100% FEE-HELP Approved

Undergraduate Certificate of Business Management

This foundational program provides a strong introduction to the world of business, offering essential insights and practical knowledge across core business disciplines. This course provides you with the essential tools and language of business to help you succeed in the fashion industry.

Study mode

On-Campus

Online

Duration

12 weeks (full time)

Units

4

Availability

20+ places
remaining

Next intake

15/09/25

Your launchpad into Business

Our innovative 12-week foundation program provides essential business knowledge tailored to the fashion industry. You’ll develop skills in business management, accounting and the fundamentals of marketing – equipping you for operational, assistant or managerial roles in within the fashion sector. Whether you are looking to upskill, career change or taking the first step towards a Bachelor’s degree, this program is the ideal stepping stone to launching you career path in business management.

What you’ll achieve by course completion 

  • Business Accounting Principles – Learn how to interpret financial data, manage budgets, and apply decision-making tools to support sustainable business growth in the fashion industry.

  • Effective Management and Leadership – Develop skills to lead teams, coordinate projects, and manage operations with confidence and efficiency.

  • Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement – Explore proven marketing techniques, build brand awareness, and create customer engagement frameworks that drive loyalty and sales.

  • Workplace Culture, Communication, and Team Dynamics – Understand how to foster a positive workplace culture, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively within diverse teams.

  • Professional Presentation - Deliver clear, compelling creative concepts that meet industry expectations

Apply Now Get your Course Brochure

Your Career Journey

Explore the professional opportunities ahead.

This foundational course in business management equips you for entry level roles across a wide range of industries. It is designed for those new to business or upskilling in their current career. It builds a broad foundation in management, marketing, accounting, people and culture. It sets a strong groundwork for future promotions, entrepreneurship opportunities or further study in the business sector.

Graduates from the Certificate of Business Management may look to find employment in roles such as: 

  • Business Assistant 

  • Team administrator 

  • Marketing Assistant 

  • Customer Service Coordinator 

  • Retail or Operations Support 

Pathways and Further Study

Upon completing our foundation programs, graduates can progress into the following Whitecliffe | The Fashion Institute programs should they wish to continue their studies:

  • Bachelor of Business (with credit from completed subjects)

  • Other Undergraduate diplomas or degrees in business, Communications and media or Management 

Meet your lecturers

Learn from industry experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom.

Course Structure

Your study journey mapped out term by term

This foundational program offers a comprehensive introduction to the business world, equipping you with essential insights and practical skills. It’s an ideal starting point for those seeking to enter the industry or a solid foundation for pursuing further studies.

Course Structure
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Year 1
Term 1 ACC103 | Core
Introduction to Business Accounting
BIS101 | Core
Foundations of Marketing
BIS102 | Core
People and Culture
MGT101 | Core
Management Fundamentals
Term 1
Unit 1
ACC103 | Core
Introduction to Business Accounting
Unit 2
BIS101 | Core
Foundations of Marketing
Unit 3
BIS102 | Core
People and Culture
Unit 4
MGT101 | Core
Management Fundamentals

Total: 24 Credit Points

Upon completion, eligible students will graduate with the Undergraduate Certificate of Business Management and may receive credit towards future study.

This course is offered either on campus at our Sydney CBD campus or online, featuring live interactive classes, recorded lectures, and comprehensive support from our dedicated online team.

Get your Course Brochure Early Entry 2026

Start Your Fashion Career Today

Download our free course guide and discover how TFI connects you with Australia's top fashion brands through hands-on learning and guaranteed industry placements.

The Bachelor of Business at Whitecliffe / The Fashion Institute is a wonderful stepping stone to a career in fashion. Whether you’re looking to start your brand, run your own agency or join an established company, the Bachelor of Business is going to provide you with the tools and skills to get there. In this ever-changing landscape, it’s crucial to ensure your qualifications and skills offer versatility in career options, which you’re sure to get at TFI. As a business owner, this course is vital to understanding the inner workings of building a brand from the ground up.

Photo of Jess Cognetta
Jess Cognetta
Founder and Creative Director of Solaqua

Course FAQs

Get answers to common questions about this course, admissions, and student life.

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

Whitecliffe offers multiple pathways into our Diploma and Bachelor’s degrees for domestic students:

  • Early Entry: Completed Year 11 plus a Career Advisor recommendation.

  • Recent School Leavers: Completed Year 12 (or equivalent) in the last two years.

