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Course summary

The business world is constantly evolving, with issues such as changing technology, greater global mobility and increasing competition all factors in this process.

As a business owner or professional, you need to understand the core business principles that help you succeed and stay ahead in today’s fast-paced world.

This one-year program includes study in financial analysis and budget control, marketing concepts, consumer behaviour, market systems and their limitations. It also examines the impact of government policy on the business environment.

As well as guiding you towards bigger management roles, the Graduate Diploma of Business is a pathway to further study, including Southern Cross University's MBA program. Graduates are awarded advanced standing of eight units into the MBA.

Learn more about this online course.

Domestic snapshot

DurationLocationStudy Period

16mths P

Duration may vary depending on unit availabilities, previous study or work experience

SCU Online1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

International snapshot

DurationLocationStudy Period

2P

SCU Online1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

The Graduate Diploma in Business includes study in financial analysis and budget control, marketing concepts such as relationship marketing and consumer behaviour, and market systems and their limitations, including impacts of government policy on business environments.

You will develop an understanding of organisational behaviour, administrative hierarchy, job design, international business, project management, communication leadership and teamwork in the contemporary organisation. You will also study market systems and their limitations, including impacts of government policy on business environments.

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Develop and create professional solutions to specific problem from a discipline area.

Critically evaluate, analyse and synthesise a specific issue or theory from a professional area to arrive at a conclusion/decision with justification.

Creativity

Develop and create professional solutions to specific problem from a discipline area.

Critically evaluate, analyse and synthesise a specific issue or theory from a professional area to arrive at a conclusion/decision with justification.

Ethical practice

Analyse and compare challenging organizational ethical issues within a professional context.

Apply discipline based knowledge and professional skills in situations that require autonomy and a high level of responsible behaviour.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate and apply well-developed discipline knowledge and professional skills in a specialised management area within a global perspective.

Apply and integrate research principles and methods to professional management situations.

Lifelong learning

Develop and create professional solutions to specific problem from a discipline area.

Critically evaluate, analyse and synthesise a specific issue or theory from a professional area to arrive at a conclusion/decision with justification.

Communication and social skills

Prepare and deliver professional discipline advice, knowledge and ideas orally for a business or public context.

Prepare and deliver professional and justified, discipline advice using written communications suitable for business and public contexts.

Investigate and explain leadership research and practice in the management of people and self.

Appraise self and team regarding participation and performance.

Cultural competence

Demonstrate and apply well-developed discipline knowledge and professional skills in a specialised management area within a global perspective.

Apply and integrate research principles and methods to professional management situations.

The course incorporates progressive assessment. Students are assessed on the basis of written and oral assignments; reflecting authentic work tasks and contemporary topics. These assignments come in a range of formats designed to assist student learning and skills development over the duration of the course. Formats include business reports, case studies, discussion board posts, presentations, quizzes, and research plans and studies.

Our flexible course fits around you. It’s designed to meet the demands of busy, mobile people – people who travel frequently, work abroad, or juggle multiple work, life and family commitments. You can enter at one of six points throughout the year, and organise your study program to take advantage of the peaks and troughs in your own life.

We employ clever, intuitive and interactive learning software that enables you to collaborate with peers and lecturers. Our multi-modal approach delivers content as video, audio, hands-on, practical exercises, and other media to suit all kinds of learners. Discuss and debate ideas with your peers and lecturer in dedicated forums and with other networking technology.

Each unit has its own website to keep you focused. Every week, you’ll find activities, readings and case studies laid out with step-by-step instructions. As the weeks progress and your knowledge deepens, you’ll tackle increasingly sophisticated concepts, and employ critical analysis.

Make no mistake, this is a rigorous degree. Each unit is presented in a seven-week block, and demands up to 150 hours of study – which translates into around 20 hours a week. The benefits, though, will last a lifetime. 

The Graduate Diploma in Business improves graduates' ability to run and manage a business, or to move into a management role. You'll be equipped to undertake mid-level management roles in a broad spectrum of industries.

Notice

The information on this page may be subject to change over time. Please check this web page again before acting and see our disclaimer

From the 1st of June, 2017, the term 'Distance Education' has been replaced with 'Online'

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