Graduate Diploma in Business Systems (GradDipBusSys)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What are the admission requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Business Systems?

The minimum requirements for admission to the course is an Australian 3-year Bachelor degree or equivalent.

What if my initial degree is from outside Australia?

Overseas qualifications also satisfy the admission requirements so long as they are judged by the University to be at least equivalent to an Australian 3-year Bachelor degree.

I have several years of relevant experience but no university degree. Must I do an undergraduate degree before I can be admitted to the Graduate Diploma?

It is generally not possible to gain entrance directly into the Graduate Diploma program without an undergraduate degree. However, if you have a minimum of 6 years relevant industrial experience you may be admitted to the Executive Certificate program. This involves completing 4 units of study over 1 semester full-time or two semesters part-time. Students who complete the Executive Certificate successfully may then transfer into the Graduate Diploma program with full credit for the 4 units they have completed

How many units must I complete to be awarded the Graduate Diploma of Business Systems?

The Graduate Diploma of Business Systems requires the completion of 48 points of credit which will normally be made up of 8 units (each worth 6 credit points).

What is nomal full-time study load and hence how long will the course take to complete?

A normal full-time load is 24 points, that is, 4 units each generally requiring 3 contact hours per week. This means that the normal duration of the course is 2 semesters.

Can I also study some units over summer?

Yes, some units can be completed over the summer semester. It is normally possible to do up to two units over summer. When enrolling in units of less than 6 weeks of duration, students cannot enrol in other units concurrently.

Can I study part-time and how long can I take to complete the course?

Local students may take on less than four units per semester and hence complete the degree over more than two semesters. However, the degree must be completed in no more than four years total elapsed time. However, please note that all units are normally offered in day classes only. Australian Government regulations require that international students enrol full-time only.

Are there any compulsory units in the course?

There are 2 compulsory "Core" units in the course that broadly cover the basic knowledge, skills and techniques of Business Systems. These units are: BUS9520 Business Systems A, BUS9530 Business Systems B.

What if I have completed similar subjects to these compulsory units already?

If you have already completed subjects with similar content in your previous studies you may apply for a substitution for one or both of these subjects. To do this you must produce the necessary evidence to prove that the material you have covered is equivalent and that you have completed it to an equivalent standard. If a substitution is granted it allows you to do an extra elective in place of the core unit but does not reduce the total number of units required to complete the degree.

Can I do IT units other than from Business Systems?

The course requires that no less than 6 of the 8 units must be taken from the Clayton School of IT. The remaining units may be taken from any graduate units in the Faculty of IT, including the School of Business Systems, provided permission is granted by the schools offering the units.

Can I do any non-IT units in the Master of Business Systems?

The course requires that no less than 7 of the 8 units must be taken from the Faculty of IT (including at least 6 from the School of Business Systems). The remaining 1 unit can be taken from any graduate units offered with the university, provided the school offering the unit grants permission.

What if I wish to leave the program before completing all 8 units?

If a student leaves the program before completion they may still be eligible for either the Graduate Certificate of Business Systems after completing four units. Details of which units are required for this qualification can be found in the Master of Business Systems Course Structure document available from the Clayton School of IT General Office.

I have completed a Graduate Diploma from another school/university. Can I get any credit towards the Graduate Diploma of Business Systems?

The Clayton School of IT does not grant credit for units that form the part of any other completed qualification whether graduate or undergraduate. Therefore no credit is generally granted for previously completed qualifications.

If I am currently part way through another post-graduate course can I transfer any credit from that course if I join the Graduate Diploma of Business Systems?

Units studied as part of another incomplete graduate qualification may be eligible for credit into the Graduate Diploma of Business Systems provided they fit into the normal course structure. This generally means that a maximum of 1 unit credit can be given for units taken outside the Faculty of IT at Monash University.

What are the contact hours?

The direct contact hours (teaching) are about 12-14 hours per week, however you need to do at least a further 4-5 hours of study per unit a week throughout the semester.