Graduate Certificate in 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, Architecture and Building.

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Graduate Certificate in Local Government

CODE

UTS: C11053 (version 7)

DURATION

2 years part time

INTAKE

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025
Autumn Session 2026
Spring Session 2026

View important dates

COURSE FEES

Indicative total tuition fee for domestic students
$26,540.00

LOCATION

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

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

Admissions information

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.
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 experience AND An interest in the course and demonstrated understanding of the opportunities present in the Graduate Certificate in Local Government AND A general capacity to undertake tertiary education
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

For applicants who need to demonstrate 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 statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
  - An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s 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)
For applicants who need to demonstrate interest in the course:
- Personal statement (300 words) outlining an understanding of basic local management concepts gained from work experience and knowledge of course expectations.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
2025 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students

As a postgraduate student, you'll be responsible for covering your own tuition fees.

2025 Tuition Fee
- Indicative first-year tuition fee: $26,540.00
- Indicative total tuition fee: $26,540.00
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. 
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).

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