Course overview
Do you want to be part of the solution?
Responsible leadership equals better business, healthier communities and global good.
Anyone can lead with purpose, in any industry. Being a leader of tomorrow means expanding your abilities to navigate complexity and drive positive change.
Lead responsibly and be part of the solution with the first postgraduate program in Australia focusing on environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. This course offers numerous case studies, experiential learning and simulations – learnings you can apply immediately in your workplace.
Join a new wave of in-demand graduates, advocating for a higher purpose. Position yourself as a key ESG advisor to pioneer more environmentally friendly, socially conscious, and responsible business models in your organisation and the community.
Why study a Graduate Certificate of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Leadership with ECU Online?
Australia's first postgraduate program in ESG leadership
Strengthen your command of sustainability with Australia's first postgraduate program centred on ESG leadership. Apply your formal knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of ESG to confidently lead initiatives in corporate contexts where sustainability commitments are paramount.
Feel connected while gaining practical skills
Participate in weekly online meetings, interacting with peers, academics and industry experts.
This course offers numerous case studies, experiential learning and simulations - learnings you can apply immediately in your workplace.
Enjoy seamless online learning
Study with flexibility and ease, having 24/7 access to our user-friendly learning platform, allowing you to balance full-time work commitments. With intakes every two months, focus on one subject at a time - instantly enhancing your career and professional value.
100% online, accelerated study with support
With our 100% online and accelerated course, you can tailor your study to your busy schedule and complete your graduate certificate in as little as 6 months. Feel confident and engaged in your studies with support from academics, Student Success Advisors and fellow students.
Professional recognition
AACSB International Accreditation
The Business disciplines at ECU are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. This certification is held by less than six per cent of business schools globally.
5-star experiences in Learning & Teaching
ECU was rated five stars for Overall Experience, Learning Resources, Skills Development, Teaching Quality and Student Support.
(Good Universities Guide 2025)
A top global university for Business & Economics
ECU has ranked in the top 300 universities in the world for Business and Economic studies.
(THE Subject Rankings 2025)
2024 AFR BOSS Best Business Schools list
ECU is ranked #1 Business School for Teaching in Australia.
2022 CLAD Award winners
ECU’s School of Business and Law was awarded the Carbon Literacy Action Day (CLAD) Catalyst award in 2022 by delivering a unique training course on climate action to the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER), responsible for Climate Change Policy.
What you will learn
ECU’s online Graduate Certificate of ESG Leadership empowers professionals with the strategic mindset to effectively lead and implement ESG initiatives in a variety of contexts.
Demonstrate strategic ESG leadership by initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating best practices in local and global environments.
Apply high-level, independent judgement when analysing and evaluating complex ESG problems to generate creative solutions.
Communicate specialised knowledge, concepts and skills related to ESG considerations to a variety of audiences in corporate contexts.
What you will study
The online Graduate Certificate of ESG Leadership consists of three units:
- ESG Leadership
Demonstrate strategic ESG leadership by initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating best practices in the context of local and global environments. - Strategic Management and International Competitiveness
Identify and analyse the key issues that must be addressed by management to build high performance organisations and achieve sustainable strategies. - Responsible Management
Evaluate diverse perspectives of ethics and responsible management, while exploring organisational factors such as corporate social responsibility, sustainability, governance, and citizenship in local and international contexts.
Course information
Admission requirements
To gain entry to the Graduate Certificate of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Leadership, you will need:
- a bachelor’s degree; or
- equivalent prior learning including at least five years of relevant professional experience.
If you would like more information, contact one of our Student Enrolment Advisors on 1300 707 760 or request a call-back.
Not sure if this course is right for you?
Get personalised course advice before you apply
Career outcomes
Do you want to be part of the solution? Position yourself as an ESG leader.
Influence business decisions at a time where the government is introducing new climate disclosure standards for large businesses and demand for professionals with ESG knowledge is increasing.
Over the coming years, we’ll see an expectation for organisations to place sustainability at their core, embedding it into their organisational culture and behaviours (ESG Trends in 2023, PwC). This means skilled ESG leaders will be in high demand.
Upon graduation from a Graduate Certificate of ESG Leadership, you will be ready to work in a variety of roles, including:
Pathway to further study
Continue your journey as a contemporary leader and gain a transformational business mindset. By completing the Graduate Certificate of ESG Leadership, you have the option to study ECU’s reputable MBA with credit.
The Business disciplines at ECU are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, which is synonymous with excellence in business education. Less than 6 per cent of the world’s schools offering business degree programs hold accreditation with AACSB International
Learn more about our Master of Business Administration (MBA) Online.
Graduate Certificate
3 units
or continue studying
Master Degree
+9 units
(12 units total)
Frequently asked questions
This postgraduate degree in ESG focuses on corporate responsibility, leadership skills, ethical practice, reporting and investment through the ESG paradigm. In this course, students will be able to demonstrate strategic ESG leadership by initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating best practices in local and global environments.
The ECU Graduate Certificate of ESG Leadership is for individuals looking to enhance their sustainability knowledge, skills and mindset to amplify sustainability commitments in their organisation. If you want to join a new wave of in-demand professionals who will lead sustainable and socially responsible business practices for our future, this course is for you.
Completing our Graduate Certificate of ESG Leadership will enable you to confidently position yourself as an ESG leader within your organisation. You will strengthen your command of sustainability and be ready to immediately apply your formal knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of ESG, leading initiatives in corporate contexts where sustainability commitments are paramount.
At ECU Online we understand that everyone has different work arrangements, family responsibilities, locations and learning styles. This is why our postgraduate courses are offered 100% online, so you can balance your study with other commitments. As an ECU Online student, you will have access to academic and non-academic support.
- Academic study support - our accelerated online courses are developed by industry experts and engaged academics. You can easily connect with learning facilitators and course coordinators through our easy-to-use online learning environment to gain feedback and ask academic questions. You can also reach out to a Learning Advisor who can help with things like assessment writing, study skills and more.
- Non-academic study support - you will have a dedicated Student Success Advisor available to you from when you start studying through to graduation. They will be available to provide non-academic support, such as assistance with scheduling time to study and more.
- Additional support options - as an ECU online student, you also have access to all the support offered by ECU, both on-campus and online:
- Access and inclusion services
- Student health services
- Psychological counselling support
- Careers and employability services
- Student Guild, clubs and associations
No, the Graduate Certificate of ESG Leadership is 100% online and does not include any on-campus components. We have designed this course to be flexible so you can tailor your studies to fit your lifestyle.
No, a graduate certificate is not the same as an honours degree. A graduate certificate is a postgraduate qualification that provides advanced, specialised skills and knowledge in a focused area, typically over 3 units of study. In contrast, an honours degree is an undergraduate qualification that extends a bachelor’s degree with a research or advanced coursework component. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Leadership Online provides targeted postgraduate training in responsible leadership, ESG strategy, and sustainability, preparing graduates for professional impact without requiring research-intensive study.
Leadership courses help professionals develop the skills to lead teams, navigate complexity, and drive positive organisational and societal outcomes. They teach strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, and the ability to influence change, which are essential in today’s dynamic business environment. The ECU Graduate Certificate of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Leadership Online equips students with practical tools, case studies, and simulations to lead responsibly, advocate for ESG initiatives, and position themselves as effective leaders in any industry.
Still have questions?
Download a course guide or speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor. Our team can assist you with:
- Eligibility & enrolment enquiries
- Course duration & fees
- Flexible entry & study pathways
- How online study will fit with your schedule
