Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in hotels, restaurants, events, clubs or food and beverage operations. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is practical, industry-focused and normally delivered over two or three study periods depending on the provider's calendar. You will study units of study that cover hospitality operations, food and beverage service, front office, housekeeping, rostering, budgeting, workplace health and safety, and customer service. Assessment is usually a mix of written tasks, practical service sessions and work-based projects. The course is delivered by Australian Sovereign College and is registered on CRICOS for international students (course code 114838F).

What you will study

Expect to spend time in a training restaurant or simulated service environment, learning how to run a shift, manage stock, handle complaints and lead a small team. Some providers include a work placement or industry internship as part of the diploma, so you can apply your skills in a real venue. The course builds the kind of knowledge that hospitality employers look for: how to plan menus, control costs, comply with licensing and hygiene rules, and keep customers coming back. You will also cover the basics of marketing, social media and event coordination, which are increasingly part of the job for supervisors and duty managers.

How it fits together

The diploma is made up of units of study, each with a credit point value. To graduate, you need to complete all required units, which usually includes a set of core units and a few electives. Some colleges offer a pathway to a bachelor degree in hospitality, tourism or business, with credit for your diploma studies. If you are an international student, you will need to meet English requirements. The common standard for a diploma is IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, or an equivalent score in TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa, so check both. While you study, your visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want to move into supervisory or management roles in hospitality, or who already work in the industry and want a formal qualification. It also works for school leavers who prefer hands-on learning to a long academic degree. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. Always confirm the current rules and course details on the official CRICOS page and with Australian Sovereign College before you apply.

• Hospitality supervisor or team leader
• Restaurant or café manager
• Front office supervisor
• Housekeeping supervisor
• Events coordinator
• Food and beverage attendant
• Bar or gaming supervisor
• Duty manager

These roles are found in hotels, resorts, restaurants, pubs, clubs, catering companies, event venues and aged care or hospital food services across Australia. The diploma also gives you credit towards further study in hospitality, tourism or business management.