Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline. 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 | Offered | Not Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Not Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Create a niche specialisation in helping clients to safeguard their assets and interests and plan for leadership and ownership transitions with UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Transition and Succession Planning. As our population ages, there is an increasing demand for skilled professionals with expertise in transition and succession planning by individuals, business owners and entrepreneurs alike.
UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Transition and Succession Planning can help you move into a career or build on existing skills in intergenerational transition and succession in family and business settings, including but not limited to family farming businesses. Select subjects that interest your career aspirations, with legal, business and behaviour-oriented options.
Enhance your skills and knowledge and elevate your long-term career prospects by studying with UNE’s experts in this growing specialisation.
Why study the Graduate Diploma in Transition and Succession Planning with UNE?
UNE's Graduate Diploma in Transition and Succession Planning is designed for planning and advisory professionals who engage with clients involved in family settings and businesses who need specialist transition and succession planning advice.
Focus on an area of specialisation that is growing in demand and develop skills in understanding the intricacies of various types of business transitions, such as mergers, acquisitions or ownership changes, and the legal aspects of succession planning, including wills, trusts and estate planning. Whether you are a legal professional, an accountant or financial planner or wish to specialise as a transition and succession consultant, this graduate diploma helps you step into the niche area of transition and succession planning. Helping clients protect their assets and interests and ensure their wishes are fulfilled can be professionally, personally and financially rewarding.
By choosing UNE, you will be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support.
What makes our course different?
UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Transition and Succession Planning provides a foundational understanding of the intricacies of transition and succession planning and offers the opportunity to specialise in an area that reflects your career path and aspirations.
- Enhance your studies and become a specialist in transition and succession planning
- Develop advanced skills, depending on your interest, by focusing on the legal, business or behaviour-oriented side of transition and succession planning
- Home in on an area of interest and create a niche practice of law, accounting or consultancy that has lasting impacts on the lives and legacies of families and businesses
- Synthesise your learning and demonstrate your skills in a capstone unit using scenarios and case studies to build problem-solving and analytical skills in real-world contexts
- Offered fully online, you can balance your studies with your other commitments and complete your graduate diploma in as little as one year
- Upon graduating, progress your studies with the Master of Laws.
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.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 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):
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 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).
* Relevant disciplines for include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Law
- Financial Planning
- Communication
- Facilitation
- Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services
- Social Work
- Counselling
- Other similar disciplines as determined by the course coordinator.
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Transition and Succession Planning (AQF Level 8).
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).
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.
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.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Rule B Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted under Rule (b), you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further advanced standing.
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification or above (AQF Level 7, 8 or 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).
* Relevant disciplines for include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Law
- Financial Planning
- Communication
- Facilitation
- Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services
- Social Work
- Counselling
- Other similar disciplines as determined by the course coordinator.
Rule B: You have completed a UNE Graduate Certificate in Transition and Succession Planning (AQF Level 8).
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).
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.
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.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Rule B Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted under Rule (b), you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further advanced standing.
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points with at least 24 credit points at 400-level and at least 12 credit points at 500-level.
48 credit points
48 credit points
Complete both components:24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Communication for Professionals (BUS500) – 6 credit points
- Succession (LAW301) – 6 credit points
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (LLM457) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Transition and Succession Planning (LLM465) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Advanced Transition and Succession Planning (LLM585) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Farm and Resource Management (ECON223) – 6 credit points
- Risk Management in Agribusiness (ECON334) – 6 credit points
- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS335) – 6 credit points
- Elder Law (LLM450) – 6 credit points
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (LLM457) – 6 credit points
- Legal Studies (LSSU451) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Choose one unit from the following:- Family Law (LLM570) – 6 credit points
- Law of Commercial Associations (LSSU591) – 6 credit points
- Issues in Commercial and Financial Services Law (LSSU594) – 6 credit points
- Taxation Law for Financial Services (LSSU595) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
24 credit points
Candidates admitted under Rule B will be granted 24 credit points of block advanced standing.24 credit points
Complete the following component:6 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Advanced Transition and Succession Planning (LLM585) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Farm and Resource Management (ECON223) – 6 credit points
- Risk Management in Agribusiness (ECON334) – 6 credit points
- The Skilled Counsellor (HSCS335) – 6 credit points
- Elder Law (LLM450) – 6 credit points
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (LLM457) – 6 credit points
- Legal Studies (LSSU451) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Choose one unit from the following:- Family Law (LLM570) – 6 credit points
- Law of Commercial Associations (LSSU591) – 6 credit points
- Issues in Commercial and Financial Services Law (LSSU594) – 6 credit points
- Taxation Law for Financial Services (LSSU595) – 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 | $28,312* |
| International | $30,200* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $16,320* |
| 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?
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.
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.
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
Family business transition and succession planning is a rapidly growing field with expected demand for qualified professionals. You will be equipped with skills and knowledge needed to advance your career in positions such as:
- Legal practitioner in transition and succession
- Accountant or financial adviser in transition and succession
- Family business transition and succession planner
- Farm consultant
- Rural financial counsellor
Industry partners have indicated there is a critical gap in the transition and succession planning sector. Put simply there are not enough transition and succession planners to service the expected need arising from the retirement of baby boomers, the anticipated "Great Wealth Transfer", and rising land values, especially in the farm sectors. Ineffective transition and succession planning can lead to deep-seated rifts in family relationships and lengthy litigation, stymieing the aspirations of both retirees and next generation business entrants. Our industry contacts tell us there is a dearth of formal qualifications and training in transition and succession planning. This development of this credible qualification increases the professionalism of the sector and builds confidence in individuals and families needing transition and succession planning services.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the contexts and foundations of transition and succession planning for family settings and businesses;
- communicate effectively in oral and/or written forms with other specialists, and with non-specialists, to share ideas, obtain information, and explain advice;
- demonstrate sound understanding of the legal, ethical and social contexts and consequences of transition and succession issues and solutions; and
- apply acquired knowledge and problem solving skills to design effective transition and succession planning solutions.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have an in-depth knowledge of the context of Australian family transition and succession planning issues, especially as they relate to rural family businesses. They will gain advanced knowledge of specific aspects of transition and succession matters. They will be able to apply their knowledge in professional practice, with a sound understanding of the importance of effective professional communications and ethical professional conduct. They will have solid grounding in the foundations of Succession Law in Australia, using NSW as an example. They will be familiar with the main types of arrangements for avoiding or settling transition and succession disputes, including mutual agreement, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and legal action in the courts.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have advanced communication skills that will allow them to explain complex knowledge, ideas, problems and solutions with diverse audiences in a variety of forms, including written reports, oral presentations and interpersonal communications.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will draw on their knowledge of transition and succession and their ability to analyse complex problems to synthesise effective solutions in real-world contexts involving family settings and businesses.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will have advanced skills to independently gather and critically evaluate information from various sources, including research publications and technical documentation, and understand and engage with various cybersecurity concepts and theories.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will exercise responsibility and well-developed judgement within the legal and ethical frameworks of their professional environment, and with an awareness of the social implications of their actions and decisions.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have the necessary skills to embrace lifelong learning in order to keep up with fast-paced changes.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will have the advanced knowledge, skills and adaptability to both exercise autonomy in their professional practice and independent learning, and to operate effectively as a part of a team.
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 most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Why study with us?
UNE provides an excellent learning experience, and a wide range of social and student services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle!
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 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | Not offered | Not offered |
| 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.
