Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a practical, hands-on qualification for people who want to work in and eventually run hospitality operations. Over 1.5 years, you study how food and beverage service works, how to manage staff, how to control costs and stock, how to handle legal and safety requirements, and how to look after guests so they come back. At Atlantis College of Management, the course is built around the tasks you would actually do in a hotel, restaurant, café or events venue, not just theory.

How the course is structured

This diploma is delivered over 1.5 years, which usually means three or four study periods depending on whether the college runs semesters or trimesters. You complete a set of units of study, each with a credit point value, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. Assessment is a mix of practical service tasks, written work, projects and possibly a work placement. Because hospitality is a hands-on field, many diplomas include a supervised work component in a real venue, which counts towards your qualification. Check the official CRICOS listing and the college’s handbook for the exact unit list, credit points and placement hours.

What you learn

You learn to roster staff, manage budgets and stock, follow food safety and liquor laws, deal with complaints, and lead a team during a busy service. You also pick up the basics of marketing, event coordination and customer service. The focus is on skills you can use on day one of a job. If you continue to an advanced diploma or degree, some of these units may count as credit, but that depends on the receiving institution.

Who it suits

This course suits people already working in hospitality who want a formal qualification to move into supervisory or management roles, and people new to the industry who want a fast route into work. It also suits international students who want to study in Australia and gain local experience. Australia’s hospitality industry is large and employs people across hotels, resorts, restaurants, pubs, clubs, catering companies and event venues. While you study, your Student visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight, which is a good way to get real experience. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. Always confirm the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for courses at this level, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the college’s own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register; check the official page for the exact amount and start dates.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor in hotels, motels, resorts and serviced apartments
• Food and beverage supervisor in restaurants, cafés, pubs and clubs
• Front office supervisor in accommodation providers
• Events or functions coordinator in venues, conference centres and catering companies
• Restaurant or café manager in independent and chain outlets
• Banquet or catering supervisor in event and contract catering businesses
• Housekeeping supervisor in hotels and resorts
• Small business operator running your own café, restaurant or catering service

These roles are found across Australia in city hotels, regional resorts, tourism precincts, aged care and hospital catering, and major event venues.