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Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

Drive Innovation. Embrace Technology. Lead the Future.

  • Learn and master the future of business
  • Understand how new tech can create new opportunities
  • Be the leader your organisation is looking for
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Postgraduate

Qualification

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8 Months Full-Time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

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4

Units

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$4,540*

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OVERVIEW

Take your next step towards your dream career.

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 in 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 relevant work experience
  • Direct pathway to our Top Tier MBA
  • 100% Online and flexible, study when and where you want

Key Learnings Include

  • Emerging Technology: Explore the power of emerging technologies like AI to drive innovation, solve real-world business challenges, and create a competitive edge.
  • Customer Experience Management: Master the art and science of designing and optimising customer journeys using data-driven tools and to enhance CX strategies and elevate brand value.
  • Law for Entrepreneurs: Gain insights into the legal considerations essential for launching and managing entrepreneurial ventures, like intellectual property and contract law.
  • Technology & Innovation Immersion: Step into the future of business with dynamic units where you’ll work directly with leading industry partners.

Professional accreditations

Corey-BW

‘The online flexibility has been a game changer for me. I have no idea where I would be without the ability to study when and how I need to. I have taken my work interstate, overseas, anywhere you can think of.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

36.5% ▴

The Australian Government 2021 QILT report showed that postgraduate coursework graduates earned an average of 36.5% more than those with a bachelor’s immediately following graduation.

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 200 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2025.

‘The online flexibility has been a game changer for me. I have no idea where I would be without the ability to study when and how I need to. I have taken my work interstate, overseas, anywhere you can think of.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

36.5% ▴

The Australian Government 2021 QILT report showed that postgraduate coursework graduates earned an average of 36.5% more than those with a bachelor’s immediately following graduation.

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 200 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2025.

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration consists of:

  • 4 units that can be completed in
  • 8 months full-time

This curriculum is tailored for professionals seeking to:

  • Understand and leverage emerging technologies in business contexts
  • Enhance customer experiences through strategic management
  • Navigate the legal landscape pertinent to entrepreneurs and startups
  • Develop innovative solutions to complex business challenges

Pathway to a world-class MBA

Upon completion, this graduate certificate serves as a direct pathway to Swinburne Online’s Master of Business Administration (MBA).

The units you’ve completed will count towards the MBA, allowing for a seamless transition into advanced studies. Swinburne’s MBA is recognised globally, holding a Tier-1 rating and ranking among the top online MBAs.

What you'll study:

 

Emerging Technology

Customer Experience Management

Law for Entrepreneurs

Technology & Innovation Immersion

On successful completion of this Course students will 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 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.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate in Business Administration students must complete 50 credit points comprising of:

  • Four (4) core units of study (50 credit points)

Volume of Learning

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration consists of a total of 4 units (50 credit points). Units normally carry 12.5 credit points (cps). In each standard teaching period, four (4) units normally constitute a full-time load of 50 credit points and two (2) units normally constitute a part-time load of 25 credit points.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is 25 credit points (normally two units).

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

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

  • a minimum of 3 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 2 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

  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you gain credit based on skills and knowledge from your work experience, life experience, or formal training.
  • Like credit transfer, this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To learn more, reach out to a Course Consultant to discuss applying for credit.

Need more info?

  • We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $4,540*.
  • There are 4 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

FEE-HELP provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.

Discover more information about HELP loans.

Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Course fees will be affected by a student’s unit selection and any credit awarded in recognition of previous academic experience.

This course is offered to domestic and offshore international students.

Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Graduate Certificate of Business Administration (average annual salaries via SEEK):

$120,000 to $140,000 Average Salary

Oversee every part of business, from finance, people, data, distribution, sales and growth. Develop strategies to improve productivity and upskill employees, organise tasks and set deadlines, liaise with managers, stakeholders and clients, and report on department performance.

Oversee every part of business, from finance, people, data, distribution, sales and growth. Develop strategies to improve productivity and upskill employees, organise tasks and set deadlines, liaise with managers, stakeholders and clients, and report on department performance.

Sky's the limit Average Salary

With a solid understanding of business practices, you’ll have the tools you need to set up your own business. Turn your ideas into a reality, and put your knowledge to work as you assess, grow and innovate any market.

With a solid understanding of business practices, you’ll have the tools you need to set up your own business. Turn your ideas into a reality, and put your knowledge to work as you assess, grow and innovate any market.

$125,000 to $145,000 Average Salary

Lead the team and manage projects from ideation to execution. Project Managers are responsible for project milestones, contracts, documentation, reporting on risks, leading teams, and delivering reports to senior leaders.

Lead the team and manage projects from ideation to execution. Project Managers are responsible for project milestones, contracts, documentation, reporting on risks, leading teams, and delivering reports to senior leaders.

$200,000–$350,000+ Average Salary

Leads a business unit or the whole organisation (especially in SMEs), focusing on financial results, operations, and leadership.

Leads a business unit or the whole organisation (especially in SMEs), focusing on financial results, operations, and leadership.

$125,000 to $135,000 Average Salary

Develops and implements strategic plans to achieve business objectives, analyses market trends, and identifies growth opportunities.

Develops and implements strategic plans to achieve business objectives, analyses market trends, and identifies growth opportunities.

$180,000–$250,000+ Average Salary

Develops long-term plans, evaluates market trends, and advises the executive team on key initiatives to ensure growth and innovation.

Develops long-term plans, evaluates market trends, and advises the executive team on key initiatives to ensure growth and innovation.

Confidence portrait of young businesswoman standing over office building. Leadership, vision and empowerment concept.

Your pathway to success.

  • Launch your own business with confidence
  • Accelerate your career path and reach your goals
  • 90% of post graduates secure employment
  • Increased industry demand for postgraduates
  • Build your network with like-minded professionals
  • Experience practical learning from industry leaders

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

 

Young woman studying on her laptop in her kitchen with coffee.

 

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Your online classroom - Canvas

Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
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Dedicated student support

We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.

    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will assist you with unit information, learning material, assignments, and referencing.
    • We strive to support you from enrolment to graduation, ensuring your success.
    • With continuous access to guidance and resources for a smooth study experience, you’re never alone with Swinburne Online.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.