Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a two-year qualification that prepares you for supervisory and operational roles in hotels, restaurants, resorts, clubs and event venues. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is practical, industry-focused and built around the day-to-day realities of running a hospitality business. You will study food and beverage service, front office operations, housekeeping supervision, rostering, budgeting, workplace health and safety, and how to lead a team through a busy service period.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are usually delivered over four semesters (or the trimester equivalent), with each semester made up of units of study that carry credit points. The exact unit list and credit point values are set by Ardor College and published in the course outline. Assessment is a mix of written tasks, practical service simulations, group projects and supervised work in a commercial kitchen or front-of-house environment. Many diplomas include a work-integrated learning component, a professional placement or industry-based project, because hospitality employers expect graduates to have spent real time on the floor. You should confirm the placement hours and structure with the college before you enrol.

What you will learn

You will learn how to manage a roster that meets wage budgets, handle guest complaints without escalating them, monitor stock and control costs, and lead a diverse team through a Friday night rush. You will also cover legal responsibilities around responsible service of alcohol, food safety and workplace health and safety. The skills are hands-on: you will practise taking bookings, running a shift briefing, and writing an operational report. By the end, you should be able to step into a supervisory role and keep a venue running smoothly.

Who this course suits

This diploma suits people who have some hospitality experience and want to move into a team leader or duty manager role, as well as career changers who want a formal qualification before entering the industry. It also works as a pathway to further study, you may be able to get credit towards a bachelor degree in hospitality or business, depending on the receiving institution. International students should note that the Student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Always check the official CRICOS entry and the college's website for the most current details on units, fees, English requirements and start dates.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor in a hotel, resort or restaurant
• Food and beverage supervisor
• Front office supervisor
• Housekeeping supervisor
• Banquet or events coordinator
• Restaurant manager (after further experience)
• Club or pub operations supervisor
• Hospitality business owner or operator

These roles are found across Australia's accommodation, food and beverage, tourism, events and club industries. Employers include hotel groups, independent restaurants, catering companies, resorts, licensed clubs and event venues.