University of Southern Queensland
Graduate Diploma of Business (People and Culture)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Explore concepts of diversity and inclusion within workforces and organisations.
Course overview
The success of an organisation is largely based on the effective functioning of its employees. In the Graduate Diploma of Business (People and Culture), you will gain the HR skills to understand the behaviour of people at work and how this can translate into individual, group and organisational success.
Develop problem-solving skills and improve your use of persuasive communication techniques. Learn about building an engaged workforce, from job design, satisfaction and the effect of burnout and disengaged workers on organisational productivity.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
14th September, 2026
What you will study
To complete this degree students must fulfil eight units.
Core courses (two units)
- Harnessing Human Capabilities for the Future of Work
- The Ready Business Professional
People and Culture specialisation courses (four units)
- People and Culture
- Building an Engaged Workforce
- Contemporary HR Issues for Managers
- Select one course from the Human Resource Leadership advanced specialisation in the Master of Business.
Elective courses (two units)
- Choose two elective courses from the program.
Entry requirements
To be considered for admission into this course, you will need to have one of the following qualifications:
- Completion of an Australian university bachelor's degree in any area or equivalent.
- A minimum of three years’ professional work experience or equivalent.
TAFE (VET) qualification
If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you may be able to use these qualifications to meet UniSQ's entry requirements.
Work and life experience
You may be able to use your work experience and other adjustment factors to increase your selection rank and meet UniSQ's entry requirements.
English language requirements
You are required to meet the applicable English language requirements. This degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in each subscore. UniSQ also accepts other English language proficiency tests.
If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can apply to study the English for Academic Purposes EAP3 pathway program through the Union Institute of Language (UIL).
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Understand the concepts, essential theories and skills associated with a discipline area or areas related to business.
- Demonstrate cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise business knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems.
- Evaluate and communicate theoretical concepts to transfer business knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences.
- Demonstrate advanced business knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning.
- Cultivate a professional identity and career trajectory by exhibiting the human capabilities and knowledge demanded by modern organisations.
Career outcomes
Graduates may find a career path as a:
- Employee Relations Coordinator or Manager
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
- Training and Development Lead or Manager
- HR Administrator or Coordinator
- People and Culture Manager
- Payroll Specialist
- Organisational Development Consultant
- Change Manager
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $17,392 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units (normally eight courses) per year.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate programs.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.