Swinburne University of Technology

Graduate Certificate of Business Administration

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

Develop business and management skills across emerging technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and customer experience through a four-unit online graduate certificate.

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate of Business Administration develops foundational postgraduate knowledge for people seeking to strengthen their capabilities in business and management. It may also provide an entry point for managers with qualifications in other disciplines.

Study develops advanced business knowledge alongside critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills. The current curriculum explores emerging technology, technology and innovation, law for entrepreneurs and customer experience management, connecting these areas with contemporary business practice.

Students complete four compulsory units worth 12.5 credit points each, totalling 50 credit points. There are no electives or specialisations within the Graduate Certificate. The qualification also forms the first stage of Swinburne Online's Master of Business Administration.

The course is delivered entirely online through Swinburne Online and can be completed in six months full time or equivalent part time. Swinburne identifies potential career directions including business administrator, entrepreneur, executive, general manager and project manager.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,717
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 50 credit points (four units).
Intake
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Business Administration, students must complete 50 credit points comprising four core units of study.

  • Emerging Technology
  • Technology and Innovation Immersion
  • Law for Entrepreneurs
  • Customer Experience Management

Entry requirements

To gain entry into this course, applicants must have one of the following:

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
  • A recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline plus a minimum of two years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
  • A minimum of three years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.

English language requirements

All Swinburne students must be able to meet the English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic: overall 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0
  • Swinburne EAP 5 Advanced: overall 70%, with all skills 65% or above
  • Or equivalent measures

These requirements vary for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on your chosen course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Contact the university or visit their website for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

At completion of the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration, graduates should be able to:

  • Apply advanced knowledge of business concepts in diverse contexts and applications using critical thinking.
  • Apply problem-solving, design and decision-making methodologies to identify and provide innovative solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
  • Communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a diverse team and use the basic tools and practices of business within project work.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability and an awareness of professional practices in a global and sustainable context.
  • Apply business fundamentals to the analysis, design and operation of a model using appropriate business methods and tools.

Career outcomes

Students can enhance their career opportunities by gaining additional leadership and management skills – an important asset in today’s complex and changing business environment. The examples below demonstrate the types of roles graduates can attain.

  • Business administrator
  • Entrepreneur
  • Executive
  • General manager
  • Project manager

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $18,870 (domestic full-fee paying place)

The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.

Student fees 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.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

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.