Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Diploma of Leadership and Management at Enhance College of Technology is a one-year qualification for people who want to step into team leader, supervisor or middle-management roles. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is practical, job-focused and shorter than a degree. You will study how to lead a team, manage operational plans, handle workplace relationships, oversee budgets and resources, and support the personal and professional development of staff. Assessment is typically a mix of written tasks, case studies and projects based on real workplace scenarios.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are usually delivered over two or three study periods across the year, with each unit of study carrying a set number of credit points. The exact unit list and credit point values are set by the college and confirmed on the official page. There is no separate honours year at this level. Instead, the course may include a work-integrated learning component such as a placement or a simulated workplace project, depending on the delivery mode. If you are an international student, you will need to meet the English requirement. The published standard for this level is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the college’s own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa.

What you will actually learn

You will practise writing operational plans, running team meetings, giving feedback, managing conflict and reporting on performance. You will look at how budgets work, how to manage physical and human resources, and how to keep workplace records that meet organisational and legal requirements. The focus is on skills you can use the next day at work, not abstract theory. By the end, you should be able to take responsibility for a small team or a defined area of a business and report to senior management with confidence.

Who this suits

This diploma suits people already working in a supervisory or team leader role who want a formal qualification, and people with some work experience who are aiming for their first management job. It also works as a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in business or management, with credit granted for the units you have completed. International students can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after graduating, and while studying you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Check the official page for current unit details, entry requirements and intake dates.

• Team Leader or Supervisor, leading a small team in retail, hospitality, logistics or customer service.
• Office Manager, running the day-to-day administration of a small business or a department.
• Operations Coordinator, organising schedules, resources and reporting for a business unit.
• Project Support Officer, helping manage timelines, budgets and stakeholder communication on projects.
• Frontline Manager, taking responsibility for performance, rostering and workplace safety in service industries.

These roles are found across Australian industries including retail, hospitality, health administration, construction, manufacturing, transport and professional services. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in business or management, where you may receive credit for completed units.