Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business at Arthur Phillip College of Business and Leadership is a two-year qualification that sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework. It's built for students who want a practical grounding in how businesses run, accounting, marketing, management, and the day-to-day operations that keep an organisation moving. You'll study units of study in areas like business communication, financial processes, customer service, and team leadership, with each unit carrying credit points that count toward the diploma. The course is delivered over two years, typically split into semesters or trimesters, so you can plan your study load around work or other commitments.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are nested qualifications. That means the units you complete here can often be credited toward a bachelor degree later, if you choose to continue studying. The course uses a mix of lectures, tutorials, and practical assessments. Some units include work-integrated learning, a placement or industry project where you apply what you've learned in a real workplace. Assessment is usually a combination of exams, assignments, and group projects, with a final capstone unit that pulls together the skills you've built across the diploma.

What you'll actually learn

You'll come out able to read a balance sheet, write a business plan, manage a small team, and use common business software. The focus is on doing, not just theory. You'll practice making decisions with incomplete information, presenting to a group, and handling customer issues. These are the skills employers in Australia ask for in entry-level business roles, and they're the same skills you'd need to run your own small business.

Who this suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a shorter, more hands-on path into business, or people already working who want a formal qualification to move into a supervisory or administrative role. It's also a sensible stepping stone if you're not ready for a three-year bachelor degree but want to keep that option open. International students should note the English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, and equivalent tests like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced are accepted. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register, check the official page for the current amount and confirm all details before you apply.

• Administration officer, works in government, healthcare, or education, keeping records and schedules running.
• Small business owner, runs a retail, trades, or online business, handling finances, marketing, and staff.
• Customer service team leader, supervises a frontline team in banking, telecommunications, or retail.
• Marketing assistant, supports campaigns, social media, and market research for agencies or in-house teams.
• Accounts clerk, processes invoices, payroll, and reconciliations in any industry.
• Project support officer, helps coordinate construction, IT, or events projects.

These roles exist across Australia in sectors like retail, professional services, government, and not-for-profit organisations. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, many graduates go on to a bachelor degree with credit for the units they've completed.