Who should study ECU’s Graduate Diploma of Business Administration?

Our Graduate Diploma of Business Administration is a great option for current and future leaders who want to expand their skills and gain a responsible business mindset.

Upon successfully completing your graduate diploma, you can continue your education to gain your Master of Business Administration by studying an additional six units.

Already have a bachelor's degree in Business or Commerce? You might be interested in our fast-tracked Master of Business Administration, which you can complete in only nine units. Reach out to a Student Enrolment Advisor to find out if you are eligible.

Why study a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration with ECU Online?

  • Red group of people icon

    Focus on the human side of business

    Transform your career, your team and your organisation through human-centred business practices. Dedicate yourself to your personal growth and build your expertise across business functions.
  • Red certificate icon

    Study with a top business school

    The Business disciplines at ECU are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, which is synonymous with excellence in business education. Less than 6 per cent of the world’s schools offering business degree programs hold accreditation with AACSB International.
  • Red desktop computer icon

    Accessible, flexible and accelerated

    This accessible, flexible course is accelerated and 100% online, so your study fits your busy schedule. Study one unit at a time over each seven-week study period.

Rankings & Accreditations

  • Good Universities Guide logo

    2025 Good Universities Guide

    ECU is rated the top WA university for Overall Experience in postgraduate Business and Management​.
  • THE Young University Rankings logo

    2025 THE Subject Rankings

    ECU has ranked in the top 300 universities in the world for Business and Economic studies. 
  • AACSB Accredited Logo

    AACSB International Accredited

    The Business disciplines at ECU are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. This certification is held by less than six per cent of business schools globally. 
  • AFR Accredited Logo

    2024 AFR BOSS Best Business Schools list

    ECU is ranked #1 Business School for Teaching in Australia.

What you will learn

Human-focused leadership​

Learn to engage, support and empower individuals, teams and organisations. Develop the skills you need to manage relationships effectively. Understand and apply multiple leadership perspectives, including growth-oriented, supportive and inclusive approaches.

Transformational strategies​

Instigate the transformation needed in increasingly complex business environments. Develop a responsible business mindset as you examine contemporary challenges like sustainability and inclusion.

Expertise across business functions​

Build the broad skillset required of leaders in contemporary organisations and be able to support a diverse range of business functions. Understand and leverage strategic marketing concepts. Analyse financial performance and risk from multiple perspectives. Leverage data analytics to make better-informed business decisions.

 

 

Career outcomes

Upon successfully completing the Graduate Diploma of Business Administration online, you will have the skills and knowledge to succeed in a number of roles including: 

  • Consultant 
  • Manager 
  • General Manager  
  • Project Manager 
  • Development Manager  
  • Business Operations Manager 

You will also be able to apply your skills in a variety of different fields, including construction, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, energy and natural resources, and small business. 

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a manager in Australia is $120,000.

What you will study

The online Graduate Diploma of Business Administration consists of six units.  

 
Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Core Units
  • Managing People and Organisations
  • Marketing for Leaders
  • Financial Performance, Accountability and Risk
  • Data Analytics and Organisational Decision Making
  • Strategic Management and International Competitiveness
  • Responsible Management
 

Entry criteria

Admission requirements

To gain entry to the Graduate Diploma of Business Administration online, you will need:

  • A bachelor’s degree OR; ​
  • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience. ​​
  • Applicants must also meet English Language Requirements (Band 4). This can include IELTS Academic - Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0). ​

Meet your MBA Program Director

Dr Naoise McDonagh 
 
Director of the Master of Business Administration program at the School of Business and Law 

Dr McDonagh has worked in the university sector for over a decade, across New Zealand and Australia. Prior to entering academia Dr McDonagh had careers in both the private sector (construction), and the public sector (military service). Dr McDonagh’s academic research specialises in addressing the nexus between international business, government regulation and geopolitics. His research aims to inform business and government on ways to address economic security, international trade resilience and trade governance. He holds a BA and MA from the University of Galway (Ireland) and a PhD from the University of Auckland (New Zealand).

As Director of the MBA program Dr McDonagh is passionate about the role of MBA education in shaping, inspiring and upskilling students on the path to future success. As a proud faculty member of the School of Business and Law, he aspires to support the school’s mission to enrich society and transform lives through education and research. He looks forward to meeting you on your educational journey with ECU!

Dr Naoise McDonagh

Fees and FEE-HELP

The cost of our Graduate Diploma of Business Administration is $31,610* for all six units.

To assist with some or all of your tuition fees, FEE-HELP is available for eligible students. This government-supported loan scheme is designed to help eligible full-fee paying students pay their postgraduate tuition fees.

To find out if you are eligible for FEE-HELP, you can contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760.

*2026 student fees are shown and are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions
Is a graduate diploma better than a bachelor's?

A graduate diploma is a postgraduate qualification studied after completing a bachelor’s degree. It offers advanced, specialised knowledge in a professional field, building on undergraduate learning and equipping students with skills relevant for leadership or professional advancement. While a bachelor’s provides foundational knowledge, a graduate diploma can help accelerate career progression or transition into new areas.

The ECU Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Online provides practical and human-focused business leadership skills, enabling students to make informed decisions and lead effectively in complex organisational environments.

Can I do a graduate diploma without a degree?

Typically, entry into a graduate diploma requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Some programs may consider relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree, but this depends on the university and course requirements.

ECU’s Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Online generally requires a bachelor’s degree for entry, or equivalent prior learning demonstrated through relevant professional experience, ensuring students have the foundational knowledge to succeed in advanced business studies.

Is it worth doing a graduate diploma?

Yes, a graduate diploma can be a valuable qualification for career advancement, professional upskilling, or as a pathway to a master’s degree. It provides focused, practical skills that enhance employability and leadership capability.

The ECU Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Online equips students with skills in strategic decision-making, leadership, and sustainable business practices, helping graduates position themselves for senior roles in business or further study in a master’s program.

How many subjects are in a graduate diploma?

A graduate diploma typically consists of six units (subjects), which can be completed part-time over a structured study path.

At ECU, the Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Online is delivered in six units, with one unit studied per seven-week study period, allowing flexible progression throughout the year.

Can a diploma get you a good job?

Yes, a graduate diploma can enhance employability by providing postgraduate-level skills and knowledge relevant to professional roles. Graduates often qualify for management, advisory, or specialist positions that require advanced business, leadership, or technical expertise.

The ECU Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Online develops leadership, decision-making, and business strategy skills, helping graduates pursue senior roles in organisations or continue on to a master’s degree.

What is a graduate diploma in business administration?

A graduate diploma in business administration is a postgraduate qualification that develops advanced knowledge and skills in business management, strategy, and leadership. It is designed for professionals who want to enhance their career prospects or transition into business leadership roles.

The ECU Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Online provides a human-focused approach to leadership, addressing contemporary business challenges and equipping students with practical skills to lead people and organisations effectively.

How long is a graduate diploma?

A graduate diploma can typically be completed in one year full-time or part-time depending on study load and delivery mode.

The ECU Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Online is structured for flexible part-time study, with one unit per seven-week study period and six units in total, allowing students to progress at a pace suited to their professional commitments.