Program summary

Program title: Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
Award abbreviation: GDBusAdmin
Degree type: coursework
Modes of study: on campus, online
Duration: 8 months minimum full-time; 4 years maximum part-time.
Commence: Session 2, Session 5 or Session 9
Fee type 2011: postgraduate coursework places, online postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places
Total courses: 16
USC program code: BU610
CRICOS code: 067675C

Highlights

• MBA — the international standard for graduate business qualifications
• Innovative and flexible approaches to learning
• Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of studying online

Broaden your managerial skills to prepare for senior management roles.

In today’s business world, the demands of management require you to have 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 qualifi-cations—fast tracking your career ambitions.

USC’s business administration programs offer you innovative and flexible approaches to learning, including the opportunity to study online. Courses explore current business issues and offer you network-building opportunities. You learn to integrate knowledge and skills across functions and disciplines, and focus on the application of theory and execution of practice.

The 8-course Graduate Certificate in Business Administration introduces you to fundamental areas of business administration. Courses cover the key functional areas of an organisation and provide you with knowledge and skills in the key discipline areas.

The 16-course Graduate Diploma builds on the Graduate Certificate and articulates into the Master of Business Administration. In the Graduate Diploma, you extend the skill-focused study and practical work to develop your professional understanding and problem-solving abilities. Depending on your interests, you can choose to study courses in decision-making, economics, marketing, management, law, ethics or informatics.

The suite culminates in the 24-course MBA, which is now the international standard for graduate business qualifications. As an MBA student, you develop managerial skills in critical thinking and research and analysis through individual and team-based work. You complete 16 core subjects covering the fundamental areas of business administration and choose eight elective courses, which allow you to focus on specific interest areas.

For added flexibility, if you enrol in the Graduate Diploma you may choose to exit after completing the first eight courses with the Graduate Certificate and achieve a recognised qualification. Similarly, if you enrol in the masters program, you may choose to exit after completing the first 16 courses and gain the Graduate Diploma. Subject to certain time conditions, you can return to upgrade your qualification later.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission candidates must:

1. possess an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 4.5 (on a 7-point scale)
2. have at least two years relevant full-time equivalent work experience, and
3. must achieve at least 5 points from the points tables below, with those points gained in at least two of the three categories:
   1. prior work experience 
   2. academic achievement 
   3. 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 programs 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 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.

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's 7-point scale or equivalent.

Graduate Management Admissions Test

A certified copy of GMAT results is required to be forwarded to the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Note: At the discretion of the Dean, Faculty of Business, one additional point may be awarded for each of the following:

1. Masters degree
2. PhD/DBA
3. substantial managerial experience with a multi-national firm

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.

Program requirements and notes

• Student may select 12 required courses plus 4 elective courses, a total of 16 courses, from the lists below.
• 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.

Program structure

Required courses: (12)
Select 12 courses from:

Elective courses: (4)
Select 4 courses from:

TOTAL UNITS 96

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.

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

* 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.
** Program schedule is subject to change without notice.

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