What is a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration?

A Graduate Diploma of Business Administration expands on business knowledge. Take a global leadership perspective to advance in your field. Develop strategies to guide business development and employ dynamic leadership skills.

This course is designed by high-achieving industry academics for future-focused, ambitious individuals, who are serious about leading their careers and businesses to new heights. You will learn how to develop critical strategies to guide your business and employ dynamic leadership skills across four core and four elective subjects. The Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Course is a pathway to a full MBA or MBA (Advanced), as well as a solid stand-alone qualification. *Please note that the core units within the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration are required for the exit pathway.

Gain an understanding of advanced business principles and their practical use.
Determine solutions to complex and varied issues as they arise.
Evaluate business risk and provide information to relevant stakeholders.
Master industry-standard software to analyse data and generate reports.

Top 20 online MBA*

Our online MBA is ranked in the top 20 globally by CEO Magazine, so you know it's a world class program.

Top-ranked MBA school*

Our MBA program was ranked Tier-1 by CEO Magazine in 2023, putting it among the world's best.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online, On campus, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

1 year full time, part-time options available

Start date

05 Jun 2023

18 Sep 2023

View all key dates

Fees

View fees

This is an AQF Level 8 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

*For more details on international student study options.

Love what you do with Torrens University Australia

Career opportunities

You will graduate with the skills and knowledge to critically analyse core business functions, implement strategic processes, manage risk and lead complex teams, preparing you for a range of management-level roles across a variety of industries.

Potential career paths

Operations Manager
Average salary: $98,000 - $147,000
Senior Project Manager
Average salary: $119,122 - $193,439

Learn more about careers in Business

Subjects and units

This course comprises of 8 subjects, which includes 4 core subjects and 4 elective subjects. Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

Core
Electives

Requirements

These four core subjects must be completed. Additionally, you're required to select four electives from the electives tab.

Core subjects

Marketing | MKT600

21st Century professionals who aspire to hold a leadership position must have a clear understanding and appreciation of the importance of marketing. This subject is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of marketing theories and the strategic application of marketing concepts in various contexts, including profit and not-for- profit organisations, and government. You will be equipped with the ability to formulate marketing strategy and the use of strategic marketing mix elements in developing and maintaining a market orientation. Assess organisational performance in relation to ethical and socially acceptable business practices and use strategic marketing to gain a competitive advantage.
Financial Management | FIN600

This subject is focused on how company managers/leaders make decisions relating to obtaining finance, making investments, and managing working capital. You will interpret and apply information available from the company’s financial records to inform strategy. This subject will equip you with knowledge and skills that will aid financial decision making. You will learn how to apply tools such as financial statement analysis, capital budgeting, and cost and budget management techniques.
Management, People and Teams | MGT600

This subject introduces you to how organisational behaviour, politics, dynamics and environments impact on the role and legitimacy of management. Constraints that managers and emerging leaders face in developing strategies to leverage advantages and overcome barriers in organisations and projects will be explored. You will identify, analyse and make effective decisions to resolve people-related issues, lead and manage change, facilitate employee development, performance and sustain effective teams in complex and diverse global operating environments.
Dynamic Leadership | MGT601

In this subject you will build upon your current self-understanding to develop your strategic and ethical leadership capability. You will explore your key formative experiences and self-image using the techniques of reflective research, psychometric assessment and support from a mentoring partner. Develop your emotional competency to be authentic, confident and resilient in your leadership practices. Built on a foundation of self-reflection, topics covered include scenario thinking, influencing and motivating others, developing cultural sensitivity, and becoming resilient and tolerant of ambiguity. At the conclusion of the subject you will bring together the knowledge and skills you have acquired through the preparation of a personal leadership development plan.

Requirements

Choose four elective subjects below.

Elective subjects

Business Environment | MGT501

This subject introduces the student to the foundations of business. The focus of this subject is on providing fundamental concepts and context for students to enrich their mastery in subsequent studies while developing as a reflective practitioner. Students will examine the functional operations of business and the environments in which it operates. This may include analysing the economic, social, political, legal, technological and ethical influences on contemporary businesses. Students will also examine the viewpoints of internal and external stakeholders.
Business Communications | MGT502

This subject introduces you to the concepts of business communications and transferrable academic skills. This subject presents an analysis of the types of communication processes expected in industry, which occur in the internal and external business environment, including an examination of the theoretical underpinnings of communication in business. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, reports and presentations and on using technology to communicate. The subject introduces you to research skills, information literacy, critical analysis, writing and language techniques.
Employer Based Project | MGT606

The Employer Based Project subject is a 4-unit postgraduate subject designed to facilitate work-integrated learning in the student’s current employment to be included in the volume of learning for the student’s currently enrolled program. Like any other subject, there is an expectation that the student will engage in 120 hours of active learning above and beyond their normal employment duties. This subject requires the student to undertake and document an original and new project that will be sponsored by and benefit the employer as well as demonstrably bridge the theoretical–praxis gap in the student’s knowledge. If approved, the student will be allocated an academic supervisor who will support the student in bridging knowledge and practice for the duration of the unit.
Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship | MGT607

