, ethical leadership, decision-making and managing organisational change through applied learning.