Overview
Update your business and managements skills and knowledge through our Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.
The program is suited to business graduates and to managers qualified in other disciplines. It offers a pathway to postgraduate study in the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
You can study at our convenient city campus, or complete your Graduate Certificate in Business Administration 100% online.
This graduate certificate contains four up-to-date, foundational units in business administration:
- financial analysis
- marketing management
- business ethics and sustainability
- strategic management and business policy.
Connection with industry
In addition to highly qualified VU teaching staff (most hold a PhD) who are renowned in research and working in industry, you will hear from industry guest lecturers, who have included:
- Mike Smith, former ANZ CEO (2007-2015)
- Alan Kohler, business commentator/financial journalist (ABC, Eureka Report)
- VU MBA Alumni.
Our industry and workplace partners have included Crown Hotels, the NAB, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, IBM and Tennis Australia.
To further support you in the transition to employment, Victoria University has links with:
- Certified Practising Accountants (CPA)
- Governance Institute of Australia
- Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
- Graduate Management Association of Australia (GMAA).
Specialised business facilities
Our Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is offered through the Victoria Graduate School of Business (VGSB), located at our City campus.
Featuring business incubators (high-tech meeting rooms replicating a business centre) and industry-standard computer labs, the City campus offers a modern, spacious and comfortable learning environment.
You’ll have access to professional online business databases and a specialist business librarian.
Study while you work
The Victoria Graduate School of Business (VGSB) is located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, with study hours tailored to the working professional.
Our after-hours adjustments put your schedule first and foremost, letting you manage the busy juggle of work and postgraduate research.
We even give you the option of studying online, through our flexible and collaborative digital delivery.
Build on your qualifications towards an MBA
Our flexible course structure provides the perfect way to build business skills and knowledge, while gaining recognised qualifications at every stage.
You will exit this course with a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. If you continue studying, the credits gained in this course will contribute towards our Master of Business Administration.
Study online
VU’s Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is now also offered 100% online, removing barriers to time and place.
Victoria University Online makes it easy to fit study around commitments such as work and family. Our learning platform gives you simple access to all of your course requirements, at all times. Everything you need to succeed in your studies – including collaborating and learning with peers, meeting with VU facilitators, coursework and assessment – happens online.
VU Online is committed to excellent postgraduate-course delivery. At the centre of this is a responsive learning platform, where you can interact with a vibrant community of peers on discussion boards and chat, and receive regular advice and feedback from VU academics and unit facilitators.
Studying online allows you to tailor your study pace to your needs. The six study-period model lets you complete as many as six units in a year to graduate faster. You may take a break between subjects if needed, or power through all your units – it’s up to you.
Information on enrolments:
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in business administration
Studying business administration with VU will broaden your career options. You’ll have the foundational knowledge to go on to study our Master of Business Administration (MBA). You’ll also have the skills and competencies to enter early career roles in the business sector and beyond.
Our graduates find work in variety of industries and areas, including:
- marketing
- human resources
- trading
- real estate
- construction
- IT
- consultation
- management.
Salary
Use Labour Market Insights to find the average annual salary in Australia for the following roles:
Course structure
To attain the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, students will be required to complete 48 credit points (equivalent to 4 units) consisting of:
- 48 credit points (equivalent to 4 units) professional core units
Course structure and units
-
- Unit code
- BAO5734
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BHO6505
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BMO5501
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BMO6511
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Review theoretical approaches and analyse their application to achieve effective business strategies. | ||
| 2. | Justify and interpret theoretical propositions and related knowledge to think critically in the resolution of business problems and recommend actions relevant to contemporary business settings. | ||
| 3. | Critically apply cross disciplinary knowledge in creative decision making. | ||
| 4. | Demonstrate independent judgement in a range of business functions in response to contemporary and future professional challenges. | ||
| 5. | Effectively communicate complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Full-fee
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
OR
Applicants with a minimum five (5) years approved work experience will be considered for admission to this course.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
- 28 April 2025
- 28 July 2025
- 29 September 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
