Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business is a one-year qualification that sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework. It's a practical entry point into business study, and at Imperial Institute of Sydney it's delivered over two or three study periods depending on the intake. You'll cover the basics that every organisation runs on: accounting and budgeting, marketing, managing people, business law, economics, and how to write and present a business case. Assessment is a mix of exams, reports, group projects and presentations, so you're not just memorising theory.

How the course is structured

Diplomas in Australia are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to pass all core units and a set number of electives to graduate. There's no research thesis at this level, but many diplomas include a capstone unit where you work through a simulated business problem from start to finish. Some institutions build in a work placement or industry project; where that exists, it's usually in the second or third study period. You should confirm the exact unit list and any placement requirement on the official course page.

What you'll actually learn

By the end you should be able to read a set of financial statements, put together a simple budget, run a small team, write a marketing plan, and explain the legal and ethical rules that apply to business dealings. You'll also get practice in the kind of communication that employers expect: clear emails, short reports, and standing up in front of a group without freezing. These are the skills that let you move into a bachelor degree with credit, or go straight into an entry-level job.

Who it suits

This diploma suits three groups. School leavers who want a supported start before a bachelor degree. People already working in admin, retail or hospitality who want a formal qualification to move into a supervisor or team leader role. And international students who need an Australian qualification that can lead to further study. If you're 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. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 107452E. Check the official page for current fees, intakes and unit details.

• Administration officer or business support officer in government, health or education
• Team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality or logistics
• Accounts payable or receivable clerk
• Marketing assistant or coordinator
• Customer service manager in a small to medium business
• Small business owner or operator
• Pathway into a bachelor degree in business, commerce or management with credit for prior study