#1 Melbourne university for business course satisfaction
#2 business school in Melbourne for career impact
Top 3 business school in Melbourne
Why choose leadership at Deakin
Start building your leadership capability with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Leadership. Designed for working professionals, this flexible course introduces core leadership concepts across communication, ethics, change and leading in complex environments.
Draw on your professional experience while learning from industry and academic experts, applying new ideas to real workplace challenges through projects and reflective practice. From the outset, you will develop practical leadership capability you can apply immediately in your role. This course also provides a clear pathway into the Master of Leadership, where you can deepen your expertise and advance your leadership practice. You will graduate with the confidence and foundational capability to lead teams, contribute to organisational outcomes and take the next step in your career.
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Top-ranked business school
Study at a top 3 business school in Melbourne, recognised for strong career outcomes and industry relevance.
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Industry-informed leadership skills
Your postgraduate program is designed with industry experts to build practical leadership capability.
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Pathway to further study
This graduate certificate provides a clear pathway into advanced postgraduate business and leadership programs.
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Build career-ready capability
Develop skills in decision-making, communication and strategy to lead teams and create impact in organisations.
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
Build a confident leadership practice grounded in current theory and prepare for senior roles across business, government and industry, leading people and organisations through change and growth.
Manager
Coordinate and lead a team or department to achieve business goals. Plan work, allocate resources, support staff, monitor performance and make decisions that improve results and productivity.
- $130k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 7.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.8/5
Job satisfaction
Director
Lead teams and shape strategy across business functions to achieve organisational goals. Make high-level decisions, influence stakeholders, develop people and drive performance, innovation and sustainable growth.
- $170k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 4.2/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Chief operating officer
- Chief financial officer
- Managing director
- Entrepreneur
- Board director
- Business owner
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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 Leadership?
Over the course of your study, you will develop contemporary leadership capability, progressing from personal leadership awareness to influencing outcomes in organisational contexts. You’ll build a strong foundation that prepares you for further study or expanded leadership responsibility.
Build leadership foundations
Develop personal leadership awareness
Build self-awareness and understand how your leadership style shapes team performance and workplace culture.
Support teams and deliver outcomes
Learn how to motivate others, contribute to performance and support the achievement of organisational goals.
Navigate change and complexity
Develop the capability to respond to uncertainty and contribute to sustainable outcomes.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Leadership you must pass 3 credit points.
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
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Students must successfully complete the two Professional Practice credentials listed below.^*
CRADC-G1 Adaptive Mindsets (Advanced)
CRDSR-A1 Driving Strategic Results (Advanced)
Successful attainment of Professional Practice credentials is based on evidence provided from professional practice, hence recognition through authentic learning experiences. All professional practice credentials are linked to the Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes and will be assessed within the context of the leadership discipline. The credentials may be attempted separately or simultaneously and are assessed by an assessment panel that includes both academic and industry representatives. Please refer to the table below for the list of credentials.
*Applicants may be permitted to seek re-credentialling if they:
a) have not satisfied the advanced level requirement; or
b) have successfully achieved the credential but not within the required timeframe of five years.
^There are three levels and these are aligned with recognised "exit points" from the education sector, the AQF, work levels and industry frameworks. Level 5 is aligned to the AQF Masters Level.
Students must successfully complete two stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) from the list below.
DMC710-AW Crisis Leadership
MMC705-AW Innovation and Leadership
MMC704-AW Innovation and Organisational Change
MMC715-AW Sustainable Leadership to 2030 (Masterclass not offered in 2027)
As a Graduate Certificate of Leadership student, when you are ready to enrol in your stackable short courses, please contact a Course Adviser or students@leadership.deakin.edu.au
Please refer to Deakin Current Students information for the handbook and important information on key dates, as well as Microcredential learner support.
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.
Students have the opportunity of fast-tracking the course in eight months by completing all units in two consecutive trimesters and all credentials within the first two trimesters of study.
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.
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.
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
To complete the Professional Practice Credentials, students will be required to draw on their current and past leadership experience.
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.
*Students have the opportunity of fast-tracking the course in eight months by completing all units in two consecutive trimesters and all credentials within the first two trimesters of study.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online courses.
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 |
|---|
| Possess an integrated understanding and superior ability to apply contemporary leadership theory and practices. |
| Use advanced communication tools, techniques and media to engage and inspire others. |
| Discover, analyse, synthesise and disseminate complex information, data and ideas to stakeholders, strategic partners and professional colleagues using a range of digital technologies and channel. |
| Systematically and critically analyse and test leadership styles, models and theories to optimise leadership impact within a specific cultural and operational context to drive strategy. |
| Apply problem-solving skills to analyse contemporary leadership related issues within organisations and provide solutions to these challenges. |
| Demonstrate an understanding of your own approach to leadership and the nature of your impact on others. |
| Work across a range of professions, functions, contexts or teams to optimise collaborative outcomes, to improve strategic outcomes. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Leadership
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M597
- 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
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Your time is important, so we provide one-on-one support to make your application and enrolment process as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Give us a call
Chat to one of our enrolment advisers before you begin the application process. They'll provide advice on whether the course is suitable for you. If you decide to apply, they'll guide you through the process.
Call an enrolment adviser on 1300 043 524 or request a call back
We're available (AEST):
Monday-Thursday: 9am-6pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Step 2: Gather your documents
Your enrolment adviser will tell you which documents you’ll need to complete your application. This usually includes transcripts and certificates verifying previous studies, as well as evidence of five years' managerial experience.
Step 3: Apply online
After speaking with your enrolment adviser and gathering your documents, you're ready to start 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
Completion of a Graduate Certificate of Leadership is an alternative entry option for students wishing to attain a Master of Leadership but who have not completed a Bachelor Degree.