Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication

The Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication at Wall Street College is a practical, one-and-a-half-year qualification for people who want to work in marketing and communications in Australia. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which means it's shorter and more hands-on than a bachelor degree. You'll study core areas like consumer behaviour, market research, advertising, digital marketing, public relations and campaign planning. The course is built around what employers actually need, so you'll spend time writing briefs, analysing data, creating content and pitching ideas. Assessment is usually a mix of assignments, group projects and presentations, not just exams.

Australian qualifications at this level are structured around units of study, each with a set number of credit points. You'll typically complete around 12 to 16 units over three or four semesters (or trimesters, depending on the college's calendar). Each unit runs for about 12 to 16 weeks. There's often a capstone unit near the end where you bring together everything you've learned into a real or simulated campaign for a client. Some colleges also include a work placement or industry project, which gives you Australian workplace experience before you graduate. You should check the official course page for the exact unit list and structure.

You'll pick up skills that marketing teams ask for every day: how to research a market, segment an audience, plan a campaign across channels, write for different platforms, measure results and work with creative teams. You'll also learn how to use common marketing tools and software. Communication skills are a big part of it, you'll practise presenting, negotiating and writing for business. The course suits school leavers who want a fast route into the industry, career changers, and people already working in marketing who want a formal qualification. It also works as a pathway to a bachelor degree, with credit for your completed units.

International students should note the English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, though some providers may ask for slightly different scores. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the Student visa, so you need to meet both. While you study, your visa usually allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Tuition fees are listed on the CRICOS register, check there and on the official college page for the current amount and start dates.

• Marketing coordinator, plan and run campaigns for agencies, retail chains, or not-for-profits.
• Digital marketing assistant, manage social media, email marketing, and basic analytics for small businesses or in-house teams.
• Communications officer, write media releases, newsletters, and internal communications for government departments, hospitals, or universities.
• Advertising account coordinator, support client relationships and project timelines at advertising or media agencies.
• Public relations assistant, help manage events, media lists, and public messaging for PR firms or corporate affairs teams.
• Sales and marketing support, work with sales teams in real estate, tourism, or technology companies.

These roles are common across Australian industries including retail, hospitality, professional services, government, health, education, and the creative sector. Many graduates start in assistant or coordinator positions and move into specialist or management roles after a few years.