Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is a Graduate Certificate?
Q. What is a Graduate Diploma
Q. What is a Master of Management
Q. Am I qualified for entry to the course?
Q. I haven't studied for a while - will I be able to cope?
Q. How heavy is the workload?
Q. What if I miss a class?
Q. What will I get out of the course?
Q. What do I get for my money?
Q. What options do I have when I've completed the Graduate Certificate course?
Q. Who can I contact for more information?
Q. What is a Graduate Certificate?
A. A Graduate Certificate is a post degree (or postgraduate) qualification. At most universities it requires 6 months full time study and represents half of a Graduate Diploma and one third of a Masters qualification.
Q. What is a Graduate Diploma?
A. A Graduate Diploma is a post degree (or postgraduate) qualification. At most universities it requires 12 months full time study and represents two thirds of a Masters qualification.
Q. What is a Master of Management?
A. A Master of Management is a post degree (or postgraduate) qualification. It usually requires 18 months full time study. It is particularly focused on the operational management of business, government and non-government organisations.
Q. Am I qualified for entry to the course?
A. Check the entry requirements in the course entry section. If you meet them you'll be admitted. If you're still not sure, get some advice from the National Coordinator on 02 6051 6928
Q. I haven't studied for a while - will I be able to cope?
A. Most people are in this situation - it's quite normal to be a bit apprehensive at the start. We'll give you help on returning to study at the Orientation Session and plenty of advice and support, especially over the first few weeks. The course material and learning environment are very stimulating - people soon get themselves into learning mode and really enjoy the experience.
Q. How heavy is the workload?
A. As a minimum you should aim to complete all of the course work (168 hours) and spend at least another 6-7 hours per Module on reading, preparation and assignments (probably a bit more in the first Stream if you haven't studied for a while). However for maximum benefit (and good grades) you could expect to spend at least another few hours per Module. If you really want to do it, experience shows that you will be able to find the time!
Q. What if I miss a class?
A. It's not a major problem - most participants will miss an occasional class because of work pressures or family commitments. Much of the information you need is in the course materials provided and a few phone calls to other participants will soon bring you up to date with what happened in the class session. The Module presenter will also help you to pick up on what you've missed.
Q. What will I get out of the course?
A . Probably far more than you expect. Obviously the bit of paper at the end and new skills, but people also report added confidence; new perspectives on their work, their organisation and themselves; a buzz about learning and a desire to continue doing it; new friends; perhaps a different job or promotion.
Q. What do I get for my money?
A . You'll get:
Detailed activity-based learning materials for each of the Modules. These include books of specially selected readings - there are no textbooks to buy or time consuming searches for materials in libraries. All materials are regularly updated and provide useful reference material after the course.
- Seven hours face to face class in a group of 10-20 participants for each of the Modules (total 168 hours), or equivalent distance - plus - residential learning.
- Tea/coffee etc during every class.
- An Orientation session and ongoing face to face, phone and e-mail support from experienced and sympathetic course presenters.
- Help with writing Action Plans if you find you need it.
- Award of a Charles Sturt University , Graduate Certificate in Management and/or Graduate Diploma of Management.
Q. What options do I have when I have completed the Graduate Certificate course?
A. The Graduate Certificate in Management was designed as a "stand alone" qualification and will give you key skills that will enhance your effectiveness as a manager. Nevertheless about 25-30% of Graduate Certificate in Management graduates get a taste for more learning and go on to Graduate Diploma and/or Masters.
The AGMC Graduate Certificate in Management is the first step on the Masters ladder and most Australian universities will grant you 100% credit for it towards the Masters. Many people who lack the qualifications to get accepted directly into MBA programs find that doors open for them once they have successfully completed the AGMC Graduate Certificate in Management!
Most universities offer a three year MBA so that the Graduate Certificate represents one third of the course. How quickly you can complete your MBA or Master of Management will depend on the course you choose and the number of subjects you take on at a time.
Many people prefer to complete the intermediate stage, a Graduate Diploma, before deciding whether to continue to the Masters level.
Q. Who can I contact for more information regarding the course?
A. If you have any other questions about the course you may contact
Ms Jan Knox
National Coordinator
Tel. 02 6051 9430, or
e-mail jknox@csu.edu.au