Diploma of Marketing and Communication

The Diploma of Marketing and Communication is a practical qualification for people who want to work in marketing, advertising, public relations or digital communications. Over 1.5 years, you'll study core areas like consumer behaviour, market research, campaign planning, copywriting, social media strategy, and brand management. Assessment is often project-based, so you might develop a marketing plan for a real or simulated business, pitch a campaign idea, or analyse audience data. The course is delivered by Harbourside Institute of Australia, and you can confirm the exact units and structure on the official CRICOS page.

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). They are typically made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points, and are delivered over semesters or trimesters. The Diploma of Marketing and Communication is a stand-alone qualification that can also serve as a pathway into a bachelor degree, with credit for prior study often available. Some institutions include a work-integrated learning component, such as an internship or industry project, which gives you direct experience. Check the course page for details on placement and credit arrangements.

Skills you'll build include writing for different audiences, using analytics tools to measure campaign performance, managing social media channels, and understanding how to position a product or service. You'll also learn to work in teams, present ideas clearly, and apply ethical and legal frameworks to marketing activities. These are the day-to-day skills employers look for in marketing assistants, coordinators and communications officers.

This diploma suits school leavers who want a hands-on start, career changers moving into marketing, or people already working in a related area who need formal credentials. If you're an international student, you'll need to meet English requirements, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is common for courses at this level, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted as equivalents. The Student visa also has its own English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always confirm the latest details on the official CRICOS page.

• Marketing assistant or coordinator, supports campaign delivery, tracks budgets and schedules, and helps with reporting. Hired by agencies, retail groups, and not-for-profits.
• Social media coordinator, plans and publishes content, monitors engagement, and responds to community comments. Common in digital agencies, e-commerce businesses, and media organisations.
• Communications officer, writes media releases, newsletters, and internal updates. Works in government departments, universities, and large corporations.
• Advertising account coordinator, liaises between clients and creative teams, manages timelines, and assists with briefs. Found in advertising and creative agencies.
• Public relations assistant, helps with media relations, event coordination, and stakeholder communications. Employed by PR consultancies, event companies, and professional associations.
• Digital marketing assistant, assists with SEO, email marketing, and paid social campaigns. Roles exist in almost every industry, from tourism to tech.