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 English Language Teaching (TESOL) 11021NAT
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Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (VIC Only) HLT31120
Our Promise We are confident in the delivery of our training. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be guaranteed a telephone interview for vacant Patient Transport Officer positions in the Non-Emergency Patient Transport division. So...
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (VIC Only) BSB42015
This program provides participants with the essential knowledge and skills to undertake management positions. This includes assuming responsibility for their own performance, providing leadership, guidance and support to others. Develop the knowledge a...
Diploma of Project Management (Specialising in Construction) BSB50820
The Diploma of Project Management (Specialising in Construction) is designed to equip graduates with the critical project management skills they need to succeed in planning, managing and delivering projects on time and to budget, with a focus on skills...
Double Diploma of Project Management and Leadership & Management BSB50820,BSB50420
CAL’s Double Diploma of Project Management Practice and Leadership & Management has been designed to equip you to succeed in project management and leadership roles with the ability to plan, design, apply and evaluate solutions. You’ll gain t...
Diploma of Project Management BSB50820
The Diploma of Project Management is designed to equip graduates with the critical project management skills they need to succeed in planning, managing and delivering projects on time and to budget. You’ll learn the project scoping and quality planning...
Certificate IV in Supply Chain Operations
The College for Adult Learning’s Certificate IV in Supply Chain Operations gives you the essential skills you need to monitor supply chain components. As a result, you’ll be empowered to ensure safety of transport activities, examine supplier cap...
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CCNA
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Network Administrator
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care CHC30121
Demand for childcare is on the rise in Australia, with population forecasts estimating there will be 2.2 million children aged under 5 years in Australia by 2031, and 2.6 million by 2051. This population growth is driving increasing demand for early ch...
Certificate III in Carpentry (Melbourne Only) CPC30220
TIV’s CPC30220 – Certificate III in Carpentry Course is known as one of the best in the industry. It’s a hands-on program designed for people who want to begin a career as a carpenter without doing an apprenticeship. This course comprises individual an...
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...
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 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 Community Pharmacy (Perth Only) SIR30116
The Certificate III in Community Pharmacy prepares you for a rewarding career as a pharmacy assistant in a retail pharmacy setting. This course equips you with the skills to provide excellent customer service, assist with pharmacy products, and support...
Advanced Cyber Security Collection
If you are looking advance your career in the Tech industry and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of 5 international vendor certifications from CompTIA, ISACA and (ISC)² are what you need to unlock your potential and Reload your mind! You wi...
Cyber Security Analyst Career Pathway
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and R...
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...
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...
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