Graduate Certificate in Strategic People Management (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1 & 2
- Duration
- 0.5 years F/T; 1-2 years P/T
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
-
Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 7354
- CRICOS code -
-
2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $20,500*
-
2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $20,520*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $25,500*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $26,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Fully online
-
Industry-aligned coursework
-
AACSB accredited school
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
This fully online program is designed for professional managers wishing to gain a more advanced understanding of the specific people challenges of managers leading teams.
The program is particularly appropriate for those entering or aspiring to a middle management position with responsibility for a team. Students will have appropriate undergraduate qualifications in management or a related discipline or extensive relevant professional experience.
Students will need to have undergraduate qualifications in management or a related discipline or relevant professional experience.
Key features
Global standard of excellence in teaching
UNSW Canberra’s School of Business holds Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, a distinction achieved by only 5% of business schools worldwide.
Flexible learning for working professionals
Designed with professionals in mind, UNSW Canberra’s flexible, online delivery means you can embark on further study without interrupting your career. Whether you're already in the defence sector or looking to pivot into security roles, this qualification will accelerate your career.
Designed to meet industry needs
This program has been codesigned with experts in people and organisational management and is regularly reviewed to account for developments in industry best practice.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
UNSW is a global top 20 university
Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026) to complete the Graduate Certificate in Strategic People Management and you’ll gain a qualification that is respected around the world. Part of the wider UNSW network, UNSW Canberra is also recognised for research excellence and impact as a founding member of the Group of Eight coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities.
Flexible study options to suit you
Grow your skill set and nurture your potential with a program that fits around your life. The Graduate Certificate in Strategic People Management is a fully online course spread across the full academic calendar, enabling you to easily balance work, study and other commitments.
Industry-aligned coursework
Our programs are carefully developed in line with the latest industry trends and developments. We regularly consult with practitioners, academics and researchers to ensure our programs provide students with the most up-to-date information to prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra?
Entry requirements
To gain entry into a Graduate Certificate in Strategic People Management, you must meet one of the following entry requirements
- Completion of a Bachelor degree with honours in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or
- Completion of a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or
- Completion of a Bachelor degree in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; and completion of at least three years relevant full-time professional experience; or
- Completion of a Bachelor degree in a non-related discipline; and completion of at least four years relevant full-time professional experience; or
- Evidence of other qualifications and professional experience to be assessed as acceptable grounds for admission into the program by the relevant Program Authority. In certain circumstances, students may be required to undertake and successfully complete a relevant non-award course as a condition for admission into the program. This non-award course may also be credited towards the program upon admission.
*Related Discipline/s: Business, Management, Economics, Accounting, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Public Policy, Marketing Management, Law.
This Graduate Certificate is also an exit program from the Master of Strategic people Management (8563).
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
To gain entry into a Graduate Certificate in Strategic People Management, an applicant must meet one of the following entry requirements
- Completion of a Bachelor degree with honours in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or
- Completion of a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate in a related discipline* from a recognised institution; or
- Completion of a Bachelor degree in the same or a related discipline* from a recognised institution; and completion of at least three years relevant full-time professional experience; or
- Completion of a Bachelor degree in a non-related discipline; and completion of at least four years relevant full-time professional experience; or
- Evidence of other qualifications and professional experience to be assessed as acceptable grounds for admission into the program by the relevant Program Authority. In certain circumstances, students may be required to undertake and successfully complete a relevant non-award course as a condition for admission into the program. This non-award course may also be credited towards the program upon admission.
*Related Discipline/s: Business, Management, Economics, Accounting, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Public Policy, Marketing Management, Law.
This Graduate Certificate is also an exit program from the Master of Strategic people Management (8563).
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
Students undertaking the Graduate Certificate in Strategic People Management are required to complete 24 units of credit (UOC) when taken as a standalone program.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 24 UOC and can be completed in 6 months. Courses are 6 UOC.
Students must complete:
- Strategic Management
or - Change Management
At least one of the following:
- People and Systems
- Driving Performance
- Developing Organisational Capability
Prescribed electives – 0-12 UOC
- Strategic Management
- Organisational Behaviour
- Strategic Human Resources
- Accounting for Management Decisions
- Business Law
- Public Service Implementation
- Leadership of Safe and Healthy Work
- Public Service Performance and Evaluation
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Leadership
- Change Management
- Business Ethics
- Critical Analysis in Business
- Workforce Planning
- Managing Diversity
Future careers
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Strategic People Management are equipped to lead and influence organisational strategy through effective people management, making them valuable assets across public, private and non-profit sectors. With skills in systems thinking, strategic human resources and leadership, graduates are well-prepared for mid-level roles focused on organisational development, talent management and change leadership.
Potential roles:
- Change Manager
- Employee Relations Manager
- Human Resource Manager
- Learning and Development Specialist
- People and Culture Manager
- Performance and Talent Manager
- Recruitment Manager
- Strategic Human Resources Advisor
- Workforce Analytics Manager
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
