Download our program guide
Our program guides are here to help you make the right choice. Packed with detailed information about studying with UNSW Online, from course content to career outcomes, they’re designed to support you in finding the program that fits your goals and aspirations.
Here's what you'll find inside:
- Entry requirements
- Program highlights
- Course structures
- Fees
- Online learning approach
Overview
Effective leadership and strategic organisational development are critical for navigating change and driving sustainable growth. In a world of constant transformation, organisations need leaders who can build resilient cultures, develop talent, and align people with strategic goals. This creates significant opportunities for professionals equipped with the right skills to guide teams, manage stakeholders, and optimise business performance.
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development from UNSW Online is designed for professionals aspiring to lead with impact. This program provides the critical skills to guide organisations through transformation, develop leadership capabilities at all levels, and create value through effective people strategies. You will learn to identify an organisation’s purpose and values, drive change, and build a culture that empowers people and enhances performance.
Why study with us?
When you study with UNSW Online, you are learning from a global top 20 university*, recognised for producing Australia’s most employable graduates**. This program, delivered through the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), is designed by industry experts to meet the demands of modern workplaces. You’ll build future-focused skills in leadership, strategy, and change management, preparing you to drive growth in your career and organisation.
*QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
**AFR, Top 100 Future Leaders Awards 2020–2025
Duration
8 months, part time
Courses
4
Intake
Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct
Indicative 2026 fee per course
$5,130
Study mode
100% Online
Program code
7454
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisation Development comprises four courses – two core and two electives. By studying these courses, you will be able to select and implement effective strategies to empower progression, whether that be on a team, departmental or organisational level.
Use your electives to tailor your study to areas of interest, whether they be from the general Human Resource Management stream, Human Resource Analytics stream, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion stream or further electives relevant to your career goals.
Core courses
- Organisational Development
- Leadership Development
Elective courses
Choose two of the following electives:
Human resource management elective courses
- Human Resource Strategies
- Introduction to Employment Law
- Managing People and Organisation
Diversity, equity and inclusion elective courses
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Employee Wellbeing and Engagement
- Sustainability and Human Resources
Human resource analytics elective courses
- Human Resource Analytics#
- Human Resource Information Systems
- Introductory Data Analysis
#Prerequisite: Introductory Data Analysis.
Further elective courses
- Attracting, Evaluating and Retaining Talent
- Career Navigator
- Change Management
- Strategic Consulting Project
- Strategic Rewards and Performance Management
- Managing Yourself and Others
To find out more about each course, download your program guide.
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development from UNSW Online is designed for professionals aiming to lead culture-driven change and improve organisational performance. Studying this will give you the skills to pursue roles such as:
- Organisational Development Coordinator
- Leadership Development Assistant
- Change Management Support Officer
- People and Culture Advisor
- Human Resources Associate
- Employee Engagement Coordinator
- Diversity and Inclusion Assistant
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Workplace Culture Analyst
- Learning and Development Officer
General admission requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development, you must have:
- A recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification); OR
- A minimum of three years relevant or professional experience* in analytics, clerical or administrative work in a commercial, not-for-profit or public service organisation or other analytics-related positions.
*Relevant experience includes being responsible for tasks that are non-routine, unstructured, or semi-structured, and engaging in problem-solving activities. It can include the experience of managing a small team, being a team leader, managing a project, or being responsible for the management and allocation of resources. Alternatively, engaging in a professional role over a period of time is relevant experience.
Articulation
Human Resource Management
Articulation pathways exist into the Master of Human Resource Management and the included specialisations from the graduate certificate programs in Human Resource Management; Human Resource Analytics; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; and Leadership and Organisational Development; if the student completes these programs with a minimum WAM of 65.
You can also complete up to two eligible Graduate Certificates which can be stacked towards your Master of Human Resource Management degree. Stacking two Graduate Certificates will allow you to graduate with the master's degree by completing a further four courses.
Master of Management
By completing the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development, you may also articulate into our Master of Management program. This pathway offers a valuable opportunity to further enhance your leadership and management expertise, empowering you with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.
English language
You may need to provide evidence of English proficiency to study at UNSW. This ensures you can succeed in webinars, coursework and assessments. Proof can include:
- English tests or university courses
- Prior study in English
- Other qualifications or waivers
Program fees
At UNSW Online, we’re committed to providing a world-class education that delivers exceptional value. Our programs are designed to fit your lifestyle and career goals, with fees structured on a per-course basis to give you flexibility and control over your investment. Your student fees are calculated based on the courses you take and your residency type, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Indicative 2026 fee per course
$5,130
Indicative 2026 total program fees
$20,500
The total indicative fee varies based on the elective courses you select, the year you complete them and any approved recognition of prior learning (RPL) granted before you begin your studies. Find out more about our course and program fees here.
FEE-HELP available
Eligible domestic students can apply for FEE-HELP, a government loan to cover all or part of your tuition fees for fee-paying places. The loan amount is added to our HELP debt, which is repaid once your income reaches the repayment threshold.
You can apply for FEE-HELP as part of your acceptance to UNSW Online. The form will present itself during your final stages of online acceptance if you are eligible.
Applications must be submitted before the relevant teaching period census date. Read more about FEE-HELP and eligibility here.
