Graduate Certificate in Leadership

The program will develop the foundational knowledge required to effectively lead in changing environments.

You will study four courses – three courses about people, leadership and change, as well as one elective.

1. Learn to lead high-performance teams and manage organisational change.
2. Explore contemporary, practical case studies and confidently apply your new knowledge to real-world business environments.
3. Benefit from flexible study options and learn full-time, part-time, on campus, online or in mixed mode.
4. Use this qualification to continue your studies through a range of UniSA Master's degrees.
5. Complete the Leaders Institute of South Australia Amplify program as part of your degree, or gain credit towards one elective course.
6. Connect with a senior business leader through our Executive Partners Program.
7. UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.

This graduate certificate will enable you to learn from the only university in South Australia to have all its Business and Management research rated above world–class. You will develop skills in fundamental business areas such as leadership, resource management and managing change, which are vital for modern managers to thrive in today’s workplace.

This graduate certificate will provide you with the knowledge and skills to gain a solid foundation in management, and enable entry into select UniSA Business masters degrees. It is suitable for those who don't hold a prior business qualification but have substantial work experience, or a non-business undergraduate degree.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

Recommended study pattern

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

• People, Leadership and Performance
• Responsible Leadership
• Leading and Managing Organisational Change

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To successfully complete the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Leadership, you must complete three core courses and one elective. 

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

Indicative total fee $15,000

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.

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is ranked as one of the best young universities in the world, and is the number one university in Australia for graduate employability. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning, and is a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about UniSA.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

22

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

22

Entrants to the program shall hold one of the following:

• A completed Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
• A completed AQF equivalent Advanced Diploma (or Associate Degree) plus 1 year professional experience; or
• A completed AQF equivalent Diploma and 2 years professional experience; or
• 3 years professional experience.

If you have previous work experience, or have studied before, you could fast-track your studies by reducing the time it takes to complete your degree.