Graduate Certificate of Business Administration
Postgraduate
SWI-BUS-GCE 2025Business leadership essentials
Study the core units of business leadership, including marketing management and innovation. Build leadership skills. Become a clear communicator and ethical decision maker. Get strategic about your business career and consider upgrading to an MBA.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 8 months full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Certificate of Business Administration
About this degree
Emerging Technology
You’ll explore the power of emerging technologies like AI to drive innovation, solve real-world business challenges, and create a competitive edge.
Customer Experience Management
You’ll master the art and science of designing and optimising customer journeys across every touchpoint. Using data-driven tools and industry best practices, you’ll learn to map, measure, and enhance CX strategies that elevate brand value and customer loyalty.
Law for Entrepreneurs
Gain insights into the legal considerations essential for launching and managing entrepreneurial ventures, including intellectual property and contract law.
Technology & Innovation Immersion
Step into the future of business with dynamic, hands-on units that give you the opportunity to work directly with leading industry partners. Solve real-world challenges and sharpen your strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership.
Step Into Leadership
Today’s business landscape is evolving at a rapid pace. Now more than ever, businesses are seeking new ways to adapt and grow and looking for individuals that can lead that growth by driving innovation and harnessing new and emerging technologies like AI.
Swinburne Online's Graduate Certificate of Business Administration is designed to do just that. This graduate certificate introduces you to the critical aspects of modern business administration, with a distinct emphasis on innovation and technological advancement.
It’ll equip you with the skills and knowledge to navigate and lead in dynamic environments and disruptive futures. Whether you're aiming to enhance your current role or pave the way to a world-class MBA, this course offers a strategic blend of contemporary business insights and practical applications through engaging immersive units. Building the core principles that will give you the confidence to take any path you like.
- Fast-track your career and earning potential
- No prior study needed with three or more years of relevant work experience
- Direct pathway to our Top Tier MBA
- 100% Online and flexible, study when and where you want.
Recommended study pattern
- Emerging Technology (INF60019)
- Customer Experience Management (MKT70021)
- Law for Entrepreneurs (LAW60007)
- Technology & Innovation Emersion (INF60020).
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Business Administration students must complete 50 credit points comprising of:
- Four (4) core units of study (50 credit points).
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$18,160
Indicative total fee $18,160
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.
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne.
Explore Swinburne courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
How to apply
Swinburne University of Technology manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Swinburne University of Technology who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
To gain entry into this course, applicants must have one of the following:
- a minimum of three years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience, or
- a recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, or
- a recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline plus a minimum of two years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
If you are applying as an international student, please view the English language requirements.
A minimum of three years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
If you are applying as an international student, please view the English Language Requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.
Career opportunities
Your pathway to industry
You are already well on your way to accomplishing your big career goals; now is the time to equip yourself with the qualification you need to accelerate your progress and take your career to the next level. Your Graduate Certificate of Business Administration will teach you practical techniques to plan and deliver effective, comprehensive business strategies that respond business objectives within a complex environment.
Your practical learning aims to equip you with skills you can take straight into your next senior leadership role, and is designed to quickly accelerate your career progression and earning potential in just about any field.
Your graduate certificate also opens a pathway for you to advance your knowledge and expertise by continuing with a Master of Business Administration.
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration may be able to secure the following jobs:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Responsible for the overarching strategic planning of the future of a business
- Strategic Manager: Provides a strategic approach and insight into business operations
- Executive General Manager: Develops strategies and policies to achieve future business goals
- Chief Operating Officer (COO): Directs business operations to meet budgetary and financial targets.
Jobs looking for you
A survey of Swinburne Online graduates revealed that 90% of Business alumni secured full-time employment. This aligns with national trends, as the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey reported that 90.3% of postgraduate business graduates in Australia were employed full-time. Additionally, the 2023 GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey highlighted a continued strong global demand for graduate management talent, indicating a robust job market for business professionals.
Launch your own business
Swinburne Online’s Graduate Certificate of Business Administration is not only for those wanting to open doors to upper-management positions in their industry. If you are an entrepreneur or business owner ready to upscale your team, output, customer base and profit margin, this course can offer you a clear and practical pathway to take your business to the next level. No matter the size of your business, we can equip you with the skills you need to realise your capabilities and potential.
A ready-made professional network
When you complete a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration with Swinburne Online, you will be rewarded with not only a top-tier postgraduate qualification, but also a valuable network of like-minded business professionals. Forge connections, motivate one another and share opportunities and ideas that you can continue to draw upon long after graduation.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Chief Executives and Managing Directors | N/A^ | Up 10.8% |
Corporate General Managers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
General Managers | N/A^ | Up 59.7% |
Management Consultants | N/A^ | N/A^ |