The Graduate Diploma of Business Administration (GDBA) is designed to produce graduates who can make a positive contribution to society in business as effective communicators, innovators, and thought leaders. The course will challenge students to analyse, critically evaluate, and communicate advanced and technical knowledge of established business administration theories in a range of real-world scenarios. Graduates will be able to demonstrate the autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability, and responsibility required of successful business leaders in an ever-changing and complex world.

The structure of this course is based on the first year of the Leaders Institute Master of Business Administration (MBA), allowing graduates to continue into the final year of the MBA.

Graduates of the GDBA may find employment in leadership and management roles in a relevant occupational field, such as: business and professional organisations; entrepreneurial start-ups; and not-for-profit organisations; as well as educational institutions that require skills in research and critical thinking.

Additionally, graduates may choose to return to studies and progress along the pathway toward further studies in the discipline area of business administration:

The course structure is based on two semesters (each semester is 12 teaching weeks, plus one review week and one exam week).

• 60 credit points of core
• 20 credit points of electives

To qualify for the award of GDAB a student shall accrue an aggregate of at least 80 credit points, including satisfactory completion of the core units noted below.

YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1

• BC400 Communication and Media Management
• EC401 Economics and Finance
• MK401 Marketing Innovation

1 x elective

YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2

• BC500 Business Decision Making and Problem Solving
• IM421 Information Systems
• MG500 Leadership and Management

1 x elective

More Information

For more information about elective units see the List of Units.

Domestic Students

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant business field.

OR

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) in any field AND a minimum of two years professional experience in a managerial position.

OR

At least five years of relevant professional experience, including two years in a management position.

International Students

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant business field.

OR

Completion of an AQF Level 7 or above higher education qualification (or overseas equivalent) in any field AND a minimum of two years professional experience in a managerial position.

OR

At least five years of relevant professional experience, including two years in a management position.

International students whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require an International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) of 6.5, with a score of not less than 6.0 in any of the four skill areas, or equivalent.

Note: International students must hold a valid student visa. There are numerous conditions that apply to a student visa. A holder of a student visa may not work, paid or unpaid, for more than 40 hours in any fortnight during semester. Current information on student visa conditions may be found here.

Relevant Work Experience

The following supporting documentation is required to demonstrate relevant work experience:

• certified copies of relevant qualificiations or micro-credentials completed, if relevant;
• a current CV demonstrating relevant work experience, including managerial or leadership experience of people or projects. This includes a full work history that details the major activities undertaken, such as managing a team, managerial components of major projects, and/or delegation responsibilities;
• two current, signed references that are work related; and
• Statement of Intent outlining the motivation to study, previous education, employment history; and how this course can assist in career aspiration or progression.

Applicants entering based on professional experience are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director (or delegated representative).

Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Credit for previous learning may be obtained through the process of articulation, credit transfer, and RPL or a combination of these processes. Students who wish to apply for RPL must provide evidence in terms of completed qualifications along with other relevant documentation.

Alternative Admission Arrangements

Alternative admission pathways are also open for educationally disadvantaged applicants and for First Nations Peoples applicants. These applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with RPL, professional accreditations, and the provision of a portfolio of work for entry to micro-credential and single units.

Applicants seeking alternative entry must also fulfil the English language entry requirements.

Alternative pathways are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director (or delegated representative).

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key concepts, theories, and ethical issues related to business administration.
2. Critically evaluate challenges and advances in achieving real-world business administration outcomes.
3. Synthesise business administration outcomes and identify opportunities for integrating culturally appropriate, innovative approaches within business contexts.
4. Effectively communicate complex knowledge and ideas to peers and general audiences.
5. Articulate appropriate solutions to contemporary business challenges.

Learning Time Period and Fee

International Student Fees:

Tuition per unit: AUD $ 3,125

Total Course Fees: AUD $ 25,000

Deposit component of tuition fees (non-refundable): AUD $ 500

Total amount paid up front and prior to issue of Confirmation of Enrolment: AUD $ 12,500

Domestic Student Fees: Total Course Fees:

Tuition per unit: AUD $ 2,500

Total Course Fees: AUD $ 20,000

One-time Application Fee (non-refundable): AUD $ 500

Total amount paid up front: AUD $ 10,000

Scholarships

To promote excellence in scholarship and learning, Leaders Institute will offer scholarships to outstanding applicants.

A combination of merit and needs based scholarships by way of fee discount of 25% is available for both domestic and international students. To apply for this scholarship, please meet your Program Director.