Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a two-year qualification that prepares you to work in hotels, restaurants, clubs, resorts and catering operations. You learn how to run a food and beverage service, manage front office and housekeeping, control stock and costs, roster and lead staff, and keep customers safe and happy. Subjects cover hospitality operations, food and beverage management, accommodation services, marketing, finance, human resources and legal compliance. Assessment is practical: you plan and run service periods, handle complaints, write rosters and budgets, and complete a work placement in a real venue where you apply what you have learned. The course is delivered by Aim Institute Pty Ltd and is registered on CRICOS for international students (course code 112327A).

How the qualification is structured

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 of the Australian Qualifications Framework. A diploma is typically one to two years of full-time study, made up of units of study, each with a credit point value. At Aim Institute, the two-year structure usually means four study periods, with breaks between them. You will complete core units in hospitality operations and management, plus electives that let you specialise in areas such as food and beverage, accommodation or events. The final stage often includes a capstone unit or a supervised work placement where you bring your skills together in a commercial setting. Credit may be granted for prior study or relevant work experience, which can shorten the course.

Skills you gain

You will learn to manage a shift, lead a team, deal with difficult customers, manage stock and suppliers, interpret financial reports, and apply food safety and licensing rules. You also practise the day-to-day tasks that employers expect: taking bookings, coordinating housekeeping, planning menus, controlling costs and using hospitality technology. Communication, problem-solving and leadership are built into every unit. By the end, you should be ready to step into a supervisory or team leader role and, with experience, move into management.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want a practical, hands-on career in hospitality and are ready to work shifts, weekends and public holidays. It is a good fit if you have some industry experience and want formal recognition, or if you are starting out and prefer learning by doing rather than a purely academic degree. International students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and after graduating may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on the rules at the time. English requirements are published on the official page; check the CRICOS register and the Aim Institute website for current tuition, intake dates, English equivalents and credit arrangements.

• Food and beverage supervisor or manager
• Front office supervisor or duty manager
• Housekeeping supervisor
• Restaurant or café manager
• Banquet or events coordinator
• Club or pub duty manager
• Hospitality team leader
• Shift manager in hotels, resorts, catering companies, aged care or airline catering

These roles are found across Australia in hotels, resorts, restaurants, clubs, pubs, event venues, catering companies and tourism operations. The diploma also gives you credit towards further study, such as a bachelor degree in hospitality or business, where you can build on your units and credit points.