#1 Melbourne university for business course satisfaction
#2 business school in Melbourne for career impact
Top 3 business school in Melbourne
Why choose Deakin
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.
-
Globally recognised business school
Study at a top 3 business school in Melbourne, known for strong graduate outcomes and career impact.
-
Industry-relevant HR program
Study in a program co-designed with the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association (RCSA), aligned to current HR practice and workforce trends.
-
Practical learning experience
Build skills through case studies that reflect real recruitment and talent acquisition challenges.
-
Flexible online study
Study online with the flexibility to fit your learning around work and life commitments.
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 specialist skills for recruitment and talent acquisition roles across internal HR teams, labour hire firms, specialist agencies and job placement programs.
Recruitment consultant
Connect employers with suitable candidates by advertising vacancies, sourcing and screening applicants, coordinating interviews and building relationships with clients and job seekers.
- $83k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 13.1%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 3.7/5
Job satisfaction
Recruitment manager
Lead recruitment activities and teams, plan workforce needs and oversee talent sourcing, candidate selection and client relationships to help organisations attract suitable employees.
- $115k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 4.1/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Human resources professional
- Recruitment adviser
- Talent acquisition adviser
- Talent acquisition consultant
- Talent acquisition coordinator
- Talent acquisition manager
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 Recruitment and Talent Acquisition?
This course equips you with contemporary recruitment and talent strategies, combining people management insight with practical hiring and employer branding skills.
Build a powerful skillset for contemporary recruitment
Learn strategic recruitment approaches
Understand how organisations identify workforce needs and design effective talent acquisition strategies.
Build workplace and people insight
Explore employee relations, workforce dynamics and how to create positive, compliant work environments.
Extend your skills through choice
Tailor your learning with an elective or microcredentials to deepen expertise in areas like digital, innovation or leadership.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Recruitment and Talent Acquisition, 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
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
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.
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.
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 |
|---|
| 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. |
- 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
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the 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
N/A