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What Is a Graduate Certificate? And How Can It Level-Up Your Career?
Kristen Michaelides
Why study for a graduate certificate? Because when you’re passionate about your work, chances are you want to keep growing, both professionally and personally. A graduate certificate can help you upskill quickly without the fluff.
What is a graduate certificate?
A graduate certificate in Australia is a specialised qualification that usually takes one semester of full-time study or one year of part-time study. Think of it as a fast-tracked, practical qualification that focuses on one specialisation’s skills, designed to help you reach your career goals faster.
If you’re looking to get better at your work or put yourself forward for a promotion, a graduate certificate makes sense. It develops critical industry skills while not as costly or time-consuming as a graduate diploma or a master’s degree.
What is a graduate certificate equivalent to?
As a level-8 postgraduate qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework, a graduate certificate sits just under an Honours year (for a Bachelor’s Degree) or a Graduate Diploma.
Graduate certificate vs. bachelor's degree
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate university qualification, usually taking three to four years of full-time study to complete. It provides students with a strong foundation of knowledge on a broad discipline of studies such as Science, the Arts or Business. At AQF level 8, a graduate certificate sits above a bachelor’s degree.
Entry requirements
You don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s degree to embark on a graduate certificate. Anyone who has completed a certificate IV or equivalent in their chosen field meets the entry requirements of most graduate certificate courses. To complete a graduate certificate or a “level 8” qualification, you should have advanced knowledge and skill within your chosen profession or field. Most people who have worked in their profession will meet this criterion.
A stepping stone to a masters degree
Successfully completing a graduate certificate can be a stepping stone toward into academic journey and fully-fledged postgraduate studies. It can be used as a bridging qualification, allowing you access to a more advanced course, like a master’s program. However, not all masters degrees have a graduate certificate entry pathway. So for those hoping to jump feet first into the land of postgraduate studies, make sure you do your research.
Is a graduate certificate worth it?
Levelling up in your career can sometimes feel like a slog. And maybe you know further study is the way to go, but navigating all the options gets confusing. How and where should you upskill? Do you need to spend years completing a masters?
Not necessarily. The graduate certificate is a super-targeted and well-regarded qualification. It’s a great alternative to a full-time postgraduate degree that can take years to complete, and you won’t need a bachelor’s degree to get started.
Here’s why a graduate certificate could be the perfect choice for you:
Relevancy-led coursework
A graduate certificate is a highly specialised qualification. It aims to develop advanced specialist knowledge and skills within your chosen field so you can move forward in your career. As the graduate certificate is only six months long, the coursework and learning outcomes are relevant and practical.
More autonomy over your studies
A graduate certificate’s shorter, more specialised nature means you have more control over what you learn than longer postgraduate courses. The certificate focuses more on practical application than theoretical knowledge, leaving less room for irrelevant, core units to take up your time.
Enables career progression
Choosing to complete a graduate certificate shows your employers (and yourself) that you have a passion for your work. It shows your drive to upskill and can open the door to forward progression in your industry.
Takes less time and money
Graduate certificates are only one full-time semester long. Most RTOs offer part-time study options and online or blended study methods. Not only are graduate certificates more flexible than their longer postgraduate counterparts, but they also have lower tuition fees. Rather than pay for two-three years of full-time study, you only need to pay for one semester, and FEE-HELP loan schemes are also available.
Popular industries for graduate certificates
Many people choose to complete a graduate certificate to prepare for a new leadership position. By honing in on specific skill sets within your field of choice, you demonstrate the initiative, passion and knowledge required of leaders in any sector.
Some industries that particularly encourage specialised upskilling via graduate certificates include:
Business
A Graduate Certificate in Management is perfect for managers looking for targeted professional development.
Graduate certificates are also popular in areas like project management, business administration and digital marketing leadership.
IT
The Graduate Certificate in Data & Cyber Management is an Australian Defence Force Approved Program, designed for leaders who need to manage technical experts and stakeholders. Graduate certificates are also popular in areas like data science, business analytics, and cyber security.
