Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a two-year qualification that prepares you for supervisory and operational roles in hotels, restaurants, resorts, clubs, and event venues. You'll learn how to manage a team, run a busy service period, control stock and costs, plan menus, and meet the legal and safety requirements that apply to food and beverage businesses in Australia. The course mixes practical kitchen and service skills with the management side of the industry, so you finish with both hands-on ability and the confidence to lead a shift.

How the qualification is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. At this level, you typically complete a sequence of core and elective units across four or six study periods (semesters or trimesters), depending on the provider's timetable. Assessment is usually a mix of practical service tasks, written assignments, projects, and workplace-based observations. Some providers build in a work placement or industry internship, which gives you supervised hours in a real hospitality setting, a pub, hotel, function centre, or restaurant, where you apply what you've learned.

What you'll actually study

Expect to cover food and beverage operations, housekeeping supervision, front office procedures, rostering and staff performance, budgeting and financial reporting, marketing, and compliance with liquor, gaming, and food safety laws. You'll also look at customer service standards, conflict resolution, and how to manage diverse teams. Many units are delivered in a training kitchen or simulated restaurant, so you spend time on your feet, not just in a classroom. The diploma sits at the same AQF level as other diplomas, and if you continue to an advanced diploma or bachelor degree, you may receive credit for some units.

Who it suits and what you need

This course suits people who want a management career in hospitality and prefer a practical, industry-focused pathway rather than a three-year degree. It's also a good fit if you're already working in the sector and want formal recognition to move into a supervisor or duty manager role. International applicants need to meet English requirements, typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight once your course has started. 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 for a period. Always confirm entry requirements, English equivalents, and visa conditions on the official pages for Pakenham Institute and the CRICOS register.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor, hotels, motels, resorts, and clubs across Australia.
• Food and beverage supervisor, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and catering companies.
• Front office supervisor, reception and reservations teams in accommodation properties.
• Housekeeping supervisor, managing room attendants and cleaning schedules in hotels and serviced apartments.
• Events or functions coordinator, conference centres, wineries, and event venues.
• Restaurant or venue manager, small to medium hospitality businesses, including licensed venues.
• Bar or gaming supervisor, clubs and pubs with gaming facilities, subject to state licensing.

These roles exist in every state and territory, from city hotels to regional tourism operators. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, such as an advanced diploma or a bachelor degree in hospitality or business, where you may receive credit for completed units.