Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business at UNITY SKILLS COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY is a one-year qualification that gets you ready for a career in business or further study. It's a practical course covering the basics of how organisations run: managing finances, leading teams, marketing, customer service, and business operations. You'll learn how to read a profit and loss statement, write a business plan, and handle workplace problems. The course is delivered on campus, and you'll be assessed through a mix of assignments, projects, and exams. Because it's a diploma, it sits at level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). That means it's below a bachelor degree but above a certificate IV. It's a good stepping stone if you didn't get the ATAR you wanted, or if you want to try business study before committing to a three-year degree.

How the course is structured

Most diplomas in Australia are made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You'll typically complete eight to twelve units over two or three trimesters. The exact units are set by the college and can change, so check the official course page for the current list. There's no major research project at this level, but you might do a capstone unit where you pull together everything you've learned to solve a real business problem. Some diplomas include a work placement or industry project, which gives you a taste of an Australian workplace. If you're an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while you study, which can help you get local experience.

What you'll actually learn

You'll pick up skills that employers ask for every day: how to manage a budget, how to lead a small team, how to use business software, and how to communicate with customers and colleagues. You'll also learn about workplace law, risk management, and how to analyse business data. The teaching is hands-on. You might run a simulated business, present a marketing plan, or work on a case study with a local company. By the end, you should be able to step into an entry-level role and contribute from day one.

Who it's for

This diploma suits school leavers who want a practical qualification without a three-year commitment. It also works for people already in the workforce who need formal credentials to move up, or for international students who want to study in Australia and then apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. The visa lets you stay and work after you finish, but you need to meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements, including English and health checks. If you're thinking about a bachelor degree later, many Australian universities give credit for diploma study, so you can often start in the second year. Always confirm credit arrangements with the university you're applying to. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register, and you should check the official page for the most up-to-date information on units, fees, and intake dates.

• Administration officer – keep an office running: manage schedules, handle correspondence, and support a team. Hired by small businesses, government departments, and large corporations across Australia.
• Customer service manager – lead a team that handles complaints and enquiries. Common in retail, hospitality, banking, and telecommunications.
• Small business owner – run your own operation, from a café to a trade business. You'll use the budgeting, marketing, and planning skills from the diploma every day.
• Team leader or supervisor – manage a small group of staff in sectors like retail, logistics, or manufacturing. Many employers look for a diploma as a sign you're ready for responsibility.
• Executive assistant – support senior managers with diary management, travel, and reports. Law firms, mining companies, and universities all hire for this role.
• Sales representative – sell products or services to businesses. You'll need to understand profit margins, contracts, and customer relationships.
• Further study – use the diploma as a pathway into a bachelor degree in business, commerce, or management. Many Australian universities offer credit for your diploma units, so you can finish your degree faster.