University of Technology Sydney

C06033v5 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
Recognition of prior learning
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course program
Exit award
Other information

Overview

In the context of rapid technological and socioeconomic change, public administrators working in local government need a high level of professional expertise, a broad range of managerial and organisational skills, and a sound understanding of the changing needs and priorities of the sector and their communities. The teaching and learning provided through this course provides an opportunity for such practitioners to broaden their professional knowledge and skills, underpinned by a strong foundation in public service and democratic values and principles.

Tailored to the local government environment, the course enables participants to build an education program that responds to individual needs as it allows students to develop a study plan that matches the requirements of their professional development. Subjects can be studied through intensive block release and the program can also be used as a stepping stone to a Master of Local Government (C04257).

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 particularly suited to local government middle-tier managers and unit leaders who wish to advance their careers. It is also highly recommended for 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 organisational and policy issues with an attitude that is open, ethical and fosters cultural competence across diversity
A.2 Assume a proactive and convincing role in identifying and addressing organisational and policy issues
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 Apply principles of local government and intergovernmental relations to a range of policy fields and sites
P.2 Demonstrate strategic thinking about competing resources, governance structures and drivers of change
P.3 Apply understanding of contemporary theories and debates in local government across several organisational types, including Indigenous perspectives and organisations
R.1 Consider and analyse complex arguments, interests and values within local government and intergovernmental contexts
R.2 Identify, interpret and assess different evidence required in local government decision-making
R.3 Apply theoretical perspectives to investigate policy and organisational design issues and solutions in specific institutional 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 must have one of the following:

  • a UTS recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent, or higher qualification
  • a UTS Graduate Certificate in Local Government Leadership
  • a UTS Graduate Certificate in Development Assessment.

In addition to the above qualifications, applicants must provide:

  • a personal statement (max. 300 words) explaining their reasons for wanting to study the Graduate Diploma in Local Government Management
  • a CV clearly articulating local government sector-related work with a minimum experience of two years, and
  • an employer's letter confirming the dates of employment, and the position held.

Applicants who do not satisfy the academic requirements may be considered on the ability to demonstrate equivalency through a minimum of two years' relevant work experience.

Applicants need to provide:

  • a CV clearly articulating relevant experience
  • an employer's letter confirming the dates of employment, and the position held, and
  • a personal statement (max. 300 words) explaining the reasons for wanting to study the Graduate Diploma in Local Government. If applicable, detail should be provided about general or professional qualifications that demonstrate potential to pursue graduate studies.

The English proficiency requirement for international students or 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; or CAE: 176-184.

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.

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 four-year, part-time basis, with students undertaking one subject a session.

In some circumstances, students may complete two subjects a session and therefore complete the course in two years.

Course structure

The course totals 48 credit points, made up of eight subjects.

Course completion requirements

STM91500 Core subjects 30cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp
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
15621 Research Methods for Local Government   6cp
15623 Local Government Research Project Preparation   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  
Spring session
15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government   6cp
15624 Local Government Research Project   6cp
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  
Spring commencing, full time
Year 1
Spring session
15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government   6cp
15621 Research Methods for Local Government   6cp
15623 Local Government Research Project Preparation   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  
Year 2
Autumn session
15604 Local Government Principles and Practice   6cp
15624 Local Government Research Project   6cp
Select 12 credit points from the following:   12cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  
Autumn commencing, part time
Year 1
Autumn session
15604 Local Government Principles and Practice   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  
Spring session
15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government   6cp
15621 Research Methods for Local Government   6cp
Year 2
Autumn session
15623 Local Government Research Project Preparation   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  
Spring session
15624 Local Government Research Project   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  
Spring commencing, part time
Year 1
Spring session
15608 Organising and Managing in Local Government   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  
Year 2
Autumn session
15604 Local Government Principles and Practice   6cp
15621 Research Methods for Local Government   6cp
Spring session
15623 Local Government Research Project Preparation   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  
Year 3
Autumn session
15624 Local Government Research Project   6cp
Select 6 credit points from the following:   6cp
CBK91934 Options 18cp  

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