Diploma of Marketing and Communication

The Diploma of Marketing and Communication is a two-year qualification that sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework. It's a practical, job-focused course for people who want to work in marketing, advertising, public relations or communications, and it's delivered by the Australian College of International Studies. The course is registered on CRICOS (course code 114916H), which means it's approved for international students studying in Australia on a Student visa. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, so check there for current fees rather than relying on any figure you see elsewhere.

What you actually study

Diploma-level study in Australia is built around units of study, each carrying a set number of credit points. You complete a set number of units to reach the qualification, and the college structures delivery across semesters or trimesters. The content covers the core of marketing and communication work: understanding consumer behaviour, planning and running campaigns, writing for different audiences and channels, content and social media, brand and reputation, market research, and the legal and ethical rules that apply to advertising and privacy in Australia. Assessment is typically a mix of assignments, campaign plans, presentations, group projects and exams.

Where the field uses it, diplomas include work-integrated learning or a professional placement. That might mean working with a real client on a campaign brief, doing an internship with a marketing team, or completing a simulated agency project. It's the part employers tend to ask about in interviews, because it shows you've applied the theory rather than just read about it. Some diplomas also include a capstone-style project in the final stage that pulls together everything you've learned. Confirm the exact placement and capstone arrangements with the college, since they vary by intake.

Skills you come out with

You graduate able to write a marketing plan, build a content calendar, brief a designer or agency, interpret campaign data, and communicate a brand's message clearly to a specific audience. You'll know how to research a market, position a product, and measure whether a campaign worked. Just as importantly, you'll have practice working in teams, presenting to a room, and managing a project to a deadline, the things that make you employable on day one.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a practical qualification without committing to a full bachelor degree, career changers moving into marketing or communications, and international students who want an Australian qualification that can lead into further study. If you later want a bachelor degree, a diploma often gives you credit towards one, though how much depends on the receiving institution and the units you've completed. International students should note that the Student visa generally allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and on completion you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. English requirements are set by the college and by the Department of Home Affairs separately, check both, and confirm all details on the official page.

• Marketing assistant or coordinator, supporting campaign delivery, scheduling and reporting for agencies, retailers, and small to mid-sized businesses.
• Digital marketing assistant, running social media accounts, email campaigns, and basic paid ads for Australian organisations.
• Communications officer, drafting media releases, newsletters and internal communications for not-for-profits, government bodies and corporates.
• Content creator or copywriter, writing blogs, web copy and social content for agencies, publishers and in-house teams.
• Public relations assistant, helping manage media relations, events and stakeholder communications.
• Sales and customer engagement roles, using marketing knowledge in business development and account support.
• Event and promotions assistant, coordinating activations, trade shows and community events.

Australian industries that hire diploma-level marketing and communication graduates include advertising and media agencies, retail and e-commerce, tourism and hospitality, professional services, education providers, health and community organisations, government departments, and the growing startup and small business sector. Many graduates start in assistant or coordinator roles and move into specialist positions once they've built a portfolio.