Course overview
Corporate governance is experiencing rapid change due to socioeconomic and environmental issues related to organisational business models.
Globally, there is a call for greater fairness and social responsibility in business; across Australia, thousands of governance and risk management professionals are expected to drive better governance within their organisations.
Responding to that need, and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this master degree nurtures contemporary leadership that champions accountability, inclusion and diversity.
Co-designed with the Governance Institute of Australia and industry consultation, this course has aspects of international business, human resource management, and innovation and entrepreneurship to give you advanced skills in corporate governance and responsible leadership.
Note: If you have already completed the GIA Graduate Certificate in Applied Corporate Governance and Risk Management, you are eligible to enrol in the Master of Corporate Governance and Responsible leadership.
Why study at Curtin?
Work-integrated learning
You have the choice of completing a practical project involving a business challenge or opportunity.
Flexible study
This course can be completed fully online.
Industry recognition
This course is co-designed and delivered with the Governance Institute of Australia.
Your student experience
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Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
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Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
In this course you will gain the advanced skills for contemporary governance and leadership that respond to the global call for greater accountability, fairness, and social and environmental responsibility in business.
You will learn:
- the principles related to the regulation of governance and risk compliance
- how to apply a framework of responsible leadership and capacity building
- how to apply governance principles and best practice in risk management for organisation boards how to identify and evaluate sources of finance and their risks and returns
- how to assess corporate culture and behaviours that impact risk and compliance management
- how to create business strategies that consider global sustainability issues how to develop teamwork strategies that incorporate communication and networking skills
- how to complete effective crisis and recovery management and business continuity planning.
As part of the course, you may also complete an industry project involving research and analysis of a business challenge or opportunity.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
1. Applicants who will transition to the proposed course after completion of the GIA Certificate in Applied Corporate Governance (100-credit course) have to meet the admission criteria of GIA outlined below (extracted from GIA Admissions Guidelines).
2. Applicants require a relevant bachelor degree or higher degree from an Australian University or an equivalent qualification from an approved higher education provider in Australia (as defined by Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)) or recognised overseas university or higher education provider. Curtin students should refer to the Course Structure Note to identify relevant undergraduate degrees. Applicants external to Curtin will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
3. Professional memberships and professional experience alone do not qualify as degree equivalent for entry into a postgraduate course.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
Domestic fee-paying first-year fee
$35,574*
Important information about fees
- *Fees are indicative only
- First year fees are based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credit points. Your fees will vary depending on the units you choose.
- This indicative fee does not include other fees like administrative and incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks. Visit other fees and charges for more information.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Check the application deadlines page for the most up-to-date information, including course-specific deadlines.
Express your interest
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
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