Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Diploma of Leadership and Management is a one-year qualification for people who want to step into team leader, supervisor or middle-management roles, or who are already in them and want a formal credential. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is a shorter, more applied qualification than a bachelor degree. You study the practical side of managing people and operations: how to lead a team, plan and monitor work, manage budgets and financial plans, support workplace relationships, and handle the day-to-day problems that come up when you are responsible for other people's work.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each carrying credit points. A one-year diploma is normally delivered over two semesters or trimesters, and you will usually complete eight to twelve units depending on the packaging rules for this qualification. Assessment is typically a mix of written tasks, case studies, role plays, projects and workplace-based assignments rather than exams alone. Some providers build in a work placement or a simulated workplace project so you can apply what you learn in a real organisation. Confirm the exact unit list, delivery mode and assessment methods on the official course page.

What you actually learn

You come out knowing how to write an operational plan and track it, how to manage a team's performance and give feedback, how to read and manage a budget, and how to deal with conflict and workplace issues within the rules. You also learn to communicate with people above and below you, and to make decisions when you do not have all the information. These are the skills employers name when they promote someone into their first supervisory role.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a fast, practical entry into business, people already working in retail, hospitality, administration or logistics who are being asked to lead a team, and international students looking for an Australian qualification that can lead into further study. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after you finish, depending on your circumstances. English entry is typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or an accepted equivalent, though the Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 119053K. Check the official page for current entry requirements, intakes and fees.

• Team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing or customer service
• Office or administration manager in small and medium businesses, professional services and government
• Operations coordinator in transport, warehousing, health services or community organisations
• Front-line manager in banking, insurance, real estate or call centres
• Project support officer on construction, IT or events projects
• Small business owner or manager running your own operation

These roles are found across most Australian industries, and the diploma also gives you a pathway into a bachelor degree in business or management with credit for your completed units.