Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management is a practical, one-and-a-half-year qualification for people who want to run teams, projects and business units. It sits at diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is job-focused and built around what you actually do at work rather than theory for its own sake. You will study how to develop and use emotional intelligence, manage budgets and financial plans, lead and manage effective workplace relationships, manage operational plans, and develop and implement business plans. Assessment is typically a mix of reports, presentations, case studies and simulated workplace tasks, with credit granted for units of study you have already completed at another Australian provider.

Delivery is usually face-to-face in Sydney, with full-time study spread across semesters or trimesters. The course is made up of units of study, each carrying credit points, and you will need to complete all core and elective units to graduate. Some providers build in a work placement or a work-based project where you apply your skills in a real organisation, which is common in business qualifications because employers want to see what you can do, not just what you know. You can expect roughly 20 hours of scheduled classes a week plus your own study time.

The skills you gain are the ones managers use daily: planning and prioritising work, reading financial reports, giving feedback, handling conflict, leading change, and making decisions with incomplete information. You learn to write clearly, run a meeting, and present a business case to senior people. The course suits people already working in a supervisory role who want formal recognition, career changers moving into team leadership, and international students who want an Australian qualification that leads to work.

As an international student on a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, depending on your circumstances. Entry requires English proficiency, commonly IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted as equivalents. Confirm the exact entry requirements, unit list, tuition and start dates on the official CRICOS page before you apply.

• Team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality, logistics or customer service
• Office manager or business administrator in a small to medium enterprise
• Project coordinator or operations assistant in construction, health or government
• Front-line manager in banking, insurance or professional services
• Sales team leader or account coordinator
• Assistant manager in a franchise or multi-site business

Australian employers in these industries hire advanced diploma graduates for their practical management skills. The qualification also gives you credit towards a bachelor degree in business or management at many Australian institutions if you want to keep studying.