This subject seeks to build the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to succeed as an ethical entrepreneur or entrepreneur. These knowledge and skills are then applied to identify and evaluate innovative high-growth product and service opportunities in the context of a start-up, a corporation, a not for profit or a government institution. The subject allows students to practice skills, including creativity, cash-flow modelling, business model analysis and lean experimentation. Students prepare a business plan for a new venture, or an improvement to an existing enterprise, enabling them to integrate their theoretical and practical knowledge.
Business Law and International Contexts | MGT608

This subject introduces students to the law, the role of the law and the impact the law has in its operation on managerial and business practice. Contract, tort, intellectual property, agency and employment law are considered, as well as means and methods of considering dispute resolution. How these are contextualised internationally is explored.
Managing Information Systems | MGT609

Managing information systems is critical in business decision-making. Using a systems perspective, in this subject you will explore the role of information systems in the business administration context, the impact of technological innovation on the management of information, and the risks associated with poor information management.
Organisational Best Practice | MGT610

Benchmarking and the ability to collect, analyse and present benchmarking data to influence organisational decision making is a core competence for many organisations. This subject develops students’ analytical skills and understanding of benchmarking processes and procedures before supporting them in a benchmarking exercise of their own.
International Business Strategy | MGT611

As business becomes increasingly global with the use of the internet making all goods available everywhere, the better prepared an organisation is for international markets, the more successful it is likely to be. This subject focuses on the risks, strategies, and implementation of international business plans, requiring students to both evaluate current practice and develop an international strategy for their own organisation or organisation of their choice.
Risk Management | MGT612

The subject focuses on risk management, risk assessment and risk mitigation plans, including the necessary communication plans and skills to ensure that incidents and risks are managed as safely as possible in a controlled manner. The value of such activities is critically analysed to ensure that the effort expended is appropriate to the size of the risk.
Corporate Sustainability | MGT613

This subject is underpinned by notions that are measured by the triple bottom line: economic, social and environmental costs and benefits. The subject explores the competitive advantage to be gained through sustainable practices and requires students to develop a sustainability strategy for an organisation of their choice. This subject explores the issues of social justice and human rights more fundamentally than other subjects as sustainability issues for the future.
Technology Strategy | MGT614

Technology impacts on most everything that we do in organisations, how we do deliver and perform, and how efficiently we manage our operations. Technology strategy therefore focuses on making the right decisions about the deployment of technology in line with business strategy and the risks associated with making the wrong technology decisions. The subject employs a range of research methods to draw up scenarios for decision making, and requires the students to present the case for a technology innovation strategy to a board of stakeholders. Prerequisite: Management Information Systems
Global Management | MGT616

This subject addresses management issues other than those of Western capitalism and will prepare students with knowledge of global enterprises and issues. There will be a focus on: •Analysing and responding to different business cultures, and developing a global business mindset •Gaining knowledge and insight into business ethics and the international responsibilities of company directors facing issues such as bribery/corruption laws, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) •Developing an understanding and insight into the rationale and practices of global mixed economies (e.g. state-owned enterprises) It is recommended that this subject is completed at the beginning of the MBA. The subject challenges the student to think differently about organisational experiences, to look at these through a variety of cultural lenses, and to explore different ways by which people are influenced within the organisation and have an impact through the management function. The student can gain different insights into management and an increased understanding of how we experience the world.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements until 30 June 2023 only. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Industry partners and work placements

When you study with Torrens University Australia, you will benefit from our extensive network of industry partners. You’ll learn from industry professionals, gain invaluable insights and build key industry relationships.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about business, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of business scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the business industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet one of the requirements listed below.

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in any discipline and three (3) years post-degree professional work experience.

Seven years of professional, administrative or managerial work experience. Your application will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Successful completion of Graduate Certificate of Business Administration.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent.

3 years of relevant professional experience.

Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

View all FAQs

Graduate Diploma of Business Administration

What is a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration?

Learning outcomes

Top 20 online MBA*

Top-ranked MBA school*

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Core subjects

Requirements

Elective subjects

Industry partners and work placements

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Frequently asked questions

Graduate Certificate of Business Administration

Graduate Diploma of Business Information Systems

Graduate Diploma of Global Project Management

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration (Advanced)

Want to find out more?

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Graduate Diploma of Business Administration

What is a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration?

Learning outcomes

Top 20 online MBA*

Top-ranked MBA school*

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Core subjects

Requirements

Elective subjects

Industry partners and work placements

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

How to apply

Get started

Apply

Offer

Frequently asked questions

Similar courses

Graduate Certificate of Business Administration

Graduate Diploma of Business Information Systems

Graduate Diploma of Global Project Management

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration (Advanced)

Want to find out more?

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia