Graduate Diploma of Business

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Wed, 24 May

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
Duration
16 months part-time

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

2 years part-time
Location
SCU Online
SCU Online
Start date
January, March, April, July, August, October
January, February, April, June, August, October
Course code
1108100
Course abbreviation
GradDipBus
Credit points
96
Equivalent units
8
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Fee paying
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

The business world is constantly evolving, with issues such as changing technology and increasing competition as 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.

The business world is constantly evolving, with issues such as changing technology and increasing competition as 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.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

Applications for admission to candidature in the Graduate Diploma of Business may be selected where they can demonstrate academic or professional standing considered by the School Board or Course Coordinator to be equivalent to the requirements of Rule 2, Section 3.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score6.0

About the course

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.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
SCU OnlineSummer Term, Term  1, Term  2, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
SCU OnlineSummer Term, Term  1, Term  2, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5$30,408 ($3,801 per unit)N/A

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma of Business students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising 8 core units.

Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Business after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising 4 core units.


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
BUSN5005Management Communication (Online)
STAT5002Business Analytics (Online)
MGMT5003Organisational Behaviour (Online)
ACCT5003Accounting for Managers (Online)
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Business after completing the above 4 units (48 credit points).
BUSN6002Global Business (Online)
PROJ5002Project Management Principles
MRKT6004Digital Marketing (Online)
MGMT6003The Positive Leader (Online)



Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

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.

Course Learning Outcome

Demonstrate critical thinking, well developed judgement and the ability to reflect on self and others in business environments.

Prepare a systematic approach to increasingly complex problem solving in a business context.

Analyse innovative solutions to complex business problems.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of complex ethical and socially responsible business practices informed by a global perspective.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of a body of knowledge in one or more discipline areas.

Demonstrate critical thinking, well developed judgement and the ability to reflect on self and others in business environments.

Practice and develop expert communication and collaborations skills.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of culturally appropriate business practices informed by a global perspective.


Assessment methods

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.

Teaching methods

Our flexible course fits around you. It’s designed to meet the demands of busy, mobile people – people who travel frequently 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. 

Career opportunities

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.

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