Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication

The Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication at Abbey College Australia is a two-year course that sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It's built for people who want practical marketing skills without committing to a full bachelor degree. You'll study how to plan campaigns, write for different audiences, read analytics, manage a brand's reputation, and coordinate communication across digital and traditional channels. The course is delivered in trimesters, with each unit carrying credit points. You'll need to complete all core and elective units to graduate.

What you'll actually study

Units cover consumer behaviour, market research, advertising, public relations, content creation, social media strategy, and campaign evaluation. You'll learn to write briefs, pitch ideas, and measure results. Assessment is a mix of practical projects, reports, presentations, and group work. There's a work-integrated learning component where you apply your skills in a real workplace or simulated agency setting. Some students do a capstone project that pulls everything together.

How it fits into the Australian system

This advanced diploma is a standalone qualification, but it can also be a pathway into a bachelor degree. Many Australian universities give credit for completed diplomas, meaning you may enter a bachelor program with some units already done. The course is registered on CRICOS (code 103691M) for international students. Tuition fees are listed on the CRICOS register, check there for the current amount.

Who it suits

If you're looking to start a career in marketing, upskill for a current role, or test the waters before a degree, this course works. It's also useful for small business owners who want to handle their own promotions. International students need to meet English requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is common for this level. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1 Advanced are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Confirm all details on the official Abbey College Australia page or the CRICOS register.

• Marketing coordinator: Plan and execute campaigns, manage schedules, and track budgets for agencies, retail chains, or not-for-profits.
• Digital marketing assistant: Run social media accounts, schedule posts, and report on engagement for brands or startups.
• Communications officer: Draft media releases, newsletters, and internal updates for government departments, universities, or corporations.
• Advertising account coordinator: Support client relationships and project delivery in advertising or media agencies.
• Public relations assistant: Help manage media relations, events, and reputation for PR firms or in-house teams.
• Content creator: Write blogs, videos, and social content for publishers, e-commerce stores, or marketing teams.
• Market research assistant: Collect and analyse data on customer preferences for research agencies or product teams.

These roles exist across Australia in advertising, media, retail, government, education, and healthcare. Many graduates start in assistant or coordinator positions and move up with experience.