C06033v6 Graduate Diploma in Local Government
Award(s): Graduate Diploma in Local Government (GradDipLG)CRICOS code: 087648G
Commonwealth supported place?: No
Load credit points: 48
Course EFTSL: 1
Location: City campus
Overview
Course aims
Career options
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Inherent 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
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.
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.
Career options
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 intended learning outcomes
| A.1 | Consider organisational and policy 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 |
| R.2 | Apply theoretical perspectives to investigate policy and organisational design issues and solutions in specific institutional contexts |
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.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential to the successful completion of a course. For more information about inherent requirements and where prospective and current students can get assistance and advice regarding these, see the UTS Inherent requirements page.
Prospective and current students should carefully read the Inherent Requirements Statement below and consider whether they might experience challenges in successfully completing this course.
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 or one-year full-time
Course structure
The course totals 48 credit points, made up of eight subjects.
Course completion requirements
| STM91845 Core subjects | 24cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Total | 48cp |
Course program
A typical program is shown below.
| Autumn commencing, full time | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 15604 Local Government Principles and Practice | 6cp | |
| Select 12 credit points from the following: | 12cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| 15624 Local Government Research Practice | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government | 6cp | |
| 15623 Local Government Research Planning | 6cp | |
| Select 12 credit points from the following: | 12cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Spring commencing, full time | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government | 6cp | |
| 15623 Local Government Research Planning | 6cp | |
| Select 12 credit points from the following: | 12cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 15604 Local Government Principles and Practice | 6cp | |
| 15624 Local Government Research Practice | 6cp | |
| Select 12 credit points from the following: | 12cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Autumn commencing, part time | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 15604 Local Government Principles and Practice | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 15623 Local Government Research Planning | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 15624 Local Government Research Practice | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Spring commencing, part time | ||
| Year 1 | ||
| Spring session | ||
| 15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 15604 Local Government Principles and Practice | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 15623 Local Government Research Planning | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 15624 Local Government Research Practice | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| CBK92286 Options | 24cp | |
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).
Exit award
Students can exit this course after completing 24 credit points of specified subjects with a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management (C11053).
Other information
Further information is available from:
UTS: Institute for Public Policy and Governance
email Academic Programs Officer
telephone + 61 2 9514 1659