Graduate Certificate of Leadership
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Leadership |
| Deakin course code | M597 |
| Course version | 4 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Business and Law |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Duration | 1 to 1.5 years part-time* |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
| Supplementary information | *Students have the opportunity of fast-tracking the course in eight months by completing all units in two consecutive trimesters and all credentials within the first two trimesters of study. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online courses. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Start building your leadership capability with Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Leadership. Designed for working professionals, this flexible course introduces core leadership concepts across communication, ethics, change and leading in complex environments.
Draw on your professional experience while learning from industry and academic experts, applying new ideas to real workplace challenges through projects and reflective practice. From the outset, you will develop practical leadership capability you can apply immediately in your role. This course also provides a clear pathway into the Master of Leadership, where you can deepen your expertise and advance your leadership practice. You will graduate with the confidence and foundational capability to lead teams, contribute to organisational outcomes and take the next step in your career.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Possess an integrated understanding and superior ability to apply contemporary leadership theory and practices. |
| Use advanced communication tools, techniques and media to engage and inspire others. |
| Discover, analyse, synthesise and disseminate complex information, data and ideas to stakeholders, strategic partners and professional colleagues using a range of digital technologies and channel. |
| Systematically and critically analyse and test leadership styles, models and theories to optimise leadership impact within a specific cultural and operational context to drive strategy. |
| Apply problem-solving skills to analyse contemporary leadership related issues within organisations and provide solutions to these challenges. |
| Demonstrate an understanding of your own approach to leadership and the nature of your impact on others. |
| Work across a range of professions, functions, contexts or teams to optimise collaborative outcomes, to improve strategic outcomes. |
| Not explicitly addressed as a learning outcome in this award |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Leadership you must pass the following course rules:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin in your first study period
- 2 core units
- 2 Professional Practice credentials
- 2 stackable short courses (microcredentials).
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Core units
| MPL700 | Leadership Practice with Impact |
| MBA700 | Leadership and Professional Development |
Core professional practice credentials
Students must successfully complete the two Professional Practice credentials listed below.^*
CRADC-G1 Adaptive Mindsets (Advanced)
CRDSR-A1 Driving Strategic Results (Advanced)
Successful attainment of Professional Practice credentials is based on evidence provided from professional practice, hence recognition through authentic learning experiences. All professional practice credentials are linked to the Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes and will be assessed within the context of the leadership discipline. The credentials may be attempted separately or simultaneously and are assessed by an assessment panel that includes both academic and industry representatives. Please refer to the table below for the list of credentials.
*Applicants may be permitted to seek re-credentialling if they:
a) have not satisfied the advanced level requirement; or
b) have successfully achieved the credential but not within the required timeframe of five years.
^There are three levels and these are aligned with recognised "exit points" from the education sector, the AQF, work levels and industry frameworks. Level 5 is aligned to the AQF Masters Level.
Stackable Short Courses selection
Students must successfully complete two stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials) from the list below.
DMC710-AW Crisis Leadership
MMC705-AW Innovation and Leadership
MMC704-AW Innovation and Organisational Change
MMC715-AW Sustainable Leadership to 2030 (Masterclass not offered in 2027)
As a Graduate Certificate of Leadership student, when you are ready to enrol in your stackable short courses, please contact a Course Adviser or students@leadership.deakin.edu.au
Please refer to Deakin Current Students information for the handbook and important information on key dates, as well as Microcredential learner support.
Work experience
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
To complete the Professional Practice Credentials, students will be required to draw on their current and past leadership experience.
Other course information
Students have the opportunity of fast-tracking the course in eight months by completing all units in two consecutive trimesters and all credentials within the first two trimesters of study.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.