Graduate Certificate in Local Government

Note

This course is not offered to international students.

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.

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Course aims

On completion of the course, graduates 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 their role and workplace. Thery 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).

Study plan

To view the study plan please visit the UTS Handbook.

Course fees

For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:

Local student

International student

For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $623. The total credit points are 24.

Careers

This entry-level post-graduate course is highly regarded by the sector and is recommended for professionals who want to develop their skills within the local government environment. The course is particularly suited to co-ordinators, managers and leaders who seek to enhance their local government expertise and career opportunities through professional capability uplift and a renowned university qualification. It is also suited to public administrators from other tiers of government and professionals from the non-government sector who work in partnership with local councils for the benefit of local and regional communities.

Course structure

To view the course structure please visit the UTS Handbook.

Additional information

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.

On campus - Block

Admission requirements

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 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.

The English proficiency requirement for local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

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.

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).

UTS: Handbook

See the Graduate Certificate in Local Government in the UTS: Handbook for comprehensive course details.

Information for international students

Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.

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Domestic students

How to apply

This is an exit-only course. Current UTS students wishing to transfer may submit an Course Transfer - Graduating application. To confirm eligibility check with the UTS Student Centre.

Intake

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025

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International students

How to apply

This is an exit-only course. Current UTS students wishing to transfer may submit an Course Transfer - Graduating application. To confirm eligibility check with the UTS Student Centre.

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Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.