Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate of Marketing
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Develop marketing skills across consumer behaviour, data analysis, digital marketing and design thinking while working with contemporary marketing concepts and industry-focused projects.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Marketing develops foundational postgraduate knowledge for people seeking to build or extend their marketing capabilities. The course combines technical, analytical and creative approaches to contemporary marketing and can also provide a pathway into Swinburne's Master of Marketing.
Study covers consumer behaviour, data-empowered marketing, global digital marketing and opportunity discovery, creativity and design. Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities alongside an understanding of how marketing concepts can be applied across different contexts.
Students complete four compulsory units worth 12.5 credit points each, totalling 50 credit points. Swinburne states that the course incorporates experiential learning through real clients, live projects and interactions with industry partners, but no compulsory placement or internship unit appears in the course structure.
The course can be completed in six months full time or equivalent part time at Hawthorn. Swinburne identifies career areas including digital marketing, advertising, branding, consultancy, market research, corporate communications and customer experience.
Key facts
3rd August, 2027
What will you study
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Marketing, students must complete 50 credit points comprising four core units of study.
- Opportunity Discovery, Creativity and Design
- Data Empowered Marketing
- Consumer Behaviour
- Global Digital Marketing
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or higher award) in a related discipline from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.
- A recognised bachelor's degree (or higher award) in any discipline, plus a minimum of two years of equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
- A minimum of three years of equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
Relevant professional/managerial experience and evidence of academic capability will be determined by the Faculty PVC (or delegate) with reference to faculty-determined guiding principles. Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.
Documents substantiating relevant experience are required, clearly detailing roles and duration and evidence of formal and non-formal learning. Where relevant experience is used for the basis of admission, no further recognition for prior learning/credit can be granted on that basis.
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 Marketing, graduates will be able to:
- Apply coherent and developed knowledge of marketing 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 reference to established frameworks.
- Communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a team and use the basic tools and practices of marketing within project work.
- Demonstrate integrity, ethical conduct, accountability and respect, as well as develop an awareness of professional practices and cultural norms in a global and sustainable context.
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.
- Managers or executives
- Career movers
- Brand managers
- Market researchers
- Aspiring marketers
- Digital marketers
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $18,270 (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.