Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Diploma of Leadership and Management is a practical qualification for people who want to step into team leader, supervisor or front-line management roles. Over 39 weeks you work through units of study that cover the day-to-day work of managing people and operations: planning and monitoring work, leading teams, managing budgets and financial plans, building relationships with stakeholders, and handling the performance and development of staff. Assessment is competency-based, which means you show you can do the tasks, not just recall the theory.

How the qualification is structured

As a diploma on the Australian Qualifications Framework, this course sits between a certificate IV and an advanced diploma or bachelor degree. It is delivered over 39 weeks and is made up of units of study, each carrying credit points. Some providers run diplomas across two or three study periods a year, so you may be able to start in more than one intake. You will complete a mix of core and elective units, and many diplomas include a work-based project or placement where you apply your skills in a real workplace. Check the official CRICOS entry for the exact unit list, intakes and credit arrangements.

Skills you build

You learn how to write operational plans, allocate resources, manage risks, lead a diverse team, and give feedback that improves performance. Communication and problem-solving are threaded through every unit. By the end, you should be able to step into a supervisory role and contribute to workplace planning and decision-making. The course suits people already working in a team who want formal recognition, career changers moving into management, and international students looking for a shorter Australian qualification that can lead into further study.

Studying in Australia

Australia has strong demand for supervisors and managers across retail, hospitality, health administration, construction, logistics and community services. While you study, a Student visa generally allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available if you meet the requirements, confirm the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs. English proficiency is required for entry; the common standard is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the provider's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Student visa has a separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, and you should confirm all details on the official page before applying.

• Team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality, warehousing or customer service
• Office or administration manager
• Front-line manager in health, aged care or community services
• Project support officer or coordinator
• Sales team leader
• Operations coordinator in transport, logistics or manufacturing

These roles are found across Australian industries including retail trade, accommodation and food services, health care and social assistance, construction, transport and logistics, and public administration. The diploma also provides a pathway into further study, such as an advanced diploma or bachelor degree in business or management.