Graduate Diploma in Local Government

In the dynamic context of rapid technological and socioeconomic change, the local government sector needs agile leaders who bring a high level of professional expertise and a diverse set of managerial and organisational skills. In addition, leaders and managers need to have a strategic understanding of the evolving needs and priorities of both the councils and the communities they serve.

The Graduate Diploma in Local Government is an innovative postgraduate program from the Centre for Local Government at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance UTS. Designed to elevate the professional capabilities of local government professionals, this diploma offers a distinctive blend of academic insights, practitioner based learning, and actionable research application. Underpinned by principles of public service, it provides a unique opportunity for local government professionals to expand their knowledge and competencies within a collaborative peer learning environment.

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 interest areas. The program is highly applicable to contemporary local government issues with a range of general and specialist subjects to choose from that can be studied alongside workplace commitments. Graduates can make a real difference to their council and shape more positive outcomes for communities, council organisations and their career by strengthening their leadership and governance capabilities with a Graduate Diploma in Local Government.

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Course aims

On completion of the course, graduates have a sound understanding of current issues in local government and diverse communities, as well as an ability to relate this knowledge to their workplaces. The program enables students to have access to a combination of both general and specialist study units via flexible delivery modes. Students develop learning skills that allow them to continue their professional development through short courses or further academic study.

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 48.

Careers

The course is highly recommended for local government managers and leaders who seek meaningful career advancement through professional capability uplift and a renowned university qualification within the sector. 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 who wish for broaden their understanding of collaborative leadership for 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 or one-year full-time

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 Diploma in Local Government

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 reasons for studying the Graduate Diploma in Local Government and demonstrating an understanding of local government concepts gained from work experience and knowledge of course expectations.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or 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.

International students

Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.

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 Diploma in Local Government

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 reasons for studying the Graduate Diploma in Local Government and demonstrating an understanding of local government 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

Students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Local Government may be eligible to articulate into the UTS Business School MBA Local Government Leadership sub-major (SMJ10076).

UTS: Handbook

See the Graduate Diploma 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

Domestic applicants can apply via UTS Student Portal.

Intake

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025

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International students

How to apply

International applicants apply to study via UTS International.

Intake

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025

Need more information?

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.