Key facts
Duration
1 year part-time
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Step into senior recruitment and talent acquisition roles with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate in Recruitment and Talent Acquisition, a postgraduate qualification shaped for career advancement in a fast-growing field.
You will build specialist skills in sourcing, assessing and retaining talent, workforce planning and using data to make strategic hiring decisions – all aligned with employer demand across HR, consulting and in-house recruitment teams. Co-designed with the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA), the course connects you with industry insight and networks, helping you stand out for promotion or a career change.
Case studies are drawn directly from practice, meaning you will graduate with both an experiential understanding of what works and a theoretical understanding of why. Apply what you learn to real recruitment challenges and strengthen your employability from day one.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
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 Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
- Year
2027 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
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 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 0.5cp microcredential units offered by Deakin in the Business and Management interest area.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
NOTE: This course is available for part-time study only.
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.
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
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.
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)
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
$17,500 - Full-fee paying place
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition 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 tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your tuition fees.
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.
Deakin alumni discount
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.
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.
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate of Recruitment and Talent Acquisition equips you with the practical skills and strategic knowledge to work across the recruitment and talent acquisition landscape. You will be prepared for roles in internal HR teams, labour hire firms, specialist recruitment agencies, and job placement programs.
Graduates may go on to roles such as:
- human resources professional
- recruitment adviser
- recruitment manager
- senior recruitment consultant
- talent acquisition adviser
- talent acquisition consultant
- talent acquisition coordinator
- talent acquisition manager.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Develop knowledge of challenges faced by organisations in recruitment and apply the skills expected of recruitment practitioners in the industry. |
| Communicate complex considerations on approaches used to make informed recruitment and talent acquisition decisions. |
| Critically analyse and evaluate trends and current issues faced by practitioners in the recruitment and talent acquisition market. |
| Examine challenges faced in recruitment and talent acquisition by organisations and formulate appropriate approaches to address these. |
| Operate successfully as an independent learner in an online learning environment. |
| Identify and respond to authentic ethical and cultural issues faced within the recruitment industry. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
