Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management is a two-year qualification for people who want to run teams, projects and business units rather than just work inside them. At Kensington International College it sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is a practical, industry-facing qualification rather than a research degree. You will spend your time on the things managers actually do: leading people, planning operational budgets, managing risk, improving customer service, developing teams and reporting on performance. Expect units of study that combine written assessment, group work, case studies and role plays, with credit points attached to each unit so you can see how the course adds up.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas and advanced diplomas are usually delivered across semesters or trimesters, with each unit of study carrying a set number of credit points. You enrol in units, pass them, and accumulate credit towards the qualification. The Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management builds from core management subjects into more specialised leadership and operational units. Because it is a vocational qualification, assessment leans on practical tasks, drafting a budget, running a team meeting, preparing a risk management plan, rather than long essays. Some providers build in a work placement or industry project; where that applies, it is arranged as part of your study and gives you a supervisor in a real workplace. Confirm the exact unit list, delivery mode and any placement requirement on the official course page before you apply.

What you learn

You finish with skills in leading and motivating staff, managing operational plans, budgeting and financial reporting, workplace health and safety, risk management, customer service strategy and continuous improvement. You also practise the softer side, giving feedback, handling conflict, communicating with stakeholders and making decisions with incomplete information. These are the skills that let you step from a technical or frontline role into a supervisory one, or strengthen a small business you already run.

Who it suits

This course suits people already working who want a formal management qualification, career changers moving into team leadership, and international students who want an Australian qualification with a practical focus. For international applicants, English proficiency is required, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the college's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. While studying, a student visa generally allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 103700D. Check the official page for current fees, intakes and entry requirements.

• Team leader or supervisor, retail, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing and community services organisations across Australia.
• Operations coordinator, managing schedules, resources and reporting for small and mid-sized businesses.
• Office or business manager, overseeing administration, budgets and staff in professional services firms.
• Project administrator, supporting project managers in construction, IT, events and government contracts.
• Customer service manager, leading frontline teams in banking, insurance, telecommunications and utilities.
• Small business owner or manager, applying planning, finance and people management skills to your own enterprise.