Learn how to build and grow your creative business

Cultivate your creative industries career
Do you have a passion for the creative industries but need sharper foundational business skills? Turn your creative side hustle into a sustainable business venture with the University of Canberra’s Graduate Certificate in Creative Business.
Suited to emerging creatives with passions ranging from music to screen, learn how to turn creative ideas into commercial reality and what it takes to start, build and finance creative businesses.
Delivered online in partnership with the Compton School, you’ll be taught by experts in film and television whilst being supported by the Canberra Business School, which is ranked #2 in Australia for Career Impact on The Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools list.
What is a graduate certificate?
This is a short postgraduate qualification that is made up of four subjects. It is a smart choice for those looking to up-skill quickly as it can be completed part-time over two, four-month semesters. It also offers a direct pathway into a master’s degree if you decide to keep studying.
One of a kind
Study one of Australia’s first creative business qualifications
Industry ready
Gain expertise and practical skills delivered by industry experts
#2 in Australia
The Canberra Business School is ranked #2 in Australia for Career Impact (AFR, 2022)

Keep a work-life balance with just 12 months of part-time study
Expand your network of true peers
Develop emerging and in-demand skills
Gain a foundational business understanding
Get qualified in 12 months (part-time)
Intake in February and July
Complement your pre-existing knowledge
4 units | $3,125 per unit*
2023 per unit fee for Domestic Students. FEE-HELP available.

Why study at UC
Delivered in partnership with The Compton School, you’ll benefit from the expertise shared by two strong forces in the creative industries. Creativity is at the core of all UC programs, and that’s why we’re proud to partner with Australia’s first creative business school.
Compton are champions of commercial creativity and exist to make ideas and innovation happen at scale. The Compton School’s mission is to capture, share, and teach this body of knowledge to promote commercial creativity and innovation in all business.
What you will learn

Creative Decision Making G (11500.1)
Creative Decision Making G (11500.1)
The most critical decision in creative work is deciding what to make. In this unit, we draw on 100 years of Hollywood practice and recent work in experimental finance and economics to analyse and synthesise how to incorporate financial and non-financial information in a range of creative business decisions.

Innovation Toolbox PG (11077.1)
Innovation Toolbox PG (11077.1)
Students will explore and understand the processes and skills needed to develop a concept for different market requirements. Through investigation of real-world case studies and guest lectures from industry professionals, students will learn how to create, communicate and promote an innovative growth strategy.

Entrepreneurship PG (9691.4)
Entrepreneurship PG (9691.4)
This unit focuses on the ability to create and recognise compelling opportunities, assume risk, attract the resources to transform opportunities into value. Topics covered include intellectual property, marketing, environmental assessment, financial analysis, strategic planning and managing growth.

Finance for Creative Businesses PG (11498.1)
Finance for Creative Businesses PG (11498.1)
This unit will investigate the risk and reward of creative ventures, with a focus on intellectual property. Creative ventures must integrate project financing with the demands of an ongoing business. Students will also learn how to build simple financial models and perform net present value and internal rate of return calculations.
Meet our Creative Fellows

Course leader
David is the founder and CEO of the Compton School, was Founding Director of the Centre for Screen Business at AFTRS, and have been involved in the financing of more than a dozen film and television productions.

Mentor
Sue is a creative entrepreneur and television producer. She has developed an extraordinary leadership practice that will transform your creative life.

Mentor
Ian is a Partner at 113 Partners. Ian’s business is helping creative businesses grow, seek investment, and realise their value. He can help your business too.

Mentor
Chloe is a Partner and COO at Jungle Entertainment, and television producer. Chloe is a brilliant mentor who can help you craft a sustainable business plan.
February 2023 intake
July 2023 intake
Entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Creative Business, applicants must:
- An undergraduate qualification or at least 3 years’ experience in a creative business or industry.
COURSE COST
$3,125 per unit
2023 per unit fee for Domestic Students. Fee-Help available.
You may be eligible to defer payment of your tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.
Visit FEE-HELP for lots of useful information about eligibility, how to apply and pay. You can apply for FEE-HELP once you have enrolled in a course.


Graduate Diploma in Creative Industries
Delivery: Online & On campus
Duration: 2 years (part-time) 1 year (full-time)
Intakes: February & July

Master of Creative Industries
Delivery: Online & On campus
Duration: 4 years (part-time) 2 years (full-time)
Intakes: February & July

Graduate Diploma in Creative Industries
Delivery: Online & On campus
Duration: 2 years (part-time) 1 year (full-time)
Intakes: February & July

Master of Creative Industries
Delivery: Online & On campus
Duration: 4 years (part-time) 2 years (full-time)
Intakes: February & July

Ready to start learning? Download a brochure, or speak to our staff via email or over the phone.
We can answer all of your burning questions including:
- Matching the course to you
- How studying online works
- How to apply
- Tuition cost and fees