Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Business Management

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Business Management will be able to analyse and synthesise knowledge to inform leadership practice, communicating insights effectively while applying self-awareness in leadership contexts. 

This program includes scheduled online classes to support engagement, connection and structured learning.

Take the next step in your leadership journey and position yourself for career advancement with a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Business Management. Designed for experienced managers without an undergraduate degree, this program builds your capability across essential areas of business while preparing you to progress into the Master of Business Administration. 

Gain a fresh perspective on leadership and management through our focus on three values that shape business success in the 21st century: responsible leadership, sustainable business practices, and a global outlook. You'll strengthen your decision-making skills, expand your understanding of business strategy and economics, and learn how to deliver outcomes that create long-term value for your organisation and society. 

Developed in conjunction with industry professionals, this degree is focused on practical organisational challenges. You'll learn about contemporary management and leadership practice and apply this knowledge to current scenarios from your workplace. 

You'll develop an understanding of the different types and purposes of teams, and learn how to boost team performance through effective leadership. You'll hone your creative thinking skills and be equipped to convert great ideas into reality through collaboration and positive risk-taking. As a graduate, you'll have the skills and knowledge to showcase your responsible leadership abilities and effectively manage transformation in your organisation. 

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Business Management

• Build core skills in accounting, marketing, and economics - taught through the lens of embedding sustainable business practices and social responsibility. 
• Learn how to hone your skills in leading high impact teams, balancing performance with wellbeing and long-term success. 
• Explore sustainability and systems thinking, and find how to integrate ethical, adaptive and resilient practices into organisational strategy. 
• Benefit from a flexible study format designed to fit around your work and life commitments.  
• Gain access to a pathway into the Griffith MBA, one of Australia's most respected business leadership programs. 

Study with a future-focused business school  

This program challenges conventional business thinking, giving you the tools to innovate, lead responsibly and create sustainable competitive advantage. You'll work on real case studies, apply problem-solving and critical thinking to complex challenges, and develop the skills to respond to the changing business landscape with confidence. 

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Managing Organisational Transformation 
• Leading Teams
• Developing Values-based Leadership
• Managing Creativity in Organisations

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management (GCertLeadMgt), you must successfully complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Core Courses

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

Indicative total fee $23,000

The amount shown here is 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.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.

Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University

Explore Griffith University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria: 

• at least five years relevant work experience, which includes three years of relevant work experience and two years demonstrating management/leadership experience
• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) and three years relevant work experience (post degree), which includes two years of relevant work experience and one year in a role demonstrating leadership experience
• a combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above criteria.

You must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 (on a 7.0 point scale) in your previous qualification

Relevant work experience includes roles that demonstrate leadership, direct supervisory experience and/or change management in an organisational or project-specific setting. 

A candidates application must also include: 

1. A two-page CV - your CV should include evidence of work experience, including a detailed work history i.e., statement of roles, responsibilities and achievements 
2. A one-page statement of motivation (see guidelines) 

Guidelines for Statement of Motivation (Compulsory) 

You are required to write a max. one page statement of motivation, outlining your reasons for applying for this program. Your statement can include: 

• highlighting your career aspirations and how this qualification will help you achieve them 
• describing your short-term and long-term career goals and how you plan to leverage the Graduate Certificate to reach these goals
• explaining how the program aligns with your professional development needs
• describing your leadership experience (direct supervisory and/or change management or project specific setting) 

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 program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.