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.

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.