University of New South Wales
Graduate Certificate in Procurement
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Build strategic procurement expertise through flexible online study, developing the knowledge to support effective public sector procurement and business decision-making.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Procurement at UNSW Canberra is designed for procurement professionals, public sector managers and those who have moved into procurement roles without formal qualifications, seeking to strengthen their understanding of strategic procurement and business decision-making.
You’ll explore how procurement, strategic sourcing and supplier management contribute to organisational outcomes. The program develops the capability to consider procurement decisions in relation to operational efficiency, cost, risk and supplier collaboration, while building knowledge relevant to managing end-to-end procurement processes.
Core study in strategic procurement and outsourcing is complemented by management study and prescribed electives spanning areas such as human resources, accounting, project management, leadership, change management, business ethics and asset management. This flexible structure allows learning to reflect different organisational and professional priorities.
Delivered online, the qualification can be completed in six months full-time or one year part-time. It may support professionals working across procurement, strategic sourcing, contracts, supplier management and related commercial functions in public and private sector environments. The Graduate Certificate is also recognised as an exit qualification from the Master of Business.
"The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals." Shirelle Altona, Current Student
Key facts
12th July, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Procurement, you must successfully complete units totalling 24 credit points, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 6 credit points.
Complete the following:
- Strategic Procurement and Outsourcing
Select 6 credit points from the following:
- Strategic Management
- Business Law
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in Procurement, an applicant must meet one of the following entry requirements:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree with honours in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution.
- Completion of a graduate diploma or graduate certificate in a related discipline* from a recognised institution.
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution and completion of at least three years of relevant full-time professional experience.
- Completion of a bachelor's degree in a non-related discipline and completion of at least four years of relevant full-time professional experience.
- Evidence of other qualifications and professional experience to be assessed as acceptable grounds for admission into the program by the relevant Program Authority. In certain circumstances, students may be required to undertake and successfully complete a relevant non-award course as a condition for admission into the program. This non-award course may also be credited towards the program upon admission.
*Related discipline/s: Business, management, economics, accounting, information technology, information systems, engineering, logistics, human resource management, project management, public policy, marketing management and law.
English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you may be required to provide evidence that your English language ability meets our requirements. Contact the university for further information. If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application.
You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses.
- Prior study in the medium of English.
- Other qualifications.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help reduce the number of units you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Communicate effectively to transmit procurement knowledge and skills to a range of audiences and be capable of independent and collaborative inquiry.
- Synthesise disciplinary knowledge and skills to achieve organisational objectives in a range of procurement management contexts.
- Analyse procurement management issues and develop appropriate solutions, through critical thinking and problem-solving skills that ensure efficient and effective outcomes.
- Identify and support procurement issues in a wider management context so as to ensure the best outcomes organisation wide.
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Procurement provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to manage end-to-end procurement processes, enhance value in sourcing and supplier management and deliver effective procurement outcomes in both public and private sectors.
Job roles can include:
- Procurement Manager
- Strategic Sourcing Specialist
- Contracts Manager
- Category Manager
- Supply Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Procurement Analyst
- Supplier Relationship Manager
- Procurement Policy Advisor
- Sourcing Manager
- Commercial Manager
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $20,500 (Full-fee paying place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- 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.