Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management
Postgraduate
SCU-SBM-GCE 2026Course information for 2026 intake
Launch, manage and grow successful small businesses
Learn business skills for the real world. You’ll cover finance, marketing, operations and innovation. This course equips you to tackle challenges and thrive in small business management. Lead your venture forward with confidence.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year part time
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management
About this degree
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).
Course Learning Outcome
GA1: Intellectual rigour
- Demonstrate critical thinking, independent judgment, and reflective practices to evaluate and apply small business management principles in complex business environments.
- Develop and implement systematic problem-solving skills to address common and complex challenges in small business management with innovative solutions.
GA2: Creativity
- Develop and implement systematic problem-solving skills to address common and complex challenges in small business management with innovative solutions.
GA3: Ethical practice
- Analyse and apply ethical and socially responsible business practices, incorporating culturally appropriate approaches to support inclusive and sustainable small business operations.
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
- Demonstrate critical thinking, independent judgment, and reflective practices to evaluate and apply small business management principles in complex business environments.
- Develop and implement systematic problem-solving skills to address common and complex challenges in small business management with innovative solutions.
GA5: Lifelong learning
- Demonstrate critical thinking, independent judgment, and reflective practices to evaluate and apply small business management principles in complex business environments.
GA6: Communication and social skills
- Apply advanced communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, facilitate productive relationships, and promote the business vision and strategy.
GA7: Cultural competence
- Analyse and apply ethical and socially responsible business practices, incorporating culturally appropriate approaches to support inclusive and sustainable small business operations.
- Apply advanced communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, facilitate productive relationships, and promote the business vision and strategy.
Gain the vital skills and knowledge necessary to launch, manage and grow successful businesses with the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management.
Developed in consultation with industry, students will learn modern management tools and techniques critical for small business success, effective marketing strategies and innovative business practices. This course includes practical business projects and real-world applications to ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge to tackle the specific challenges faced by small businesses.
This course fosters foundational knowledge in financial management, marketing and sales strategies, operations and human resource management, and entrepreneurship and innovation for small businesses.
Award requirements
To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management 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 first year fee
$8,700
Indicative total fee $8,700
The amounts shown here are 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.
Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.
Learn more about SCU.
Explore SCU courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 30
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 35
How to apply
Southern Cross University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Southern Cross University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
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Entry requirements
- completed a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher at this University or another higher education provider; or
- equivalent professional experience as determined by the relevant Associate Dean (Education).
Language requirements
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
Category Score
- 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.
Learn more
Career opportunities
Graduates will be well-equipped for entrepreneurial and managerial roles within small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across diverse sectors.