At UNSW Online, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you work toward graduating from one of the world’s leading universities. Our online learning environment is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, giving you the flexibility to access course resources anytime, anywhere on any device. We offer six study blocks, known as hexamesters, each year. These seven-week blocks with orientation time beforehand allow you to focus on one course at a time – providing the perfect balance between study and life’s other commitments.
Our academics are among the best in the world and even though you’re studying online, you’ll experience the same high-quality education as our on-campus students. Throughout your journey, you’ll have the dedicated support of your Student Success Advisor. From enrolment to graduation, they’ll be your go-to for all non-academic queries, available by phone or email to ensure you stay on track. You’ll also benefit from Career Success – a self-paced, curated module designed to help you build and implement an effective career plan. With access to tools like Career AI (powered by VMock) and CaseCoach as well as guides for perfecting your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter, you’ll be equipped to take the next step in your career with confidence.
Why choose the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development at UNSW Online?
The AGSM advantage
Powered by UNSW’s Business School, the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) delivers globally acclaimed management education, equipping you to lead and make an impact.
#1 for Business and Management
Learn from the top experts and academics in Australia for Business and Management studies*.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025
Top 20 global university*
UNSW is one of the top universities in the world*, with a global reputation for excellence that opens doors for our graduates.
*QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Most employable graduates*
UNSW is recognised for producing the most employable graduates, winning the AFR Top 100 Future Leader Awards six years in a row.
*AFR, Top 100 Future Leaders Awards 2020–2025
Why pursue a career in human resource management?
Projected employment growth by 2035
Typical salary in Australia
$135,000
Job satisfaction rating out of 5
4 stars
Job postings in 2025
37,328
I really enjoyed the course content. It was comprehensive, practical and interesting. My focus was to further learn in leadership and apply it in my career and business.
UNSW Online student (Leadership Development)
Frequently asked questions
The UNSW Online Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development is an online program for professionals looking to lead culture-driven change and improve organisational performance. The program provides students with skills in leadership, strategy, and change management to help align workplace culture with business goals. With 100% online learning, the program can be completed in as little as eight months and offers a pathway to the UNSW Online Master of Human Resource Management (Leadership and Organisational Development) for eligible students.
This program is ideal for early-to-mid career professionals in HR, people and culture, or leadership roles who are eager to drive workplace transformation and implement people-first strategies. Perfectly suited for those looking to advance their leadership development skills and enhance their ability to lead organisational change, this program provides the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact within teams and businesses.
We offer six study blocks, or hexamesters per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks with some orientation time beforehand. You study one course per block, offering balance and flexibility with life's other commitments. This flexible online certificate consists of four courses and can be completed in as little as eight months, part-time, with a total of 150 hours of study per hexamester, averaging 20–25 hours per week.
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development includes two core courses – Organisational Development and Leadership Development – which focus on foundational skills for driving organisational change and developing effective leadership strategies. In addition, you will tailor your learning with your selection of two electives in areas such as HR strategy, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), analytics and change management.
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development, you’ll need either a recognised bachelor’s degree or at least three years of relevant full-time professional experience. Examples of eligible experience include managing projects, leading teams or making strategic decisions in professional or organisational settings.
Yes, the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development provides an articulation pathway to the UNSW Online Master of Human Resource Management with a Leadership and Organisational Development specialisation, provided you achieve a WAM of 65 or above.
Alternatively, you can stack two eligible Graduate Certificates and complete an additional four courses to earn your master’s degree, providing a flexible pathway to advance your education and career on your terms.
As a UNSW Online student, you’ll receive extensive online student support, including personalised guidance from a dedicated Student Success Advisor. You’ll also gain access to the UNSW Career Success platform with exclusive tools including resume builders, LinkedIn optimisation, Career AI and CaseCoach. You will also have access to academic facilitators and wellness services and be provided with online opportunities to network with peers and UNSW staff, ensuring a successful and enriching learning experience.
Yes, the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development is delivered completely online with no on-campus commitments. This flexible learning option allows you to study at any time, from anywhere, and on any device, making it easy to balance your education with work and personal responsibilities.
There are six intake periods each year for the Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Organisational Development – January, March, May, July, September and October. This allows you to choose a start date that aligns with your personal and professional commitments, providing the flexibility to begin your learning journey when it suits you best.
Our suite of Human Resource Management programs at UNSW are designed to empower, inspire and equip aspiring HR leaders with the necessary insights to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce. By delving into these integral areas of contemporary HR, students will gain an industry-relevant toolkit to transform their careers and contribute significantly to their organisation.
Dr Helen Parker
Academic Lead for UNSW Online Human Resource Management Programs
Explore related human resource management programs at UNSW Online
Master's
Graduate Certificate
Explore study areas related to human resource management
UNSW offers a variety of programs that can help you discover your passion, develop in-demand skills and find the pathway that aligns with your ambitions.
Online Management Programs
Master the skills needed to lead modern business environments and cross-functional teams. Choose the business skills that most align with your industry and goals to drive transformation and sustainable success across any industry.
View programsOnline Analytics Programs
Bridge the gap between data and decision-making by collaborating with business teams to tackle real-world challenges.
View programs