Career options
From taking the leap to a middle or senior management role to effectively running your own small business, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration will give you an edge and help progress your business career to the next level.
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A university that puts its students first
VU has empowered thousands of students from all educational backgrounds to reach their career and education goals.
Learn from industry front-runners
VU Online postgraduate students benefit from the university’s unique industry connections, as well as its strong reputation in the business community.
Interactive learning environment
VU Collaborate provides flexible learning options, easy access to academic feedback and membership to a vibrant and supportive digital community.
Entry requirements
- Completion of an Australian bachelor/honours degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline; OR
- A minimum of five (5) years approved work experience will be considered for admission to this course. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
Units of study
VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Business Administration covers four core areas of business and management, equipping you with the understanding and industry knowledge expected of future workplace leaders.
- Strategic Management and Business Policy
- Business Ethics and Sustainability
- Marketing Management
- Financial Analysis
For more information about the units of study, download a brochure.
Career options
Graduates of VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Business Administration are well placed to make their next career move.
From taking the leap to a middle or senior management role to effectively running your own small business, a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration will give you an edge and help progress your business career to the next level.
Typical job titles:
- Account Executive
- Project Manager
- Systems Manager
- Financial Project Manager
- Marketing Manager
How online study works
Studying with VU Online means that you can undertake postgraduate study without having to attend on-campus classes. This makes it easy to fit study around work, family and other life commitments.
You will be able to access your coursework, resources, assignment details and individual feedback from facilitators, all from your online learning environment, VU Collaborate. Chat with fellow students, compare research notes and engage with learning materials—it’s all possible with our seamless, community-focused platform.
This degree is offered through VU Online’s postgraduate Block Model®, winner of consecutive LearnX Live! Awards. Instead of taking two or three units a semester, you will study one unit at a time in six study periods per year, offering more flexibility than traditional on-campus degrees. Learn about our postgraduate online Block Model® with this YouTube video.
Course information
View entry requirements, career options and what’s available to you, through our extensive student support network below.
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.
Student support
VU Online provides you with the support you need, when you need it, during your course. Our support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed in your studies.
Our highly experienced academics are responsive and accessible and understand how to deliver a quality online learning experience. You will also be introduced to your very own Student Success Advisor, who provides motivation and one-on-one personalised assistance with non-academic matters throughout your course.
You’ll experience the support of your community through chat, virtual seminars and discussion board activity. Remember, your support network is only a phone call and email away.
Fees and FEE-Help
A Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from VU Online costs $3,995 per unit*, taking the total for 4 units to $15,980*.
This depends on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for Advanced Standing, which is assessed after you submit your application.
Note that you may be eligible for the Australian Government’s loan scheme, FEE-HELP. The loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying students with the cost of a university program. It can be used for all or part of the tuition. To determine your eligibility, visit the FEE-HELP website.
*2025 student fees are shown and are subject to change.
For more information on fees and student support, download a brochure.
How to apply
VU online has simplified the application process, involving just three key steps.
- Speak to one of our Student Enrolment Advisors, who will help you determine your eligibility for the program and whether it suits your career goals. Our advisor will keep you informed of all the application requirements and what to expect during the process. They can also suggest flexible study plans for your circumstances.
- Begin your online application and submit the required documentation. This may include a copy of your CV and academic transcript.
- Upon completing your application, you will receive a confirmation email or an email letting you know if you need to provide any additional information.
What you'll study
VU Online’s Graduate Certificate in Business Administration covers four core areas of business and management, equipping you with the understanding and industry knowledge expected of future workplace leaders.
Strategic Management and Business Policy
Strategic Management examines the decisions, actions and processes undertaken by firms for success, growth and change in a business environment. Managers at all levels are involved in the strategic management process and must be able to utilise an advanced body of knowledge and skills to plan and problem solve in this area.
This unit of study will explore the principal elements in external and internal environments which impact on organisations and consider how current theoretical frameworks and the interdisciplinary and professional knowledge base respond to complex issues. High level analytical and planning skills will be required to prepare relevant business plans.
Business Ethics and Sustainability
This unit critically reviews the socio-cultural environment in which business operates. Ethical frameworks for decision making will be critiqued and students will construct the debates surrounding contemporary corporate responsibility and sustainable development as they impact on organisations in their local and global contexts. Emphasis will be on how new pressures on businesses arise, and how effective the various models that structure organisational responses are to these dynamic and emergent challenges. Students will understand the importance of various United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) relating to governance, operations and culture through evidence-based research, case analysis, and evaluation, in understanding the importance of the SDGs.
Marketing Management
This unit aims to critically review the major decisions faced by marketing decision makers in their efforts to harmonise the organisation’s objectives, capabilities, and resources with marketplace needs and opportunities. This unit allows students to evaluate contemporary practices of marketing: the creation of value for customers and firms, along with the strategies and methods marketers use to successfully operate in today's dynamic environment. The unit reflects on the major trends in the managerial practice of marketing and the teaching pedagogy is crafted around applied learning content, case study analysis, collaborative decision making and reflective reasoning.
Financial Analysis
Financial acumen is an important skill for managers in the complex local and global business environment. The unit takes a multidisciplinary approach to develop advanced analytical, planning and decision making skills. This unit proposes a theoretical framework for effective and efficient use of financial statement information for business analysis. It identifies and evaluates: financial statements, business strategies, financial data, and growth of the business. This framework is then applied to a variety of complex decision making contexts including security analysis, credit analysis, merger and acquisition analysis, and management communications analysis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study VU Online's MBA without a undergraduate degree at VU Online?
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Potential career leadership roles include:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Director of Business Development
- Senior Managing Consultant
- Marketing/Communications Director
- Human Resources Director
- Financial Manager
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How long does it take to complete an MBA on VU Online?
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