Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA):

GA1: Intellectual rigour

• CLO1: critically evaluate key concepts underpinning the circular economy paradigm in the context of Australian and international drivers, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, regulatory frameworks, and Indigenous knowledge principles.
• CLO3: integrate circular economy concepts and tools into organisational strategy and operations by setting appropriate targets, identifying enabling technologies and methodologies, implementing practical actions, and measuring progress towards circularity.
• CLO6: create and communicate a persuasive strategy for a transition to circularity within your organisation or industry.

GA2: Creativity

• CLO2: create opportunities to implement circular economy initiatives in your industry or organisation by engaging with relevant stakeholders and using design thinking to develop ethical and sustainable products, services, or business models.

GA3: Ethical practice

• CLO1: critically evaluate key concepts underpinning the circular economy paradigm in the context of Australian and international drivers, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, regulatory frameworks, and Indigenous knowledge principles.
• CLO2: create opportunities to implement circular economy initiatives in your industry or organisation by engaging with relevant stakeholders and using design thinking to develop ethical and sustainable products, services, or business models.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

• CLO1: critically evaluate key concepts underpinning the circular economy paradigm in the context of Australian and international drivers, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, regulatory frameworks, and Indigenous knowledge principles.
• CLO3: integrate circular economy concepts and tools into organisational strategy and operations by setting appropriate targets, identifying enabling technologies and methodologies, implementing practical actions, and measuring progress towards circularity.
• CLO5: communicate about circular economy issues, initiatives and outcomes with managers, clients and other stakeholders.

GA5: Lifelong learning

• CLO3: integrate circular economy concepts and tools into organisational strategy and operations by setting appropriate targets, identifying enabling technologies and methodologies, implementing practical actions, and measuring progress towards circularity.

GA6: Communication and social skills

• CLO2: create opportunities to implement circular economy initiatives in your industry or organisation by engaging with relevant stakeholders and using design thinking to develop ethical and sustainable products, services, or business models.
• CLO4: employ culturally appropriate change-maker, collaboration and leadership skills to enable business transformation based on industry-specific circular solutions and practices.
• CLO5: communicate about circular economy issues, initiatives and outcomes with managers, clients and other stakeholders.
• CLO6: create and communicate a persuasive strategy for a transition to circularity within your organisation or industry.

GA7: Cultural competence

• CLO1: critically evaluate key concepts underpinning the circular economy paradigm in the context of Australian and international drivers, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, regulatory frameworks, and Indigenous knowledge principles.
• CLO4: employ culturally appropriate change-maker, collaboration and leadership skills to enable business transformation based on industry-specific circular solutions and practices.

Ready to be an agent of change in your industry? The Graduate Certificate in Circular Economy will provide you with the expertise to implement sustainable strategies focused on waste reduction, product recycling and nature regeneration, enhancing both resource recovery and the financial performance of industries or organisations.

Circular economy involves the adoption of sustainable practices to create commercial value and ethical practice. It involves the management of resources to reduce waste and recycle products while increasing revenue and contributing to nature positive objectives.

Students will explore circular economy principles, innovative design frameworks, enabling technologies, appropriate target setting, measuring progress towards circularity and effective sustainability reporting. The course culminates in the creation of a business plan and implementation plan for a circular transformation within a chosen industry or organisation.

The course develops culturally appropriate leadership, collaboration, and change-making skills, preparing graduates to implement and advocate for circular solutions that address global sustainability challenges within regulatory framework.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate of Education students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising 4 core units.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $6,976

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying part-time, which is typically 4 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Revolutionary learning for strong employment outcomes

At Southern Cross University, online study is designed to fit around your life without compromising on quality. Through the Southern Cross Model, you learn in focused six-week terms, usually studying one or two units at a time.

This immersive approach helps you stay motivated, build momentum and balance study with work, family and other commitments.

You'll be supported by innovative teaching, practical learning experiences and a university community committed to your success - whether you're interested in business, education, healthcare, law, engineering, IT, science or other career-focused study areas.

Your flexible online study comes with the support, connections and confidence to help you achieve your goals and take the next step in your career.

Learn more about Southern Cross University

Explore Southern Cross University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs.

• Overall 6.5
• Listening: minimum 6.0
• Speaking: minimum 6.0
• Reading: minimum 6.0
• Writing: minimum 6.0

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.