Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Diploma of Leadership and Management at UNITY SKILLS COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY is a one-year qualification built for people who want to supervise teams, run shifts, or step into middle management. You study how to plan and monitor work, lead a team through change, manage budgets and operational plans, and handle the people side of a business, recruitment, performance conversations, conflict, and workplace relationships. Assessment is practical: you write plans, run projects, present to groups, and work through case studies drawn from real hospitality and service settings.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 on the AQF. This one runs over one year of full-time study, usually split into two or three study periods. You enrol in units of study, each worth credit points, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. The college may offer a mix of face-to-face classes, workshops, and supervised independent work. Some units include a work placement or project where you apply what you have learned in an actual workplace. Confirm the exact unit list, credit points, and placement hours on the official course page.

What you learn

Core skills include leading and managing teams, developing operational plans, managing finances, implementing customer service standards, and promoting innovation. You practise writing reports, running meetings, giving feedback, and solving staffing problems. Group work is common because management is a contact sport. By the end, you should be able to step into a supervisory role and keep a team running smoothly.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people already working in hospitality, retail, or another service industry who want a formal management qualification. It also works for school leavers who want a short, practical pathway into supervisory work rather than a three-year degree. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. Check the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

English and entry

International applicants need to show English proficiency. The college publishes an IELTS Academic requirement of 6.0–6.5 overall, with equivalents accepted from TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, or the college's own English programmes. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. Always confirm entry requirements and tuition on the official CRICOS register entry for course 104346J.

• Team leader or supervisor, hospitality venues, retail stores, call centres, and logistics companies.
• Shift manager, restaurants, hotels, bars, and catering operations.
• Front office or duty manager, hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments.
• Operations coordinator, event companies, tourism operators, and facility management firms.
• Assistant manager, small businesses across retail, food service, and accommodation.
• Customer service manager, banks, insurers, and government service centres.

These roles appear across Australian industries including hospitality, tourism, retail, and business services. The diploma gives you credit toward further study, such as a bachelor degree in business or hospitality management, where you may receive recognition for prior learning. Confirm credit arrangements with the receiving institution.