Key facts
English language requirements
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
Duration
1 to 1.5 years part-time
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
If you’re seeking to enhance your understanding of professional practice in leadership skills, the Graduate Certificate of Leadership will provide you with valuable development opportunities and a taste of postgraduate study.
Recognise the capabilities displayed by pivotal leaders, through integration of theoretical investigation and professional practice, within this specialist program. Learn to drive results while engaging others in the journey, and discover what it takes to transform an organisation to deal with technology disruption, changing customer needs and challenging external environments. The emphasis for this program is on developing relevant skills, contemporary knowledge, and real experience, to ensure you graduate as a business leader of tomorrow.
Delivered on our premium online learning platform, this flexible program is designed for busy professionals who want to study and immediately apply the knowledge and skills obtained through the course, in their own workplace. The Professional Practice Credential Assessment complements this course, and allows you to provide evidence of your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience for assessment, to obtain a suite of credentials that recognise your professional expertise.
Successful students can continue their studies by articulating into Deakin’s Master of Leadership.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Leadership
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- M597
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate of Leadership requires successful completion 2 credit points of core units, completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 Academic Integrity Module and 4 Professional Practice credentials.
Compulsory 0-credit point unit
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Core unit
Credentials
Students must successfully complete four Professional Practice credentials which include two core credentials (Communications and Self-management) plus two Leadership Specialist Knowledge credentials.
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.
Learn more about the details of each credential (PDF, 7.7MB)
| Graduate Certificate Credential Requirements | ||
| Core credentials | Minimum Level*^ | Currency* |
| CRCOM-A1 Communication | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRLDP-A1 Leading and developing people | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRDSR-A1 Driving strategic results | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
| CRCOL-A1 Collaboration (formerly CRTWK-A1 Teamwork) | 5 (Masters-Aligned) | 5 years |
*Applicants who have not satisfied the level requirement, or who have successfully achieved the credential but not within the required timeframe may be permitted to seek re-credentialling.
^ There are five 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.
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin’s Online.
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
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.
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work 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
Successful students typically spend about 150 hours in learning and assessment for each one credit point unit. The time required to prepare evidence for credential assessment varies based on the student’s existing documentation.
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.
Work experience
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.
Try this course for free
Interested in a free taster of this course?
The first two-week block of this course is available free on FutureLearn, an easy-to-use online learning platform. Try it out and discover just how flexible and rewarding online learning with Deakin can be. You’ve got nothing to lose!
Entry requirements
Entry information
Minimum admission criteria:
- Five years relevant work experience
*full-time (or equivalent part-time) managerial, leadership in innovative or entrepreneurial business or ventures or equivalent
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit Deakin Policy Library.
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
$9,550 in total.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing this course within the same year as they started. The cost will vary depending on your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.
This course includes a combination of tuition fees for two credit points of study and four Professional Practice Credentials.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Professional Practice degrees are designed for those who wish to be credentialed for outcomes towards which they have already made significant progress through their extensive experience in a relevant professional field.
Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
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.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry 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.
Course learning outcomes
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline Specific knowledge and capabilities | Possess an integrated understanding and superior ability to apply contemporary leadership theory and practices |
| Communication | Use advanced communication tools, techniques and media to engage and inspire others |
| Digital Literacy | 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 |
| Critical thinking | 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 |
| Problem Solving | Apply problem-solving skills to analyse contemporary leadership related issues within organisations and provide solutions to these challenges |
| Self-management | Demonstrate an understanding of your own approach to leadership and the nature of your impact on others |
| Teamwork | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
| Global Citizenship | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |