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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March
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Duration
0.5 years full-time; 1 year part-time
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Location
Online
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Placement
No
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ATAR
Not applicable
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
GradCertSmlBusMgmt
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Course code
1008130
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Credit points
48
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Equivalent units
4
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
-
Start Date
-
Duration
0.5 years full-time
-
Location
-
Placement
No
-
ATAR
Not applicable
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.5
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
GradCertSmlBusMgmt
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Course code
1008130
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Credit points
48
-
Equivalent units
4
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
Gain the vital skills and knowledge necessary to launch, manage and grow successful businesses with the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management.
Developed in consultation with industry, students will learn modern management tools and techniques critical for small business success, effective marketing strategies and innovative business practices. This course includes practical business projects and real-world applications to ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge to tackle the specific challenges faced by small businesses.
This six-month course (or one-year part-time) fosters foundational knowledge in financial management, marketing and sales strategies, operations and human resource management, and entrepreneurship and innovation for small businesses.
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“In every one of the units I have studied, I have learnt a concept that I can apply to real world situations. The learnings are already helping me in my job now.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
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 (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Demonstrate critical thinking, independent judgment, and reflective practices to evaluate and apply small business management principles in complex business environments. Develop and implement systematic problem-solving skills to address common and complex challenges in small business management with innovative solutions. |
GA2: Creativity Develop and implement systematic problem-solving skills to address common and complex challenges in small business management with innovative solutions. |
GA3: Ethical practice Analyse and apply ethical and socially responsible business practices, incorporating culturally appropriate approaches to support inclusive and sustainable small business operations. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate critical thinking, independent judgment, and reflective practices to evaluate and apply small business management principles in complex business environments. Develop and implement systematic problem-solving skills to address common and complex challenges in small business management with innovative solutions. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Demonstrate critical thinking, independent judgment, and reflective practices to evaluate and apply small business management principles in complex business environments. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Apply advanced communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, facilitate productive relationships, and promote the business vision and strategy. |
GA7: Cultural competence Analyse and apply ethical and socially responsible business practices, incorporating culturally appropriate approaches to support inclusive and sustainable small business operations. Apply advanced communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, facilitate productive relationships, and promote the business vision and strategy. |
This course comprises four (4) core units in financial management for small businesses, marketing and sales strategies for small businesses, operations and human resource management in small businesses and small business entrepreneurship and innovation.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Online | Term 1 |
Career Outcomes
Graduates will be well-equipped for entrepreneurial and managerial roles within small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across diverse sectors.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.5 |
| Listening | minimum 6.0 |
| Speaking | minimum 6.0 |
| Reading | minimum 6.0 |
| Writing | minimum 6.0 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management students must complete the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising 4 core units.
Other things to consider
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
Course structure
Why study Management at Southern Cross University
Top 800 worldwide
We're ranked in the global top 800 universities for Business and Economics
THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025Industry standard
This course is developed in consultation with industry.
5-star ratings for business and management
We're rated 5 stars for postgraduate full-time employment and student support
Good Universities Guide 2025Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
How can we help?
How can we help?
How can we help?
Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway