Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a relevant bachelor qualification or above, or the UNE Graduate Certificate in Business.
Entry is based on a relevant bachelor qualification or above (or overseas equivalent), or the UNE Graduate Certificate in Business. English language requirements must also be met.
- 0.5 or 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Not Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Not Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Are you a recent graduate or a professional looking to elevate your career in business? UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Business is designed for individuals like you who aspire to excel in the business world. This course uniquely blends coursework and your practical experience, which enhances your ability to innovate and problem-solve — skills that are in demand more than ever by employers in Australia and internationally.
Why study the Graduate Diploma in Business with UNE?
When you study the Graduate Diploma in Business with UNE, you will immerse yourself in the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of business and entrepreneurship. You will develop a foundation in essential areas such as management, marketing, ethics, and sustainability, to ensure that you develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary business practices.
Upon completion of this course, you'll be future-fit with the expertise to independently research, analyse critical business issues, and communicate your findings effectively. These skills are not only essential for a successful career, but are also crucial for lifelong learning and adaptation in an ever-changing business environment.
What makes our course different?
UNE has the expertise to help you upskill, improve your career opportunities and future-fit your business career. Through this course you will:
- Develop a holistic understanding of contemporary business practices via a deep dive into the foundational facets of business, including management, marketing, ethics and sustainability.
- Tailor your education to your career aspirations by choosing from a variety of specialised units. Whether your interest lies in finance, human resource management, or another area, we offer pathways to match your goals.
- Hone your research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through practical coursework, projects, and case studies. Learn to apply these skills to real-world business challenges.
- Build connections with your peers, professors, and industry leaders. Networking is vital in the business world, and our program offers ample opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Gain insights into international business practices and cross-cultural management, positioning you as a valuable asset in the interconnected global business landscape.
- Study in a flexible program. Designed with working professionals in mind, our program offers flexible scheduling, with part-time and online options.
- Learn from the experts in online lifelong learning. Our students consistently award us the highest 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE, in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
*24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8, 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline*.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Business.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Accounting
- Business
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources Management
- Leadership
- Management
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rules A, you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8, 9 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline*.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Business.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
* Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Accounting
- Business
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources Management
- Leadership
- Management
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rules A, you can apply for up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points with all units at 400-level or above.
48 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Advanced Organisational Behaviour (MM405) – 6 credit points
- Marketing Management (MM431) – 6 credit points
- Management Practices in Responsible Organisations (MM503) – 6 credit points
- Business Ethics, CSR and Sustainability (MM551) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:- Fundamentals of Personal Finance (AFM404) – 6 credit points
- Economics for Management (ECON406) – 6 credit points
- Strategic Human Resource Management (MM439) – 6 credit points
- Strategic Management Research Project (MM523) – 6 credit points
- Navigating Organisational Complexity (MM540) – 6 credit points
- Organisational Leadership: Theory and Practice (MM545) – 6 credit points
- Employment Relations (MM553) – 6 credit points
- Management of Change (MM573) – 6 credit points
- Quantitative Techniques for Management (QM461) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
24 credit points
Candidates admitted under Rule B will be granted 24 credit points of Specified advanced standing based on the units completed in the Graduate Certificate in Business12 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Management Practices in Responsible Organisations (MM503) – 6 credit points
- Business Ethics, CSR and Sustainability (MM551) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Fundamentals of Personal Finance (AFM404) – 6 credit points
- Economics for Management (ECON406) – 6 credit points
- Strategic Human Resource Management (MM439) – 6 credit points
- Strategic Management Research Project (MM523) – 6 credit points
- Navigating Organisational Complexity (MM540) – 6 credit points
- Organisational Leadership: Theory and Practice (MM545) – 6 credit points
- Employment Relations (MM553) – 6 credit points
- Management of Change (MM573) – 6 credit points
- Quantitative Techniques for Management (QM461) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | $28,472* |
| International | $32,254* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $16,323* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Develop advanced business skills that you can apply to your work in a range of government, private and non-profit organisations in Australia or overseas, in roles as diverse as:
- accounting and finance
- agribusiness
- business analytics
- economics
- human resources
- marketing.
Graduates of our post-graduate level business and management degrees achieve excellent career outcomes, with 93 per cent in full-time employment and a median salary of $95,000, according to the 2020 Good Universities Guide.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in business related fields and apply current theory to management practices within their workplace, and communicate that knowledge;
- research and utilise data to apply solutions to address complex organisational challenges;
- engage in critical reflection of business related practice and demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate and synthesise sources of information; and
- work independently and with others to generate solutions, including the ability to communicate appropriately and persuasively with a range of stakeholders.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Knowledge of a discipline is taught, practised and assessed in all units. Students will develop an advanced and integrated knowledge of key business and management theory and critically apply knowledge at an advanced level in business contexts to solve business problems. Students will also demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the global environment in which business is conducted. Students will learn through independent research, interaction with unit materials, unit coordinators and fellow students, and will be assessed using case analysis of both hypothetical and real-world examples, workplace learning by analysing and applying theory to their own workplace, theory-based assignments and via multiple examination modes.
- Communication Skills
Communication skills are taught, practised and assessed throughout this course. Students will utilise advanced cognitive and communication skills, tools and digital technologies to communicate appropriately and persuasively with a range of stakeholders. Students will develop oral, written and presentation skills relevant to business contexts through assessments such as essays and oral presentations.
- Problem Solving
This graduate attribute is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course using scenarios requiring students to use advanced cognitive and critical thinking skills to identify business issues, and to critically analyse and evaluate the relevant theories and concepts to construct business solutions.
- Information Literacy
Information literacy is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course as students need to identify, critically evaluate and synthesise relevant information drawn from a range of sources in order to analyse complex business related issues.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Throughout the course, ethical conduct and social responsibility is taught, practised and assessed. Students need to reflect on the principles of professional and social responsibility and critically apply these to a range of ethical issues and scenarios. This is assessed through evaluation and analysis of reflective based and scenario based assessment tasks.
- Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning is taught and assessed in this course through reflective tasks that encourage critical analysis of professional experience, and appreciation of business as a dynamic discipline.
- Independence and Collaboration
This graduate attribute is taught, practised and assessed in this course. Students are required to work independently and complete learning and assessment activities that require self-directed learning and initiative. Students are also required to collaborate in a variety of learning and assessment tasks throughout the course.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
The people I met during my degree are now decision makers in business. The reach of UNE is quite incredible.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Not offered | Not offered |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
