Diploma of Marketing and Communication

The Diploma of Marketing and Communication is a one-year qualification that gets you into the day-to-day work of promoting products, services and organisations. You will study consumer behaviour, market research, advertising, public relations, digital marketing and professional communication. Assessment is practical: you might write a campaign brief, build a social media content plan, analyse survey data or pitch an idea to a panel. The course is delivered by Abbey College Australia (Abbey Training) and is registered on CRICOS for international students.

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). They are usually made up of units of study, each carrying credit points, and delivered over semesters or trimesters. The diploma is a nested qualification: you can often use the credit points you earn here to enter a bachelor degree with credit, which means starting in the second year of a three-year degree. Check the official page for the exact units, credit arrangements and any pathway agreements.

Skills you build include writing for different audiences, planning campaigns, reading analytics, managing a brand's reputation and working in a team to a deadline. Some providers include a work-integrated learning component such as an industry project or placement, so ask Abbey College Australia what is built into this course.

This diploma suits school leavers who want a practical start, career changers moving into marketing or communications, and people already working in small business, retail or not-for-profits who need formal skills. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after completing the course. Confirm all details, including tuition, on the official CRICOS page and with the provider.

• Marketing assistant or coordinator
• Digital marketing assistant
• Social media coordinator
• Public relations assistant
• Communications officer
• Advertising account coordinator
• Market research assistant
• Events and promotions assistant

These roles are found in advertising and media agencies, corporate marketing teams, government communications branches, retail and e-commerce businesses, not-for-profits and industry associations across Australia.