Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a two-year qualification delivered by Australian Pacific International College. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's a practical, job-focused qualification rather than a research or academic pathway. You'll study the everyday workings of hospitality businesses: how food and beverage operations run, how to manage staff and rosters, how to control stock and costs, how to handle customer service at a professional level, and how to keep a venue compliant with health, safety and licensing rules. Assessment is generally competency-based, so you're judged on whether you can actually do the tasks, not just whether you can write about them.

Australian diplomas are usually structured as a set sequence of units of study, each carrying credit points. The academic year typically runs across two or three study periods, depending on the provider's calendar, and you'll normally need to complete all the required units to graduate. Because this is a vocational qualification, there's often a strong work-integrated learning component built in, practical service sessions, kitchen or front-of-house simulations, and in many cases a placement in a real hospitality venue. The exact unit list, credit point values and any placement hours are set by the provider, so confirm these on the official course page before you enrol.

By the end of the diploma, you should be able to supervise a shift, manage a small team, deal with difficult customers, cost a menu, manage stock and suppliers, and apply the legal and safety requirements that apply to venues in Australia. Those skills are what employers actually look for when they're hiring duty managers, supervisors and team leaders. The course suits people who want to work in hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, events or catering, and who prefer learning by doing rather than sitting in lectures. It also suits people already working in hospitality who want a formal qualification to move into a supervisory role.

If you're an international student, you'll need to meet the college's English requirement. The common standard for coursework at this level is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with equivalents accepted through TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced or the college's own English programmes. Note that the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, so you may need to meet both. While you study, your Student visa generally allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the term. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available if you meet the requirements. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register under course code 111008B, check there and on the official page for current figures.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor in hotels, pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes, running the floor, managing staff and handling customer issues.
• Food and beverage supervisor in hotels, resorts, function centres and catering companies.
• Restaurant or cafe manager in independent venues and hospitality groups.
• Front office supervisor in hotels and serviced apartments.
• Events or functions coordinator in event venues, conference centres and catering businesses.
• Banquet or conference supervisor in hotels and dedicated event spaces.
• Kitchen manager or head of section in commercial kitchens, if you combine the diploma with cookery experience.
• Small business owner or operator in cafes, restaurants, food trucks and catering.

Australia's hospitality industry employs people across hotels, restaurants, clubs, pubs, catering, events and tourism, in every state and territory. The diploma can also be a stepping stone to further study, such as a bachelor degree in hospitality, tourism or business, with credit for the units you've completed.