Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership: A Comprehensive Guide

The Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership is a nationally recognised qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and drive strategic change within organisations. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the curriculum, entry requirements, course structure, career pathways, and technical requirements associated with this advanced program.

Who is this Diploma for?

This qualification targets business professionals aiming to further develop their skills, particularly those already in upper management and decision-making roles or those aspiring to break into C-suite positions. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive transformative and strategic change within an organisation. The Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership is designed for individuals who possess advanced expertise and competencies in various strategic leadership and management positions.

Course Overview and Objectives

The BSB80320 Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership reflects the role of individuals who apply advanced knowledge and skills in a range of strategic leadership and management roles. At this level, individuals make high-level autonomous decisions and use initiative and judgment to plan and implement a range of leadership and management functions in varied contexts. They use cognitive and creative skills to review, critically analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge, in order to generate ideas and provide solutions to complex problems. This qualification provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive transformative and strategic change within an organisation. By undertaking this course, you will be equipped with skills in organisational leadership and high-level transformation.

The course aims to map out evidence of an individual’s understanding of leading strategic transformation and strategic planning processes within organisations, as well as offering electives in financial strategy development, leading ethical practices and modelling innovative thinking and practice and then turning these experiences into a formal qualification.

Key skills and competencies

Crafting organisational strategies
Leading innovation
Managing high-level stakeholder relationships
Driving sustainable outcomes
Visionary decision-making
Strategic influence
Organisational leadership and high-level transformation

Entry Requirements

Entry to this qualification is limited to those who meet at least one of the following criteria:

Read also: Funding Your Graduate Education

Diploma or Advanced Diploma: Completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualification in related fields of study and 3 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience at a significant level of leadership and management responsibility and/or complexity in an enterprise.
Bachelor Degree: Completion of a Bachelor degree in related fields of study and 2 years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience at a significant level of leadership and management responsibility and/or complexity in an enterprise.
Extensive Experience: Five years equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience at a significant level of leadership and management responsibility and/or complexity in an enterprise.

Additional Requirements

Age: Students must be 18 years old and above.
English Proficiency: A minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required. International Students who do not meet the English language requirements for this course may undertake English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) according to the English Learning Matrix.
Pre-Enrolment Consultation: Prior to enrolment, it is mandatory that students attend a Pre-Enrolment Consultation with one of our approved Education Agents or delegated staff. A Pre-Enrolment Consultation session may be provided to a prospective student one or more times to provide the prospective student additional time and/or information to make an informed decision. This interview is conducted to assess their suitability for the course.
LLND Test: Prior to commencing their course, students will be required to complete a compulsory Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital skills (LLND) test, which has been developed by the college. These tests are categorised based on the student’s qualifications and serve as a tool to help college personnel identify students who may need language and/or numeracy support. The LLND tests are designed in accordance with the Australian Core Skills Framework, providing a guideline for their development.

Course Structure and Content

The Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership typically involves the completion of 8 units. The packaging rules are: Total Number of Units = 8 (2 core units plus 6 elective units).

Core Units

BSBLDR811 Lead strategic transformation
BSBSTR802 Lead strategic planning processes for an organisation

Elective Units

AIBT:

BSBFIN801 Lead financial strategy development
BSBLDR812 Develop and cultivate collaborative partnerships and relationships
BSBLDR813 Lead and influence ethical practice
BSBPMG810 Prioritise projects and programs
BSBSTR801 Lead innovative thinking and practice
BSBSTR803 Establish business continuity management strategies

Assessment Methods

Assessment will usually commence in the session following delivery. As this is a competency-based program, assessment continues throughout the program until the participant either achieves competency in the assessment tasks or a further training need is identified and addressed. written assignments, demonstrations, role plays, assignments, and projects.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is the process in which your professional experience is converted into nationally recognised qualifications.

RPL Process

Free skills assessment: Fill in a pre-assessment form to get guidance on the next steps.
Evidence portfolio and review: Work with the college to provide evidence, and gap training is conducted if needed.
Qualification: New certifications are Nationally recognised and issued by the Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Volume of Learning

The Australian Qualifications Framework defines the study volume as the total time a typical student needs to achieve the learning outcomes for a qualification.

