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Ministry

Graduate Certificate in Leadership

CRICOS: 084482D

Imagine unlocking your full leadership potential and confidently guiding and growing your church or organisation. Feel the encouragement as you come alongside likeminded leaders as you grow together. The Graduate Certificate in Leadership at Alphacrucis University College is designed to equip leaders like you with the essential skills and insights needed to enhance your leadership journey, integrating cutting-edge research with spiritual principles and practical applications.

Course Duration
6 Months, up to 3 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live, Mixed Mode, Face to Face, Online Intensive, Live Intensive
Study Locations
Online, Sydney*, Brisbane*, Melbourne*, Perth*, Adelaide*, Hobart*
* Some subjects are available on campus, see the timetable to confirm location and mode.
Start Dates
March (S1), Aug (S2)
Fees
$3,000 per subject
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
4
Speak to enrolment advisorDownload Course Guide

What is the Graduate Certificate in Leadership?

The Graduate Certificate in Leadership is designed for experienced leaders and professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities. This course integrates advanced leadership theories with a biblical perspective, focusing on personal growth, team dynamics, and organisational innovation. You will develop critical and creative thinking skills essential for any leadership context while exploring the implications of Christian Theology within your leadership settings. The Graduate Certificate in Leadership also serves as an entry pathway to the flagship Master of Leadership course.

Who is this for?

Do you have years of experience in senior leadership positions?

Are you driven by a desire to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond?

Do you seek advanced skills to guide your congregations and ministries through transformative times?

Are you looking to drive growth, innovation and inspire change within your organisation?

Are you a director or board member who wants to contribute governance expertise?

Outcomes

Senior Pastor: Lead and inspire your church community with a blend of spiritual wisdom and practical leadership.

Executives and Board Member: Transform mission-driven organisations with strategic vision and compassionate leadership.

Educational Leader: Shape the future of education through visionary leadership roles, such as Principal, Vice-Principal or Head of School.

Consultancy: Drive innovation and ethical practices in corporate settings as a top-tier consultant.

Master of Leadership: Continue your academic journey and obtain the Master of Leadership, further honing your expertise and impact.

I think anyone who's got Alphacrucis as a part of their journey is better off for it.

Mark Varughese, Senior Pastor Kingdomcity

Accreditation & Partnerships

*This course meets the theological qualification requirements to be an ordained minister in churches that are part of the Australian Christian Churches movement, which represents over 1,100 churches throughout Australia and neighbouring countries.

If your church is part of another denomination, please check with your church or denomination office if this course is also recognised for credentialled ministry.

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
4 Subjects
40 Credit Points
Choose one of the following
Faith and Purpose ACA401

Discover the foundations of faith and how it relates to one's worldview and purpose. Students will explore the Christian story from Scripture and express ideas of their own faith, examine how faith shapes views on the meaning and purpose of life, the value of humanity and ideas of human flourishing. Expand your perspective in this core subject and understand the significance of faith in all areas of life.

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Introduction to Theology THE405

Gaining a foundational understanding of theology equips you with the tools to interpret Christian beliefs and their application to life and mission. This subject explores the historical and contemporary formation of core doctrines such as the Trinity, creation, and redemption. It delves into how these elements influence individual spirituality and inform broader aspects of life, mission, and vocation, offering a foundation for deeper spiritual engagement and practical application.

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Authentic Leadership LEA401
Navigating leadership challenges effectively requires a nuanced understanding of contemporary theories and a solid foundation in Christian values. This unit prepares students to dissect historical and modern leadership approaches, emphasising the impact on not-for-profit sectors. You will learn to apply these insights practically, enhancing both self-leadership and team leadership capabilities.
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Organisational Leadership LEA535
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, leaders need tools to rethink and redefine how they achieve goals and inspire teams. This unit focuses on analysing and enhancing organisational structures to lead change effectively. You will delve into systems thinking, develop high-performance work systems, and navigate the complexities of organisational culture.
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Raising Christian Leaders LEA403
This subject equips you with the tools to develop Christian leaders effectively, blending biblical models with modern strategies in mentoring, modelling, and coaching. You will critically assess the dynamics between leaders and their teams in various contexts and explore how spirituality, authenticity, and trust influence leader development. This comprehensive approach prepares you to shape leaders who can make impactful contributions globally.
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Work-Integrated Learning

Work-Integrated Learning may be undertaken through various Professional Practice and Professional Experience subjects at AC. These subjects seek to create a direct linkage between the learning, skills and values engaged in lectures, and the reflection which occurs when these are applied in real-life settings. These work-based training subjects comprise of instruction, academic assessment and a placement in a workplace for each subject.