Health
Graduate certificates are popular in areas like mental health nursing, nursing, and counselling.
Hospitality
In the hospitality industry, graduate certificates are great for upskilling in areas like hospitality leadership, hospitality management and hospitality decision-making.
If it’s time to take the next step in your career, but you need a leg-up with some focused, effective upskilling, it’s time to enrol in a graduate certificate.
Browse Graduate Certificate Results
Certificate IV in Community Services CHC42021
This qualification reflects the role of community service workers who design and deliver person-centred services to individuals and/or groups. Workers may provide support, advocacy or interventions to individual clients, groups or communities across a...
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping FNS40222
Monarch Institute is one of very few registered training organisations (RTOs) to offer the TPB (Tax Practitioners Board) approved courses required to become a registered BAS agent or a registered tax agent. We’re also included in a very select few accr...
Graduate Certificate of Sport Management
The GCSM has been developed following extensive consultation to provide a post-graduate education that aligns with industry requirements and expectations. The emphasis is on equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to add value in a ma...
Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Sport
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Sport (GCLIS) provides students with the opportunity to target employment opportunities within upper management in the sport industry. Target roles include positions at the General Manager, Director or Executiv...
Diploma of Football (Development, Management and Performance) (NSW Only)
The Diploma of Football (Development, Management and Performance) will prepare you with the skills, knowledge and understanding for a range of future career paths in the football industry. In this unique specialised diploma, you will explore a range of...
Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) (NSW Only)
To address the high demand for sport coaches and professionals in Australia, the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling ca...
Bachelor of Sport Business (Leadership)
Turn your passion for sport into a career by immersing yourself in a degree that will broaden your theoretical and technical knowledge, so that you are fully equipped fora management role within the sport industry. The Bachelor of Sport Business (Leade...
Bachelor of Physical Activity for Health (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Physical Activity for Health provides an exciting blend of health, sport science, and movement, giving you a springboard into a variety of careers and further study. It is ideal if you wish to pursue a career in health-related fields wi...
Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...
Bachelor of Football (Development, Management and Performance) (NSW Only)
This is Australia’s first Bachelor degree of Football! A unique and specialised degree that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to prepare for a diverse range of careers in the football industry. This degree explores a range of foo...
Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) incorporates units in movement and health as well as curriculum and pedagogical studies, equipping you with the requisite skills for entering the teaching profession. If you are keen to pursue...
Bachelor of Dance Practice (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational, business, and organisational...
Bachelor of Dance Education (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Education is a unique specialist professional qualification and is Australia’s first–being delivered through ACPE! Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowledge and ski...
Associate Degree of Sport Business (NSW Only)
Get a higher education qualification in two years when studying full-time! Based on the Bachelor of Sport Business in terms of content, the Associate Degree of Sport Business offers students the opportunity to get into the workforce quicker or alternat...
Associate Degree of Football (Development, Management and Performance) (NSW Only)
The Associate Degree of Football (Development, Management and Performance) will prepare you with the skills, knowledge and understanding for a diverse range of future career paths in the football industry. Study how the football industry (e.g., soccer,...
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management BSB40520
Team leaders and frontline managers are a vital link between employees and senior management in every organisation. This qualification has been developed to provide you with the comprehensive skills you’ll need to lead, guide and support your own team...
Certificate IV in Project Management Practice BSB40920
Based around an industry leading project management methodology (PMBoK®), AIM’s BSB40920 Certificate IV in Project Management Practice is the perfect way to learn project management skills that can be used in a wide variety of contexts and is endorsed...
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (Perth Only) HLT33021
Are you interested in entering the health services industry? This nationally recognised qualification will allow you to enter into one of the most rewarding and enjoyable careers! When studying this course, you will gain knowledge in a range of fields...
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only) MSM30116
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing is designed for those working or looking to work in production, warehousing, or factory roles. This hands-on course equips you with the practical skills needed to operate machinery, follow safety procedures,...
Certificate IV in Business (Perth Only) BSB40120
This qualification is suited to those working as administrators and project officers. In this role, individuals use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems and analyse information...
Online courses also available
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