Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management is a one-year qualification for people who want to move into team leader, supervisor or middle management roles, or who are already in them and want formal recognition of what they do. It sits at the diploma/advanced diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, above a Certificate IV and below a bachelor degree. The course is delivered over one year, usually across two semesters, and you complete a set of units of study that each carry credit points. There is no research thesis at this level; assessment is practical and workplace-based, which suits people who learn by doing rather than by writing long essays.

What you actually study

The core of the course is management practice: leading and managing a team, developing and using emotional intelligence, managing operational plans, managing budgets and financial plans, managing recruitment and induction of staff, and leading workplace relationships. You also look at risk management, continuous improvement, and how to manage meetings and projects. Many providers build in a work-integrated learning component, such as a placement or a project based on your current workplace, so you apply the units to a real organisation rather than a hypothetical case study.

How the Australian qualification works

Australian vocational qualifications are made up of units of competency, each with a national code. You need to complete all the units in the course to graduate. Delivery is usually face-to-face or blended, with classes timetabled across semesters or trimesters. International students on a Student visa must study full-time and can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. After graduating, eligible students may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period set by the Department of Home Affairs. Check the current rules on the department's website before you rely on them.

Who it suits

This course suits people with some work experience who want a management credential without committing to a three-year bachelor degree. It also suits international students who want an Australian qualification in a shorter timeframe. If you are aiming for senior management or a master's degree later, check the entry requirements of the bachelor or master's course you have in mind, because an advanced diploma may not give you full credit. English proficiency is required for international applicants, and the institute publishes accepted tests and scores. Tuition is listed on the CRICOS register under course code 105537E. Confirm entry requirements, unit lists, fees and intake dates with the Australian National Institute of Education or the Australian Academy of English before applying.

• Team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality, logistics or administration
• Office manager or administration manager
• Front-line manager in health, community services or local government
• Project coordinator or operations coordinator
• Small business owner or manager
• Customer service manager
• Human resources officer or recruitment coordinator

These roles are found across most Australian industries, including retail, hospitality, health and community services, construction, manufacturing, transport and professional services. Employers range from small businesses to large organisations and government departments.