Read also: Graduate Fees at CMU

Components of Volume of Learning

Supervised Learning Hours: Structured learning and assessment activities under the guidance of trainers, including classes, lectures, tutorials, and online sessions.
Unsupervised Learning Hours: Activities that contribute to achieving the course outcomes but are not directly supervised, such as private study, non-supervised work experience, research, assignments, and field placements.

AQF Volume of Learning Guide

Certificate I: 0.5 - 1 year, 600 - 1200 hours
Certificate II: 0.5 - 1 year, 600 - 1200 hours
Certificate III: 1 - 2 years, 1200 - 2400 hours
Certificate IV: 0.5 - 2 years, 600 - 2400 hours
Diploma: 1 - 2 years, 1200 - 2400 hours
Advanced Diploma: 1.5 - 2 years, 1800 - 2400 hours
Graduate Certificate: 0.5 - 1 year, 600 - 1200 hours
Graduate Diploma: 1 - 2 years, 1200 - 2400 hours

Technical Requirements

Students MUST have the following IT equipment prior to enrolling the college and will require a suitable study space for self-study, assessment activities, or to participate in online classes.

Hardware Requirements

Processor: 2.5-2.9 GHz process
Memory: 8GB
Display Card: 2 GB GPU (for Civil Construction qualifications)
Disk Space: 100 GB
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 10 Version 22H2 or Windows® 11 Version 24H2 or above. Apple® macOS® Sequoia v15.5, Apple® macOS® Sonoma v14.7.6, or Apple® macOS® Ventura v13.7.6.
A webcam, e.g. built-in to a laptop or a USB webcam.
Audio input and output suitable for video conferencing or online classes. A headset or earbuds with a microphone is recommended.
Photo/scan - a camera, e.g. on a mobile phone, can be required to scan and submit handwritten materials.

Software Requirements

A web browser such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, or Safari.
Students are expected to access the web version of Microsoft Office 365 (i.e., Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Planner, To Do, and Project).
Students studying CAD will have access to the college’s Computer-aided design (CAD) system (if applicable).

Internet Requirements

A reliable, high-speed broadband internet connection with sufficient upload and download capacity. A Wi-Fi or mobile connection can be acceptable. Students will have access to the college’s wireless connection whilst on campus.

Career Opportunities

Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership graduates are equipped to excel in various high-level roles across multiple sectors. The Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership unlocks elite roles like Chief Operating Officer, Strategic Director, or Executive Consultant in technology, public administration, and private enterprise sectors.

Potential Job Titles

Chief Operating Officer
Strategic Director
Executive Consultant
Senior Manager
Director

Industry Growth and Job Market

Australia’s job market is growing, with all 19 broad industries projected to increase employment through November 2026. This growth spans eight broad occupational groups, highlighting diverse opportunities for skilled professionals. Over 90% of these emerging roles will demand post-school education, aligning perfectly with the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership. The sectors spearheading this expansion include Health Care and Social Assistance, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Education and Training, and Accommodation and Food Services.

Payment Options and Fees

Tuition Fees

Offshore Int Student: $14,000*
Onshore Student Visa Holder: $12,000**
Full RPL Achieved - $3495.00
Study/Blended - $8995.00

Additional Fees

Handling Fee - $200
OSHC FEE

Payment Plans

A range of flexible payment plans are available and can be set up at the enrolment stage.

AFTERPAY: Pay your fee over 6 weeks. No interest and no fees when you pay on time. This payment method has a maximum limit amount of $2000.

Funding Options

DVA Funding: If you’re currently discharged from service or are undertaking rehabilitation, you may be eligible for educational funding through DVA.

Choosing a Provider

Several institutions offer the Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership, including:

AIBT (Australian Institute of Business & Technology): Focuses on providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen careers.
OPEC College: Offers personalized RPL pathways to convert existing skills and knowledge into formal competencies.
3CIR: A veteran-owned education provider that offers the qualification exclusively through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to fast-track your journey.
Reach Community College: Aims to provide students with the tools and practical knowledge to help create change in an organisation through high-level planning and strategic execution.

When selecting a provider, consider factors such as:

Delivery Method: RPL, online, or blended learning options.
Support Services: Availability of learning mentors, specialized resources, and technical support.
Industry Connections: Partnerships and affiliations that enhance career prospects.
Fees and Payment Options: Tuition costs, payment plans, and funding opportunities.

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