  • VET Graduates: Completed a relevant Certificate IV or higher.

  • Higher Education Graduates: Completed a qualification at AQF Level 5 or above.

  • Work & Life Experience: Aged 20+, with relevant work or other experience and a supporting statement.

  • Indigenous Entry Scheme: Previous study or experience, written statement, and confirmation of heritage.

  • Special Entry: For exceptional circumstances or diverse backgrounds, with supporting documents.

  • Overseas Qualifications: Assessed through official Country Education Profiles.

International Students

To apply to Whitecliffe as an international student, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.

  • Have completed the overseas equivalent of Year 12 in Australia, or higher-level study such as an AQF Level 4 qualification, Foundation Studies, or an approved English for Academic Purposes program.

  • Meet English language requirements:

    • Most programs require an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5.

    • Higher scores apply for Communications and Media programs.

    • Equivalent scores from Cambridge, Pearson PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT are also accepted.

  • Ensure English test results are less than two years old at your course start date.

All applicants must complete the online application form and provide relevant supporting documents, such as identification, academic records, and other evidence as required for their chosen pathway.

Need help? Contact our Admissions Team for guidance.

How to apply

STEP 1 - APPLY
For Domestic Students, complete the Domestic Application Form

For International Students, complete the International Application Form

From here our admissions team will assess your application, and will be in touch within 3-5 business days to discuss.

STEP 2 - CHAT WITH US
All applicants will have an interview to discuss their goals and learn more about the course, student commitments, and the support Whitecliffe offers.

STEP 3 - LETTER OF OFFER
Successful students will receive a Letter of Offer and a Student Acceptance Agreement which outlines the contractual arrangements and confirms the course of enrolment, duration; campus location; course-related fees and policies.

STEP 4 - ACCEPTANCE
Formally accept your offered place by completing, signing and returning the Agreement Acceptance Declaration in the Letter of Offer and finalise your funding. Once all items have been actioned, the Confirmation of Enrolment will be issued.

STEP 5 - ORIENTATION
All students will be required to attend an Orientation the week before classes commence. Invitations will be sent out as part of your Welcome Pack.

STEP 6 - COMMENCEMENT
We look forward to welcoming you for your first class!

If you have any questions regarding your studies, you are welcome to book an Campus Tour or Phone Appointment prior to applying.

Course fees

Manageable Payment Schedule (Pay as you go model):

Students only pay for the units they are enrolled into each trimester and there is no requirement to pay the total course fee upfront.

PROGRAM

UNITS

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Bachelor of Business

24

$2500

$60,000

Bachelor of Communications and Media

24

$2500

$60,000

Diploma of Digital and Social Media Marketing

8

$1250

$10,000

FEE-Help Approved:

All courses are fully fee-help approved.

You may be eligible for FEE-HELP if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements.

  • are enrolled in an eligible unit of study

  • by the census date for that unit; and

  • have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit

Academic calendar

2025

Trimester 1

Trimester 2

Trimester 3

O-Week

27-31 Jan

19-23 May

8-12 Sept

Start

3 Feb

26 May

15 Sept

Census

21 Feb

13 Jun

3 Oct

Finish

2 May

22 Aug

12 Dec

Course duration

How long you take to complete your course of study at ICAT depends on several factors such as the duration of your course, your study load, your academic progression and if you take any time away from your studies. Generally, the maximum number of subjects you can take per trimester is four (for a full-time study load) which is a course duration of six trimesters, or two years. The minimum number of subjects per trimester is two (for a part-time study load), which is twelve trimesters or four years.

Taking a break from my studies

You can suspend your enrolment to take a leave of absence, for example to travel, for up to a maximum of 12 months. If you want to suspend your enrolment for a longer duration, you will be required to withdraw from the course and re-apply when you are ready to recommence your study. Applications to suspend your enrolment should be made no later than five working days before Census Date to avoid academic and/or financial penalty.

Class days + timetables

You will be able to view your timetable approx. 6 weeks before your trimester starts.

Whenever feasible, Student Services will reach out to all students to inquire about preferences ahead of the timetables being released. Please note due to scheduling, this preference option may not be available and class days may already have been pre-selected.

Students will be able to access their timetable through Moodle. You will be provided with your individual log in details. Once logged in select the ‘My Timetable’ from the Home Page.

Class sessions

We have two class times each day.

  • Morning session, 10 am – 1 pm

  • Afternoon session, 2 pm – 5 pm