Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Build the skills and qualifications to set yourself apart in a recruitment and talent acquisition career. The need for qualified experts in the field of talent acquisition is growing. As recruitment challenges become more complex, the demand for highly skilled human resources professionals increases.
Deakin Business School's Graduate Certificate in Recruitment and Talent Acquisition is the first course of its kind in Australia. Co-designed with the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA), the course has been created to help meet the need for qualified practitioners working in the industry.
Do you want to join an ever-expanding industry experiencing high demand for qualified practitioners?
If you're looking for a career change, this is your opportunity to gain highly sought-after skills to step into a growth industry with exceptional career prospects.
Already working in industry? This course will solidify your understanding of the theory underpinning successful practice. In an industry where less than 29% of practitioners have a postgraduate qualification, it's a sure-fire way to place yourself ahead of the pack.
The industry involvement in the development of this course ensures a high level of real-world relevancy. Case studies are drawn directly from practice, meaning you will graduate with an experiential understanding of what works and a theoretical understanding of why.
The Graduate Certificate in Recruitment and Talent Acquisition prepares you to:
- be highly skilled at identifying and recruiting talent.
- become expert in the strategic brand management and marketing of individuals and businesses.
- understand the theory behind employment relations and use this to create and maintain positive relationships between organisations and employees.
- implement strategic staffing plans to manage recruitment, selection and retention.
- utilise people analytics and management technologies to manage and forecast workplace demands.
Course information
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- M514
- 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
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Recruitment and Talent Acquisition, 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
- 3 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point which may comprise of:
- 1 credit point of course elective units
- any 2 x 0.5cp microcredential units offered by Deakin in the Business and Management interest area.
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.
3
Core units
1
Course Elective unit
4
Total credit points
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Course elective
Plus course elective
or
Any two 0.5cp microcredentials offered by Deakin in the Business and Management interest area
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
*part-time study only in Trimester 1
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
part-time study only in Trimester 2
This course is available for part-time study only.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS - International students should note that, due to visa regulations, this course can only be undertaken while living outside Australia.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
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.
Work experience
This course does not require students to undertake formal 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.
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
- at least two years’ relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
English language proficiency requirements
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)
Admissions information
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
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.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
Estimate your FEE-HELP
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Your estimated FEE-HELP repayments
- $* is the estimated full cost for a Graduate Certificate of Recruitment and Talent Acquisition (4 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
- of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP
*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
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
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.
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
N/A
Further study options
This course acts as a pathway to any Deakin Business School Coursework Masters degree that has provision for a minimum of four credit points of electives or for a Faculty-wide specialisation to be taken as part of its structure.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
This course gives you the skills and knowledge to work in recruitment within organisations, in job placement programs, in labour hire organisations, and more. Possible roles include:
- human resources professional
- recruitment advisor
- recruitment manager
- senior recruitment consultant
- talent acquisition advisor
- talent acquisition consultant
- talent acquisition coordinator
- talent acquisition manager.
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop knowledge of challenges faced by organisations in recruitment and apply the skills expected of recruitment practitioners in the industry. |
| Communication | Communicate complex considerations on approaches used to make informed recruitment and talent acquisition decisions. |
| Digital literacy | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse and evaluate trends and current issues faced by practitioners in the recruitment and talent acquisition market. |
| Problem solving | Examine challenges faced in recruitment and talent acquisition by organisations and formulate appropriate approaches to address these. |
| Self-management | Operate successfully as an independent learner in an online learning environment. |
| Teamwork | Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
| Global citizenship | Identify and respond to authentic ethical and cultural issues faced within the recruitment industry. |
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We are delivering a course that meets industry demand so when students get this qualification, they have the skills, knowledge and attributes required to be successful in the industry and they can hit the ground running.
Dr Justine Ferrer