Graduate Diploma of Local Government Leadership and Management
Enhance your leadership, people management, communication, budgeting, project management and governance skills with a specific focus on local government.
Course essentials
Entry requirements
Credit
A full-time study load is 120 credits a year (usually four 15-credit units each semester). 120 credits equal one equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). Each credit point equals about 10 hours of learning, so a 15-credit unit means roughly 150 hours.
Study mode
Study modes tell you how teaching and learning will be delivered for your course and include where and when classes can be scheduled, what you'll do and the tech you'll use.
Duration
Start dates
Locations
Course overview
Co-designed and co-delivered by experts who have many years of experience in the sector, this course blends academic theory and research, combined with real-world case studies and contemporary learnings. You’ll learn direct from those who work for councils at a senior level, and you’ll have the chance to meet fellow participants from other councils to build your network of contacts.
The course provides a depth and breadth of knowledge regarding business in local government and will expose you to several business fields. You’ll develop an understanding of contemporary business in the context of local government and learn more about other discipline areas. You’ll also develop your business acumen, and learn how to effectively apply and communicate an advanced level of understanding of the concepts and theoretical frameworks that constitute the knowledge base to solve real world problems.
You have the choice to undertake the number of units you wish, to match your goals, areas of learning interest and future academic aspirations. For example, complete one unit – such as the Introduction to Local Government and Governance – to gain a good general overview.
Acknowledgement of successful completion is given for standalone units, and there’s the opportunity to build on this with further units for a formal qualification when you’re ready (as outlined below).
Four units completed: graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management.
Eight units completed: graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Local Government Leadership and Management.
Twelve units completed: by adding four more units in a related field to the Graduate Diploma (eight units), participants successfully obtain a Masters in Business Administration (MBA).
The course will launch with the first overarching unit Introduction to Local Government and Governance (DLGLM1000) in Ballarat over a five-day, full-time block from 13 to 17 July 2026 and might be offered in other areas in 2026 and 2027.Delivery of this course will commence in the Ballarat (CBD) SMB Campus from Monday 13 to Friday 17 July 2026 full-time over five days.
The remaining units will be offered in 2026-2027, including:
DLGLM1001 – Local Government Leadership
DLGLM1002 – Project Management in Local Government
DLGLM1003 – Public Finance and Budgeting
DLGLM1004 – Sustainable Management in Local Government
DLGLM1005 – Planning and Economic Development
DLGLM1006 – Human Resource Management in Local Government
DLGLM1007 – Connecting with Stakeholders and Communities
If you’re interested in learning more, please register your interest.
Enrolments are currently open for:
DLGLM1000 – Introduction to Local Government and Governance
Delivery of this course will commence in the Ballarat (CBD) SMB Campus from Monday 13 to Friday 17 July, 2026 full-time over five days.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Business
Course co-ordinator
Samuel Zhang
Career paths
Students will gain a broad knowledge of the skills that are required to pursue a career in local government.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Winter 2027
26 April 2027
Locations
SMB (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
Contact hours
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Introduction to Local Government and Governance15 credit pointsDLGLM1000
- Planning and Economic Development15 credit pointsDLGLM1005
- Connecting with Stakeholders and Communities15 credit pointsDLGLM1007
- Local Government Leadership15 credit pointsDLGLM1001
- Project Management in Local Government15 credit pointsDLGLM1002
- Sustainable Management in Local Government15 credit pointsDLGLM1004
- Human Resource Management in Local Government15 credit pointsDLGLM1006
- Public Finance and Budgeting15 credit pointsDLGLM1003
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (non year 12)
At least three years full-time work experience in Local Government or equivalent.
If you’re only applying for this course, do it via direct application.
Ready to fill out your application?
You'll need this code:
Direct application
Federation University code
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- LM4
Hear from our staff
Hi, my name is Dr Bryce Magnuson and I'm a marketing lecturer within the Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability at Federation University. My favourite part of the Bachelor of Business would be the industry placement component, and this is because of the opportunities that it presents our students. The university has good relationships with a range of businesses, which means our students can build on what they've learned their degree while getting practical experience in a variety of industries. This exposure to industry and the chance network, these are incredibly important for student pathways after university. The most interesting parts of the programme. These come from the experience and knowledge that my colleagues bring to the classroom. They're industry insights and expertise, meaning that classes have a practical relevance, and this bridges the gap between theory and practise. We see students develop those key critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well out in the industry. A real stand out of the Bachelor of Business is the learning environment, the electives that combine to make our majors. These are designed to have small tutorials, and this gives students better access to their lecturers and this makes a really great learning experience. Fun fact, one of my favourite hobbies is kayaking.