Graduate Certificate in Local Government
Source: https://www.uts.edu.au/courses/graduate-certificate-in-local-government Parent: https://www.uts.edu.au/for-students/design-architecture-and-building/local-government
Local government leadership
Thriving in today’s local government sector requires a level of adept professional expertise that can meet the demands of local communities and stakeholders within a complex environment of economic, social, organisational, financial and governance factors.
The Graduate Certificate in Local Government combines the latest in local government studies with real world expertise from sector practitioners. It has been designed by the Centre for Local Government at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance UTS, to equip current and emerging co-ordinators, managers and leaders to make the most of working in local government environments.
The Certificate provides knowledge and tools to strengthen professional practice and develops the skills and confidence required to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of the sector in a collaborative peer learning environment.
Part of the Faculty of Design and Society.
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Graduate Certificate in Local Government
CODE
UTS: C11053 (version 7)
DURATION
2 years part time
INTAKE question_mark These are dates to consider when applying for your course, including when applications open and close.
Autumn Session 2026\ Spring Session 2026\ Autumn Session 2027\ Spring Session 2027
COURSE FEES question_mark This indicative tuition fee is an estimate for the entire course, based on full-time study each year. Fees are reviewed annually and may change.
Indicative total tuition fee for domestic students\ $13,868.00
LOCATION question_mark Our classes are held at our City Campus, or specialist off-campus locations. Some of our courses are delivered via online (distance) learning.
City campus
What you’ll study
The course comprises 24 credit points, made up of 8 subjects.
On completion of the course, you will have a deeper understanding of the unique context of the local government sector and can apply the professional skills and knowledge required to navigate and address contextual issues through your role and workplace.
You will have developed best practice learning skills for further professional development through workplace practices, complementary short courses or as a pathway to the Graduate Diploma of Local Government or to completing a UTS Business School MBA Local Government Leadership sub-major (SMJ10076).
Subjects at a glance
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Core subjects
| Subject Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 15604 | Local Government Principles and Practice |
| 15608 | Organising and Managing in Local Government |
See all subjects and majors in the UTS Handbook arrow_right_alt
Admissions information
Admissions information
Use the buttons to expand or collapse the section.
-
Course description
This course is designed for current and emerging coordinators, managers, and leaders in local government who aim to enhance their expertise. Choose this course to gain a comprehensive understanding of the local government sector, informed by the latest studies and practitioner insights from the Centre for Local Government at UTS.
What sets this course apart is its focus on real-world application, allowing you to tailor your study to your professional development needs. You'll learn to address contemporary local government challenges effectively while balancing your work commitments.
You will acquire a deep understanding of local government dynamics and develop the skills to improve council and community outcomes. The course fosters confidence in professional practice and offers a collaborative learning environment.
Teaching methods include peer learning and practical application, ensuring you can apply your new knowledge directly to your workplace. This course also provides a pathway to further education, such as a Graduate Diploma or an MBA with a focus on Local Government Leadership.
Tailored to the local government context, the course enables students to develop a study plan that matches the requirements of their professional development needs and interests. Subjects are highly applicable to contemporary local government issues and can be studied alongside workplace commitments. Graduates can make a difference and create better outcomes for their council, places and community by sharpening their professional skills and knowledge with a Graduate Certificate in Local Government. - ### Important dates
Find out more about application dates relating to this course - ### Scholarships and prizes
Discover our scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Our scholarships celebrate diversity and academic excellence. Use the scholarship search tool to find the right scholarship for you.
Scholarships for domestic students
Scholarships for international students - ### Course duration
This course is normally offered on a two-year, part-time basis with students completing one subjects a session.
In some circumstances, students may complete two subjects a session and therefore complete the course in one year. - ### Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent
OR
- A minimum of 3 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant professional work experience
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate professional work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
- A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
- A completed 'UTS statement of service' signed by the employer
- A statutorydeclarationconfirming professional work experience (for Australian Residents only)
- An official letter from the applicant's accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant's professional work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
- A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: overall 6.5, writing 6.0 TOEFL iBT: overall 79, writing 21 UTS College AE5: Pass Pearson PTE: overall 58, writing 50 Cambridge C1A/C2P: overall 176, writing 169 - ### Domestic course fees
2026 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students
As a postgraduate student, you'll be responsible for covering your own tuition fees.
2026 Tuition Fee
- Indicative first-year tuition fee: $13,868.00
- Indicative total tuition fee: $13,868.00
You can choose to pay your fees upfront per session, or if you’re eligible, you can defer them using a government FEE-HELP loan. This loan helps you cover all or part of your tuition fees. Keep in mind that applications for this loan are specific to each course.
Additional Costs
Your tuition fees do not include:
- The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
- Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
- Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).
Important Information
- Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
- The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
- Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
- You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table
Alumni Advantage Program
As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program.
If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.
Information for Masters by Research students: Government-funded scholarship places available
As a recipient of the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, you do not have to pay tuition fees for up to the maximum period of candidature. However, even with this scholarship, you should expect ongoing costs that aren’t covered, like travel, training, and professional development. These costs can vary for each person, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, scholarships are available to help with your living expenses.
Important details: The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers your tuition fees, but please note that it doesn’t include additional costs related to studying or conducting research. Additional fees for domestic students. For more information visit Research student fees. - ### Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory. - ### Recognition of prior learning
Students who have completed relevant previous studies (such as relevant postgraduate studies at a recognised institution or eligible UTS short courses) may apply to the course coordinator for recognition of prior learning (RPL). - ### Articulation with UTS courses
This course is part of an articulated program comprising the Graduate Certificate in Local Government (C11053), the Graduate Diploma in Local Government (C06033).
Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Local Government (C11053) are granted 24cp RPL under the Graduate Diploma in Local Government (C06033).
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma may be eligible to articulate into the UTS Business School MBA Local Government Leadership sub-major (SMJ10076). - ### Important notes
This course is not offered to international students.
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### Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
At UTS, we understand the dedication it takes to reach your current position – forging a path through prior study, work, and diverse learning experiences.
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If you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Jumbunna is an alternative application process for our courses that emphasises diverse pathways to success.
### Changing from another postgraduate course
You can apply for our courses using your previous study. You may even be eligible for recognition of prior learning, so you won’t need to repeat subjects.
Where you’ll study
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