Curtin University

Graduate Certificate in Business

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Build a strong foundation in essential business theory and practice. This course can serve as an entry point for further postgraduate study or as a standalone challenge.

Course overview

This course is relevant for managers at all levels (emerging through to middle/senior levels) who want to formalise their business knowledge and may not have a university qualification, or who have an undergraduate degree in a non-business area. After completing the four units of the graduate certificate, you may choose to exit or pause your business studies or complete the additional eight units required to gain your Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,379
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 40 cp (4 units) per semester or 80 cp (8 units) per year.
Campus
Perth
Intake
Units
4
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

Complete the following units:

  • Economics for Managers
  • Executive Financial Decision Making
  • Organisational Behaviour for Managers

Options

Complete 25 credit points from the following options:

  • Analysis and Visualisation of Financial Data
  • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Managerial Effectiveness
  • International Energy Markets
  • Fundamentals of Leadership
  • Human Resource Strategies
  • Synergising Marketing
  • Strategy, Change and Innovation

Students should choose a unit from the option list which is included in the MBA specialisation they wish to enrol in once admitted to the Master of Business Administration.

Entry requirements

There are two pathways into the Graduate Certificate in Business – one for applicants with an undergraduate degree and one for those without an undergraduate degree. Applicants with an undergraduate degree will be required to demonstrate two (2) years of relevant work experience. Applicants without an undergraduate degree will have three (3) to five (5) years of relevant work experience and will be asked to meet this course's English language proficiency requirements.

English language requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. I have outlined specific English requirements for this course below.

  • IELTS - Writing 6.0
  • Speaking 6.0
  • Reading 6.0
  • Listening 6.0
  • Overall, the bans score 6.5

You may demonstrate English proficiency using other tests. Please get in touch with the university for complete details.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences.

Credit for recognised learning is not available for the Graduate Certificate in Business. Students may be offered waivers for certain units under specific circumstances, but they must select other approved units as substitutes.

Outcomes

Careers outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers in roles such as:

  • Analyst
  • Business Administration manager
  • Management Consultant
  • Managing Director
  • Project Manager

Industries

  • Banking and Finance
  • Consultancy
  • Education
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Non-profit
  • Private Business
  • Public Relations
  • Resources and Renewables
  • Retail

Learning outcomes

Graduates will learn the following skills during the course:

  • Access and critique contemporary business theories, concepts and principles and be able to apply these to add value in an organisational environment.
  • Effectively communicate in various modes to gather, advise or influence stakeholders for a desired outcome.
  • Formulate responsible management and leadership decisions that are evidence-based and supported by a critical evaluation of markets, human resources and/ or accounting information. 
  • Critically review personal, professional, team and organisational practices for opportunities to innovate or apply principles of ethics, sustainability or corporate social responsibility.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated 2025 first-year fee: $17,516 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 100 credit points (normally four units) per semester or 200 credit points (normally eight units) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.