#1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
Top 3 university in Victoria for artificial intelligence
#2 business school in Victoria for career impact
Why choose Deakin
Develop the knowledge and skills to introduce AI thinking into a business organisation with Deakin, a top 3 university in Victoria for artificial intelligence. As artificial intelligence reshapes the way organisations work, compete and make decisions you will learn to formulate ethically responsible, AI-driven business strategies and apply existing commercial AI software. Learn about industry best practice in the application of different AI technologies and types, along with practical techniques in machine learning to support data-based business decision making.
This course also provides a pathway to Deakin Business School coursework master’s degrees so you can continue developing your expertise. You will graduate ready to help organisations design, adopt and manage AI-enabled solutions that create real business value.
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Transform business with emerging AI
Learn how to move beyond the hype and use AI tools and techniques to solve real business problems within clear ethical and governance frameworks.
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Proven employability
Study at the #2 Victorian business school for career impact, with strong full‑time outcomes for postgraduate students.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Learn through industry-informed content aligned to rapidly evolving business needs.
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Globally recognised business school
Study at a top 3 business school in Victoria with AACSB and EQUIS accreditation.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Develop the capability to apply artificial intelligence across business functions. Build practical skills to help organisations adopt AI-enabled solutions that improve decision-making and business performance.
Business analyst
Analyse business processes, identify opportunities for improvement and help organisations implement technology-enabled solutions that improve performance and support informed decision-making.
- $115k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 23.2%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.1/5
Job satisfaction
Technology consultant
Advise organisations on technology solutions that improve business performance. Assess business needs, recommend appropriate systems and support the implementation of digital and AI-enabled initiatives.
- $105k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 4/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- AI business analyst
- AI solutions consultant
- AI specialist
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence for Business?
This course introduces you to how artificial intelligence is applied in business, combining technical understanding with strategic and ethical perspectives.
Applied AI in business contexts
Understand AI technologies in practice
Explore concepts such as machine learning and data‑driven systems so you can understand how AI tools work and where they add value in business settings.
Focus on responsible AI use
Examine ethical, legal and governance considerations to ensure AI is applied in ways that are transparent, fair and accountable.
Translate AI into business strategy
Learn how organisations adopt and scale AI solutions, connecting technical capability with practical business contexts.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence for Business, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. This course is available part-time only, with students typically studying one to two credit points each study period.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
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.
This course does not require students to undertake formal work integrated learning units.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
This course is available as part-time study only.
It is not available to international students studying onshore in Australia.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| Apply broad and integrated knowledge of artificial intelligence concepts and existing software, to research, identify and justify responsible solutions for organisation and social contexts. |
| Communicate complex considerations in oral and written form on the use and impact of existing artificial intelligence software to non-specialist audiences in organisation and social contexts. |
| Use machine learning techniques and models to find and apply information that solve challenging business problems. |
| Analyse and evaluate competing academic, professional and/or stakeholder issues when analysing complex organisation and social contexts where existing artificial intelligence software is being considered. |
| Identify and define organisational problems, formulate, evaluate alternatives, and recommend suitable artificial intelligence solutions based on organisational and societal needs. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Artificial Intelligence for Business
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M553
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$5,958
- Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
This course acts as a pathway to any Deakin Business School Coursework masters degree that has provision for a minimum of 4 credit points of electives or for a faculty-wide specialisation to be taken as part of its structure.