Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

The Graduate Diploma of Business Administration provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to advance a career in senior organisational management. Qualities developed by the degree include strategic thinking, ethical conduct, an international perspective, the ability to think critically, and the ability to work both collaboratively and with a high level of autonomy and accountability.

Aim

The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration is to provide a comprehensive understanding of business administration, enabling graduates to pursue senior management roles.

Content & Structure

This program comprises 36 units of study, normally completed as 8 courses of 4.5 unit value each, plus a structured Commencement Seminar.

Courses

The following courses are part of the program:

• Strategic Thinking: Concepts and Tools (BUSS 5424) - 4.5 units
• Accounting for Decision Making (BUSS 5247) - 4.5 units
• Data Visualisation and Communication for Business Professionals (INFS 5128) - 4.5 units
• Managing People and Organisations (BUSS 5425) - 4.5 units
• International Business (BUSS 5251) - 4.5 units
• Strategic Marketing (BUSS 5245) - 4.5 units
• Ethics, Governance and Sustainability (BUSS 5385) - 4.5 units
• Leadership for Growth (BUSS 5438) - 4.5 units
• Elective 1 - 4.5 units
• Elective 2 - 4.5 units

Electives

Specified electives include:

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation (BUSS 5080) - 4.5 units
• Negotiation (BUSS 5355) - 4.5 units
• The Law for Managers (LAWS 5016) - 4.5 units
• Responsible Leadership (BUSS 5389) - 4.5 units
• International Study Tour (BUSS 5421) - 4.5 units
• Contemporary Management Issues B (BUSS 5419) - 4.5 units
• Digital Business Strategy and Operations (BUSS 5451) - 4.5 units

Rules

1. Electives are to be chosen from a range of specified elective courses set out in the electives schedule and online timetable or, subject to Program Director approval, from courses in other postgraduate programs at the University of South Australia or from other recognised higher education institutions.
2. The Graduate Diploma in Business Administration is designed as a nested program with credit transfers and articulation pathways from the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

Notes

1. Not all electives will be offered each year. Students should refer to the online timetable for details of courses offered in the current year as additional electives may be offered on a once-off basis.

Program Director

Prof Lan Snell

Entry Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:

• A minimum of three (3) years full-time management experience and a recognised university Bachelor degree or equivalent professional qualifications;
• A Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from the University of South Australia with an average of at least a Pass Level 1 (55%), or an equivalent qualification from the University of South Australia or from another recognised university;
• A minimum of seven (7) years full-time management experience. All applicants are also required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae or equivalent with at least one referee who can validate work experience.

Fees

The fee for the program is $AU 41,900 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025.

Duration

The duration of the program is approximately 1 year full-time.

Mode

The program is available on-campus and online. Students may be required to attend on-campus classes as part of their studies.

Start Date

The program starts in January, March, June, and September. The exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.