- Program summary
- Program overview
- Admission requirements
- Program structure
- Intakes - when to apply
- Program requirements and notes
- Enquiries
Program summary
Program title: Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
Award abbreviation: GCBusAdmin
Degree type: coursework
Modes of study: on campus, online
Duration: 4 months minimum full-time; 2 years maximum part-time
Commence: Session 2, Session 5 or Session 9
Fee type 2010: postgraduate coursework places, online postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places, international online fee-paying places
Total courses: 8
USC program code: BU510
CRICOS code: 067674D
Program overview
The demands of management in today's business world require an increasing range of skills in all facets of business. Graduate training in management and business administration can complement and enhance the skills you have gained in the workplace, or add value to existing qualifications - fast tracking your career ambitions.
This program offers the following features:
- innovative and flexible approaches to learning, eg online learning
- the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills across functions and disciplines
- focus on the application of theory and execution of practice
- teaching by highly qualified and experienced academic staff
- links theory and application to current business issues
- network-building opportunities
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission candidates must:
- possess an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 4.5 (on a 7-point scale)
- have at least two years relevant full-time equivalent work experience; and
- must achieve at least 5 points from the points tables below, with those points gained in at least two of the three categories:
- prior work experience
- academic achievement
- graduate management admissions test
Exceptional applicants who do not possess a Bachelor degree will be required to complete a GMAT or Business Select Entrance Test (available only to domestic applicants) plus an interview. Successful completion of either entrance qualification and interview may allow the candidate to be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (GCBusAdmin) (entrance without a prior degree is limited to 10 percent of the entire MBA suite of program enrolments). Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration with a GPA of 4 or greater (on a 7-point scale) will qualify the candidate for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Business Administration or the Master of Business Administration.
Points table (applicable for entry requirements and scholarship eligibility)
Prior work experience
Candidates must have at least two years relevant full-time equivalent work experience. An additional point may be awarded for substantial managerial work experience with a multinational firm. Applicants will need to provide certified documentary evidence of prior employment experience.
| Work experience (years, full-time equivalent) | 2 | 3 | 4+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Prior academic achievement (ie undergraduate GPA)
Prior academic study at the bachelor level can be in any field at any recognised tertiary institution. Points awarded are based on the candidate’s grade point average (GPA) from their undergraduate degree based on USC 7-point scale or equivalent.
| GPA (7-point scale) | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
Applicants who have not completed a recognised bachelor degree may be considered for admission based on their prior work experience and GMAT test score.
Graduate Management Admissions Test
A certified copy of GMAT results is required to be forwarded to the University of the Sunshine Coast.
| GMAT | 500-549 | 550 | 560 | 570 | 580 | 590 | 600 | 610 | 620 | 630 | 640 | 650 | 660 | 670 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| GMAT | 680 | 690 | 700 | 710 | 720 | 730 | 740 | 750 | 760 | 770 | 780 | 790 | 800 | |
| Points | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
Note: At the discretion of the Dean, Faculty of Business, one additional point may be awarded for each of the following:
- Masters degree
- PhD/DBA
- substantial managerial experience with a multi-national firm
Program structure *
Candidates may select 6 required courses plus 2 elective courses, a total of 8 courses. These courses cover the fundamental areas of business administration. The subjects include the key functional areas of an organisation, with the aim to provide candidates with knowledge and skills in the key discipline areas. The required courses allow for contemporary management areas to be incorporated while allowing updates to meet changing required skill sets.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is a 6 credit point, 8 course model. Delivery is offered across 6 half sessions. A half session is comprised of a 6 week teaching block with an additional week (week 7) to complete final examinations and assessment items.
Required courses
Select 6 courses from:
MBA701 Research Paradigms and Methods of Enquiry
MBA702 Communication Theory and Practice
MBA703 Research Design: Methodology and Literature Review
MBA704 Introduction to Creative Writing
MBA705 Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
MBA706 Introduction to Journalism
MBA707 Introduction to Creative Advertising
MBA708 Editing for the Communications Professional
MBA709 Computer-Assisted Reporting
MBA710 Crisis and Issues Management
MBA711 Media and Community Relations
MBA712 Advertising Campaigns
MBA713 Advertising: Copy and Image
MBA714 News Rounds
MBA715 The Writer and the Law
MBA716 Media and Promotion: Tourism and Hospitality
Electives
Select 2 courses from:
MBA717 Communication Campaign Planning
MBA718 News Writing: Print and Broadcast
MBA719 Online Journalism
MBA720 Creative Writing D: Paperback Hero
MBA721 Digital Photojournalism and Feature Writing
MBA722 Public Relations Events Project
MBA723 Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults
MBA724 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
MBA725 Creative Advertising
MBA726 Advanced News Reporting
MBA727 International Communication
MBA728 Research into Journalism **
MBA729 Creative Writing B: Novel Ideas **
MBA730 Creativity and Literature: Chaucer to Romantics **
Graduate Certificate Course Schedule
Intakes - when to apply
There will be three intakes a year: January (Session 2), May (Session 5) and August (Session 9). Prospective candidates should apply by no later than 30 November for Session 2, 30 March for Session 5, or 30 July for Session 9.
Program requirements and notes
- Students are required to successfully complete 8 courses as specified in the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration program structure.
- Refer to the Academic Rules for further information.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- Online study mode not available to international students on a Student Visa.
Enquiries
For further details about this program please contact:
Graduate Studies, Faculty of Business
Tel: + 61 7 5430 1221
Fax: + 61 7 5430 1231
Email: businessfaculty@usc.edu.au
* Please note that the program structure of the MBA and names of courses are subject to change.
** Subject to approval. Management Project A, B and C are not open for student enrolment. These courses are for students who are given substitutes upon entry and require the Faculty’s approval.