Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Business Management - On Demand

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 degree is part of Griffith GO, our 100% online, on-demand degrees that let you start when you're ready, study at your own pace and learn from anywhere. 

The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Business Management helps experienced professionals strengthen their leadership capability and prepare for career advancement. Designed for managers without an undergraduate degree, it builds essential business knowledge and provides a direct pathway into the Master of Business Administration. 

The program is delivered 100% online and on demand, giving you complete control over when and how you study. With no timetables or campus requirements, you can start at any time, progress at your own pace, and access course materials, interactive resources and support whenever you need them. This flexibility allows you to balance study with work and life while still benefiting from a structured, supported learning experience. 

You'll explore what effective leadership looks like today through a focus on responsible leadership, sustainable business practice, and global awareness. This lens helps you sharpen your decision-making, deepen your understanding of strategy and economics, and develop the ability to create long-term value for your organisation and community. 

You'll apply contemporary management concepts directly to challenges from your own workplace, ensuring your learning is practical and immediately relevant. Throughout the program, you'll build a strong understanding of how teams operate, learn how to lift performance through effective leadership, and strengthen your creative problem-solving skills. You'll be equipped to turn ideas into action, lead change with confidence and guide your organisation through periods of transformation. 

Highlights of studying the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Business Management 

• Study 100% online, on demand. Start when you're ready, set your own pace and pause if you need to. 
• Flexible pathways - progress at your own pace and tailor your learning journey to your career goals. 
• 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. 
• Gain access to a pathway into the Griffith MBA, one of Australia's most respected business leadership programs. 

Please note: All students graduate with the award of Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Business Management.

Recommended study pattern

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

• Responsible Leadership
• People and Behaviour 

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 Business Management (GCertLeadBusMgt), you must successfully

Complete 40 credit points comprising:

• 40 credit points for all Foundation Module

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 full-time, which is typically 8 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

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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.