University of Technology Sydney

C11053v7 Graduate Certificate in Local Government

Award(s): Graduate Certificate in Local Government (GradCertLG)
Commonwealth supported place?: No
Load credit points: 24
Course EFTSL: 0.5
Location: City campus

Notes

This course is not offered to international students.

This course is not offered to international students.


Overview
Course aims
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Inherent (essential) requirements
Recognition of prior learning
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course program
Articulation with UTS courses
Exit award
Other information

Overview

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.

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.

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).

Career options

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 intended learning outcomes

A.1 Consider issues with an attitude that is open, ethical and fosters cultural competence across diversity
C.1 Communicate and engage effectively with people from diverse perspectives and cultures across multiple platforms, acknowledging the status of Indigenous peoples to develop cross-disciplinary interventions
C.2 Synthesise and deliver well-informed, engaging and effective presentations in written, oral and digital formats for several types of audience, particularly as this pertains to local government
C.3 Collaborate effectively and apply leadership skills within multidisciplinary teams
I.1 Review critically informed and innovative approaches to issues in local government and intergovernmental relations in domestic and international settings
I.2 Review evidence-based solutions to complex issues facing local government
P.1 Demonstrate strategic thinking about competing resources, governance structures and drivers of change
P.2 Critically reflect on the rights and heritage of Indigenous Australians to inform capabilities to communicate and collaborate effectively with and for Indigenous Australians as local government professionals
R.1 Consider and analyse complex arguments, interests and values within local government and intergovernmental contexts

Admission requirements

Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.

Applicants who do not satisfy the above requirements may be considered on the following:

  • a minimum of three (3) years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant work experience, AND
  • a general capacity to undertake tertiary studies

demonstrated through:

  • a CV clearly articulating work experience, AND
  • a Personal Statement (max. 300 words) demonstrating 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: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 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.

Inherent (essential) requirements

Inherent (essential) requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential to the successful completion of a course.

Prospective and current students should carefully read the Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement below and consider whether they might experience challenges in successfully completing this course. This Statement should be read in conjunction with the UTS Student Rules.

Prospective or current student concerned about their ability to meet these requirements should discuss their concerns with the Academic Liaison Officer in their faculty or school and/or UTS Accessibility Service on 9514 1177 or at accessibility@uts.edu.au.

UTS will make reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional experiences, course related work experience and other course activities to facilitate maximum participation by students with disabilities, carer responsibilities, and religious or cultural obligations in their courses.

For course specific information see the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement.

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).

Course duration and attendance

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.

Course structure

The course comprises 24 credit points, made up of eight subjects.

Course completion requirements

STM91501 Core subjects 12cp
CBK91936 Options 12cp
Total 24cp

Course program

The following example shows a typical full-time and part-time program.

Autumn commencing, full time
Year 1
Autumn session
15604 Local Government Principles and Practice   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91936 Options 12cp  
Spring session
15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91936 Options 12cp  
Spring commencing, full time
Year 1
Spring session
15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91936 Options 12cp  
Year 2
Autumn session
15604 Local Government Principles and Practice   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91936 Options 12cp  
Autumn commencing, part time
Year 1
Autumn session
15604 Local Government Principles and Practice   6cp
Spring session
15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government   6cp
Year 2
Autumn session
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91936 Options 12cp  
Spring session
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91936 Options 12cp  
Spring commencing, part time
Year 1
Spring session
15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government   6cp
Year 2
Autumn session
15604 Local Government Principles and Practice   6cp
Spring session
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91936 Options 12cp  
Year 3
Autumn session
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91936 Options 12cp  

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).

Exit award

With prior approval, students who have completed 24 credit points of study in the Graduate Diploma in Local Government (C06033) can exit their studies with a Graduate Certificate in Local Government.

Other information

Further information is available from:

UTS: Institute for Public Policy and Governance
email Academic Programs Officer
telephone + 61 2 9514 1659