Graduate Diploma in Commerce (Marketing)

Students enrolled in the Master of Commerce (Marketing) who are either unable, or who choose not to continue with their studies, may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Commerce (Marketing). Students must have successfully completed 8 x 12.5 point Master of Commerce (Marketing) subjects comprising two foundation subjects, a minimum of three core marketing constrained choice subjects and a maximum of two elective subjects over two semesters full-time or four semesters part-time.

1. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be critical thinkers in relation to marketing theory and practice.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Describe and explain the fundamental principles influencing consumers, markets, and organisations;
• Evaluate the impact of a variety of environmental factors on the organisation and in the market; and
• Interpret and critically evaluate the latest thinking in marketing research through an appreciation of scholarly literature.

2. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be proficient at analysing and evaluating evidence in relation to marketing issues and in developing solutions to problems in organisations and in society both domestically and internationally.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of theory to analyse real and hypothetical problems in different domestic and international contexts;
• Formulate solutions to business problems by being able to effectively define, structure, and prioritise key issues; and
• Formulate theories and hypotheses and collect data and analyse data to test their ideas.

3. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be effective decision makers in business and commerce.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Articulate the connection between marketing activities and the performance of the firm;
• Evaluate the applicability of various theories and techniques to marketing related problems; and
• Employ a range of tools of analysis’ pertinent to the evaluation of evidence in the business sector.

Students wishing to take out the Graduate Diploma in Commerce (Marketing) will need to successfully complete 8 x 12.5 point Master of Commerce (Marketing) subjects comprising two foundation subjects, a minimum of three core marketing constrained choice subjects and a maximum of two elective subjects over two semesters full-time or four semesters part-time.

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria:

• An undergraduate or postgraduate degree with a major in management, marketing or a related discipline with at least H2B (70%) average, or equivalent;
• An average of at least an H2B (70%) in the best three subjects in the disciplines of Management and Marketing in the final year of study;
• The applicant’s submitted statement of intent in seeking entry; and
• Performance on the GMAT or GRE unless the applicant has met one of the approved conditions for GMAT or GRE exemption.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports and employer references, as appropriate, to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

The Faculty of Business and Economics welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Faculty’s programs.

The BCom and Masters degrees of the Faculty of Business and Economics equip graduates with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and participate in the modern business world. The degrees include the following academic requirements for study:

(1) The ability to explain and evaluate concepts, theories, institutional arrangements and operations of modern mixed economies; (2) The ability to critically evaluate the economy, commerce and business in the broader social and political context; (3) The ability to explain and apply concepts across a range of commerce and business disciplines in solving business and policy problems; and (4) The ability to contribute positively to the development of organisations and society in relation to business, government and the commercial professions.

All students of the Faculty’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Faculty. Candidates for the BCom degree and for FBE Masters degrees must have abilities and skills in communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

I. Communication: The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and/or written form. A student must have the ability to clearly and independently communicate knowledge and application of a discipline, principles or practices during assessment tasks, and in some discipline streams.

II. Intellectual‐Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem‐solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish study plans and priorities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. Students should also have the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and cross disciplinary information related to the BCom and Masters degrees.

III. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A student must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment and the emotional health required for full utilisation of his/her intellectual abilities. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in FBE courses.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving the inherent academic requirements of the BCom and FBE Masters courses are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, but students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

On successful completion of this degree graduates will be:

• Receptive to alternative ideas through class participation and assessment;
• Ethical in their approach to research and work practices;
• Advanced in their critical evaluation and use of marketing theories;
• Advanced in problem solving through their understanding of marketing issues and able to apply marketing theories and research methods to decision making;
• Adept at retrieval, summary and interpretation of data and information through class exercises and assessment;
• Able to apply marketing ideas, theories, models and evidence to real-world business problems;
• Independent and effective in communication of ideas;
• Collaborate and be effective in teams; and
• Ability to take a wider, global perspective of business in society and to be attuned to issues of cultural diversity.

On successful completion of this degree students should have enhanced their skills in:

• Critical evaluation of evidence in support of an argument or proposition;
• Problem solving in marketing through the ability to define, structure, and prioritise issues;
• Ability to synthesize ideas, theories and data in developing solutions to business problems;
• Ethical practice through a knowledge of corporate governance processes and implementation; and
• Teamwork through collaborative exercises in workshops and assessment.

This is an exit award only for students who are enrolled in the Master of Commerce (Marketing). Students are unable to enter directly into the Graduate Diploma.

(a) Students who discontinue from the Master of Commerce (Marketing) but have successfully completed the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Commerce (Marketing) will be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma in Commerce (Marketing) as an exit award.

(b) Applicants with an honours degree in management with at least an H2B (70%) average, or a relevant postgraduate degree with at least an H2B (70%) average, may be granted up to 75 points of credit into the Master of Commerce (Marketing).