Graduate Diploma Program
Meeting the needs of managers, our IGSB Graduate Diploma has been one
of the most popular programs over many years. The Graduate Diploma
program provides all of the essential skills and knowledge to enable
practising managers to take the next step in their careers.
The eight course program is normally taken on a part-time basis and thus is especially attractive to busy managers who want to combine work and study. Those enrolled in the program can undertake their courses on campus in Adelaide, online, or through some of our partnerships with industry and professional bodies
For those managers who are considering further studies towards an MBA, it is important to keep in mind that the individual courses within the Graduate Diploma are identical to the MBA courses, thus ensuring that full credit for those courses will be granted.
Structure
The courses we recommend for the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration are:
- Leadership Dynamics
- Contemporary Management Skills
- Accounting for Decision Making
- Creative and Accountable Marketing
- Leading & Managing People
- Managerial Finance
- Competitive Strategy
PLUS one elective
Where there is a choice of elective or specialty course, international (onshore) students of the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration can choose any approved postgraduate elective course, subject to the Program Director's approval. The Program Director may also approve elective courses from other postgraduate programs offered by UniSA or other universities.
Entry requirements
Entrants to the program shall normally hold:
- A recognised University undergraduate degree or equivalent
professional qualification and a minimum of two years' full-time
relevant work experience
OR - A Graduate Certificate in Business Administration with an average of
at least Pass Level 1 (55%) from the International Graduate School of
Business at the University of South Australia or an equivalent
qualification from other Schools within the University of South
Australia or from another recognised University
AND - A minimum of five years full time relevant work experience including significant experience in supervision and financial management and evidence of capacity to study at postgraduate level.
All applicants are required to submit two referee reports and a detailed currriculum vitae outlining managerial and executive experience.
Minimum English language entry requirements: coursework programs
The minimum English language entry requirements for international students who speak English as a foreign language are detailed below. It should be noted that some programs may specify higher English language entry requirements. These will be indicated in relevant program documentation.
Applicants are required to meet at least one of the English language entry requirements listed. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive.
Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
Postgraduate
| English Language Test (see Note 1) | Score |
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | |
| -Reading and Writing | 6.0 |
| -Overall Band Score | 6.5 |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | |
| TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test) | 90 with no band less than 21 |
| TOEFL PBT (Paper-based test) | 577 with TWE (Test of Written English) of 4.5 |
| English Language Programs | Score |
| Successful completion of the CELUSA Academic English Program | Level 5 |
| Other Qualifications | |
| Successful completion of a tertiary qualification at diploma level or above completed in Australia within the last two years; or | |
| Successful completion of at least two years of tertiary study at diploma level or above conducted and completed in English within the last five years in a country in which English is commonly used, as determined by the University (see Note 2). Where the study in English was more than five years ago, this requirement may be satisfied by subsequent and recent work experience of at least two years duration in a setting where English is the language of business subject to satisfactory evidence as determined by the University. | |
Note 1: Results from IELTS and TOEFL are valid for two years.
Note 2: The University, through UniSA International, maintains a list of countries where English is commonly used and which would satisfy this criteria. This may include particular educational institutions within a given non-English speaking country where English is the language of instruction
The IGSB reserves the right to request completion of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) to a satisfactory level.
Selection process
Selection involves consideration of:
- motivation to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and potential to benefit from the program
- appropriateness of work experience, particularly the length, level and responsibilities of management positions held (including current position)
- quality of academic record
- demonstrated personal qualities appropriate for managers and leaders.
Although a formal selection interview is not part of the process, the selection panel may ask to meet with a potential candidate for clarification of issues relating to their application.
Further information
To obtain more information about the Graduate Diploma in Business, please contact our Program Administrator on:
Telephone: (61 8) 8302 9086
Toll free: within Australia 1800 502 520