- 1 year part-time
- Online
- Feb, May, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 8,696
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
Strengthen your leadership capability and learn to navigate regulatory challenges, respond to emerging risks, and support resilient, sustainable organisations.
UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Strategic Leadership and Governance is designed for current and aspiring leaders seeking to build expertise in corporate governance, enterprise-wide risk management and strategic decision-making.
Explore governance, ethical leadership, sustainability, risk mitigation, business continuity and crisis management, and learn to interpret economic, market and regulatory trends to make informed strategic decisions.
The strong focus on responsible leadership helps you understand the social and environmental responsibilities of organisations. You'll explore diversity, equity and inclusion, First Nations knowledges, ethical leadership, and principles aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Studying online and part-time gives you the flexibility to balance study with work, family and other commitments, while applying your learning directly to your workplace.
The Graduate Certificate of Strategic Leadership and Governance can be completed as a standalone qualification or as a pathway into UniSQ's Master of Business Administration (MBA). As one of three graduate certificates within UniSQ's stackable MBA pathway, it offers a flexible way to build your postgraduate qualifications over time.
Whether you're preparing for a senior leadership role, strengthening your governance expertise, or expanding your qualifications, this degree can help you achieve your career goals and guide organisations through challenges, uncertainty and change.
Challenged my thinking
I had a number of excellent lecturers who shaped and challenged my thinking, and without the flexibility offered by UniSQ I doubt I would have been able to achieve that educational goal so early in my career.
Stacey - Business
Career outcomes
After completing this degree, you could pursue leadership, governance, risk and strategic management opportunities across a wide range of industries, including corporate organisations, government agencies, local councils, not-for-profit organisations, healthcare and education providers, financial institutions, consulting firms and professional services businesses.
You may also apply your skills within your current organisation to progress into leadership, governance or strategic management roles.
As one of three graduate certificates within UniSQ's stackable MBA pathway, you can build your postgraduate studies progressively and apply your completed courses towards the MBA.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Strategic Leadership and Governance, you must successfully complete 4 units of study.
Degree structure
A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies or relevant work experience. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Other study options
This degree is a part of an innovative, stackable Master of Business Administration.
In addition to successfully completing the Graduate Certificate of Strategic Leadership and Governance, you’ll need to study the Graduate Certificate of Business Growth and Transformation and the Graduate Certificate of Operational Excellence and Financial Performance to gain the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.
Completion of a bachelor degree (AQF Level 7), or recognised equivalent, with a GPA of at least 4.0 out of 7.0
A minimum of 3 years' full-time relevant professional work experience in business at management or supervisory level.
Applicants who have not completed a bachelor degree, but have a minimum of 5 years' professional work experience in business with at least 1 year's management or supervisory level experience, or equivalent, may apply for entry and be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Entry pathways
There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.
Fees and scholarships
- This estimated 2026 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
Payment options
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.
You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2027 | Monday 15 February | Monday 8 February | Monday 15 February |
| Trimester 2, 2027 | Monday 31 May | Monday 24 May | Monday 31 May |
| Trimester 3, 2027 | Monday 13 September | Monday 6 September | Monday 13 September |
More information on application key dates is available.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:
- interviews and selection criteria
- CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
- referee reports.
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Frequently asked questions
A Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Governance can help you build the skills needed to lead teams, manage organisational change, make strategic decisions, and navigate increasingly complex business environments. Graduates may pursue leadership, governance and management opportunities across corporate organisations, government agencies, local councils, not-for-profit organisations, healthcare providers, education institutions and professional services firms.
UniSQ's postgraduate leadership and governance degree also develops expertise in ethical leadership, sustainability, risk management and corporate governance, preparing you to lead with confidence in times of uncertainty and change.
Yes. UniSQ's Graduate Certificate of Strategic Leadership and Governance, can be completed as a standalone qualification or used as a pathway into the Master of Business Administration (MBA).
As one of three graduate certificates within UniSQ's stackable MBA pathway, this business qualification allows you to progressively build your postgraduate credentials while developing advanced leadership, governance and strategic management capabilities. It's a study flexible option for professionals looking to advance their careers while balancing work and life commitments.
