Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Take the first step towards a more fulfilling career and graduate with lasting professional networks by studying the Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management). Learn valuable business skills from academics with successful careers in the arts and creative sectors and use this short, flexible course as a stepping stone into the master degree.
Want to complement your knowledge of the arts with practical business skills that boost your employability?
The Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) features four core units from Deakin’s Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) – the only course of its kind in Australia delivered by a business school. This gives our graduates a significant advantage by ensuring they have the practical business experience employers are seeking more than ever. It prepares managers ready for work in both not-for-profit and commercial organisations.
The course is responsive to trends within the sector, better preparing you for your future role. Through hands-on tasks and assignments, you will learn to apply the fundamentals of business – including management, marketing, finance, human resources and project management – in arts and cultural management contexts.
The curriculum's connectedness to the sector comes as a result of course content that’s shaped by advisory boards and delivered by industry experts. Working alongside employers and board members within the industry, our academics develop assessments, projects and content that reflect the challenges of the field. Not only are our academics well-connected, they’re also highly credentialed and experienced. From arts managers influencing arts and cultural policies for government, to Presidents of the Green Room Awards, you will be learning from the very best.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management)
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- M519
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Leader in online study
Join more than 78,000 online Deakin students who have successfully graduated from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Discover why we’re a leader in online university courses.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Arts and Cultural Management, you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: This course is part-time only.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
• completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline with at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)*
• at least five years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)*
* Definition of minimum work experience: must include two years’ experience in arts and/or cultural management (full-time equivalent, either paid or volunteer). This experience can be accumulated from one or more full- or part-time roles but must be gained within the past ten years.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$15,800 - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan – including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP – depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) (M785)
Further study options
Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) may be eligible for entry into or the Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management).
Talk to the course director
Make an appointment to get your big questions answered. Want to know how to get the most value from your course? Need help tailoring your units to your goals or fitting study around work and life? It's all on the table.
Career outcomes
The course’s strong reputation in the industry leads to great career outcomes. Your qualification will give you an advantage when pursuing leadership roles across a range of settings including:
- arts and cultural venues
- community arts and cultural development
- festivals
- museums and galleries
- performing and visual arts
- publishing houses
- screen industries
- touring companies.
While there are many exciting career pathways for graduates, you will also have the option of continuing your studies into Deakin’s Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management). Many leaders within the industry are graduates from the master’s program and have gone on to work in high-profile organisations such as:
- Arts Centre Melbourne
- Australian Ballet
- Creative Partnerships Australia
- Federal, state and local government arts departments.
- Melbourne Fringe Festival
- Museum Victoria
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA)
- National Gallery of Australia
- Opera Australia
- Regional Arts Australia
- Theatre Network Australia.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring graduates are employable worldwide.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Assess a broad range of specialised management approaches and their application to arts organisations |
| Communication | Develop appropriate communication strategies and techniques in the practice of arts management |
| Digital literacy | Employ technologies to find, use and disseminate information, concepts and theories in relation to arts management |
| Critical thinking | Appraise and analyse information in order to understand and apply theories of arts management |
| Problem solving | Formulate solutions to a diverse range of current and emerging arts management challenges and issues |
| Self-management | Personalise observations of arts management practice |
| Teamwork | Analyse the contributions made to arts management from a range of disciplines and backgrounds |
| Global citizenship | Translate arts management theory and practice from a range of cultural and international contexts |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