Students are usually required to find their own workplace/ employer/ mentor to be approved by AC. In some cases, a new aspect within a student’s current paid employment may be suitable as a work placement.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.

*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

Download Graduate Certificate in Leadership Handbook

What people say

  • The Master of Leadership is like you’ve found where you hang your hat and coat – things start to make sense. The leadership program has helped me to re-think how I mentor and train people to fulfil their God given destinies.

    Iliafi Esera

    Senior Pastor, Faith City United Churches, General Superintendent of New Zealand AOG, New Zealand Order of Merit 

  • What I'm learning at AC is so relevant to my leadership context and helps me gain clarity and practical tools for my staff meetings, sermons, and strategic meetings. Online learning means I can work at my own pace, and the material is too good not to engage with it. I wasn't ready for the Master of Leadership 10 years ago, but I'm so thankful I'm doing it now before it's too late. 

    Matt Sharples

    Senior Pastor, Abundant Life Church, ACC Tasmania State President, Leader, Youth Alive Tasmania, Sports Chaplaincy Tasmania

  • The Transformational Leadership Intensive provided an exceptional overview of leadership, delivered with wisdom and compassion by proven leaders. The program emphasised authentic relationships in Christ to strengthen the local Church and advance the Kingdom of God. I am inspired to continue learning and applying these teachings, recognising the importance of ongoing reflection for spiritual transformation and effectiveness.

    Cathie Fabian

    Sun City Christian Centre

  • Studying leadership at AC has uniquely prepared us to guide our church in this new world. We wanted to better ourselves as leaders and to outwork our role more appropriately to a contemporary church context. We had a very specific role in continuing and further developing what our parents had set up at church prior to our leadership. Studying at AC helped us cement our calling and helped outwork our leadership at the highest capacity.

    Trish & Oti

    Graduate Certificate in Leadership

    • Learning Outcomes

    Knowledge

    • Integrated understanding of key issues, theoretical concepts and practices within leadership.
    • Knowledge of various approaches used in leadership within the Christian worldview framework.

    Skills

    • Critically apply knowledge developed for use in leadership.
    • Use critical, evidenced based and innovative thinking skills to analyse and synthesise ideas and theories from other disciplines related to leadership.
    • Communicate effectively ideas and proposed solutions to peers and general audiences.
    • Identify and critically evaluate new developments and scholarship in leadership.

    Ability

    • Articulate appropriate solutions to emerging business challenges.
    • Evaluate broad conceptual frameworks in leadership.
    • Critically and independently apply the knowledge and skills required as an informed practitioner in leadership.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Higher Education Study

    Completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline by an authorised institution.

    Applicants seeking entry on the basis of higher education study are also required to demonstrate a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in a managerial or professional leadership role.

    Applicants must submit a copy of their CV with a cover letter outlining how they meet the criteria.

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 7.0 (with no score below 6.5 in any of the four skills areas).

     

    Pre-admission Interview

    The Program Director may conduct a pre-admission interview (either face-to-face or phone or online) with any applicants to assess academic suitability and preparedness of the applicant for this level study.

    Professional Entry – Applicants who do not meet academic requirements

    Demonstrate a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in a managerial or professional leadership role.

    Applicants must submit a copy of their CV with a cover letter outlining how they meet the above criteria, or equivalent.

    


    This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

    How to Apply

    • Get Started

      Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

    • Apply

      It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

    • Offer

      We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

    Key Dates
    Semester 1
    Term 1
    February / March
    Term 2
    April
    Semester 2
    Term 3
    July / August
    Term 4
    November

    Meet a Lecturer

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    Stephen Fogarty

    President

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