Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Diploma of Leadership and Management is a one-year qualification for people who want to supervise teams, run operations or step into a first management role. You study how to plan and monitor work, lead people, manage budgets and resources, and handle the day-to-day problems that come with being in charge. Expect units on workplace communication, performance management, risk, continuous improvement and project work. Assessment is practical: you write plans, run meetings, work through case studies and complete tasks based on real workplace situations.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. This one is delivered over one year of full-time study, usually across two or three study periods depending on the provider. You complete a set number of units of study, each carrying credit points, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. Some providers build in a work placement or workplace-based project so you can apply what you learn in an actual organisation. Perth College of Beauty Therapy and YES College deliver the course in Perth, and the qualification is listed on the CRICOS register under course code 104244D.

What you actually learn

You learn to write operational plans, allocate staff and resources, manage a budget, deal with underperformance, and report on team results. There is a strong focus on communication and on the legal and ethical side of managing people. Group work and role plays are common, because the job is largely about dealing with people. By the end you should be able to walk into a team leader or supervisor role and know what to do in the first week.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a practical management qualification without a three-year degree, and people already working who want formal recognition before going for a promotion. It also works as a pathway: many students use a diploma to gain credit towards a bachelor degree in business or management. If you are 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) after you finish, depending on your circumstances. English requirements vary by provider, check the official page for the exact score you need.

• Team leader or supervisor, retail, hospitality, beauty, health services and contact centres
• Office or administration manager, small business, professional services and government offices
• Operations coordinator, logistics, events and facilities management
• Front office or clinic supervisor, beauty and wellness businesses, medical practices
• Project support officer, construction, IT and community organisations
• Small business owner or manager, running your own operation

These roles are found across Australia in retail, hospitality, health and community services, trades, and government. The diploma also gives you credit towards further study in business or management if you decide to continue.