The Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (online pathway) is a 36-unit course which is part of the postgraduate Business Administration programs offered by the Flinders Business School within the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. It is available in a fully online study mode and is provided in an accelerated format which may be completed in a minimum of eight months full-time.

The Graduate Diploma in Business Administration is also delivered on campus and may be completed  in nine months of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time). See Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

It articulates with:

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate or an approved equivalent normally receive credit for 18 units of topics towards the Graduate Diploma. In turn, those who complete the Graduate Diploma normally receive 36 units of credit should they wish to proceed with a Masters degree. Alternatively, students who enrol directly in the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration may choose to complete only the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and exit with that qualification.

Admission requirements

Applicants for the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (online pathway) must normally hold a bachelor degree from an approved tertiary institution, OR have completed the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Students, whose first degree was not taught in the English language, are required to demonstrate proficiency in English (IELTS of 6.5, TOEFL of 580).

Course aims

The course is designed to provide a strong foundation in appropriate business knowledge, skills and to foster attitudes commensurate with successful careers as managers of organisations including private sector business organisations, not-for-profit organisations and public organisations. The course aims to provide students with a sound understanding and appreciation of the context in which organisations operate including the impact of global economic, social, environmental and ethical and business conditions and practices.

Learning outcomes 

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration will be able to:

  • Explain how decision making and the management of organisations is aided by knowledge of theory and practice in a range of business sub-disciplines.
  • Analyse organisations and apply contemporary management practices compatible with organisational, social and environmental sustainability.
  • Present theoretical concepts and complex ideas in both written and verbal formats appropriate for management audiences.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (online pathway), a student must complete 36 units with a grade of P or NGP, or better, according to the following program of study:

Option - Year 1 topics

36 units selected from:

BUSN9226 Accounting for Managers (4.5 units)
BUSN9227 Financial Management (4.5 units)
BUSN9228 Strategic Marketing (4.5 units)
BUSN9229 Sustainability and Ethics in Management (4.5 units)
BUSN9230 Economics for Business (4.5 units)
BUSN9231 Global Business Context: An Asia Pacific Focus (4.5 units)
BUSN9236 Leadership: Theory, Practice and Experience (4.5 units)
BUSN9241 International Business Finance and Banking (4.5 units)
BUSN9248 Managing People (4.5 units)
BUSN9259 Supply Chain and Operation (4.5 units)