Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a one-year qualification delivered by the Australian Academy of Hospitality and Management. It is a hands-on course that prepares you for supervisory and operational roles in hotels, restaurants, resorts, events, and food and beverage outlets. You will study the practical and business sides of hospitality: how to manage a team on a shift, control stock and costs, plan and run events, handle customer complaints, and keep a venue compliant with Australian health, safety and licensing rules. Assessment is competency-based, which means you are judged on what you can actually do, not just what you can write in an exam.

How the course is structured

As a diploma, this qualification sits at Level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It is normally delivered over two or three study periods across a year, depending on the intake schedule. You complete a set number of units of study, each carrying credit points, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. Many units include a practical component, so expect to spend time in a training kitchen, a simulated restaurant, or a real venue. Some providers arrange a work placement or industry internship as part of the course, which gives you supervised hours in a working hospitality business. If you are considering further study, a diploma can often be credited towards a bachelor degree in hospitality, tourism, or business, though you should confirm the exact credit arrangements with the receiving institution.

What you will learn

You will learn how to roster and supervise staff, manage budgets and financial reports, implement food safety programs, plan and monitor event operations, and deal with difficult customers calmly. There is also a strong focus on service quality, cultural awareness, and the legal responsibilities that come with serving alcohol and managing premises. The teaching is practical and workplace-focused, so you will spend a lot of time working in teams, solving problems on the spot, and getting feedback on your technique. By the end, you should be able to step into a shift supervisor role and keep a venue running smoothly.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want to move into hospitality management quickly rather than complete a three-year degree. It works well if you already have some experience waiting tables, working in a bar, or helping run events, and you want formal recognition to move up. It also suits career changers who are good with people and want a practical, job-ready qualification. International students should note that Australian student visas usually allow up to 48 hours of work per fortnight during study periods, which is useful for gaining local experience. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your visa circumstances. English requirements for this course are set at IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or an accepted equivalent, but always check the official CRICOS listing and the Academy's own page for the exact entry criteria, tuition, and intake dates.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor – overseeing daily operations in hotels, motels, and resorts.
• Restaurant or cafe manager – running front-of-house, rostering staff, and managing costs.
• Food and beverage supervisor – coordinating service in bars, clubs, and function venues.
• Events coordinator – planning and delivering conferences, weddings, and corporate functions.
• Front office supervisor – managing reservations, check-in, and guest relations.
• Housekeeping supervisor – leading room attendants and maintaining quality standards.
• Banquet or catering coordinator – organising food service for large groups and events.
• Venue or club operations assistant – supporting compliance, stock control, and staff training.

These roles are found across Australia in hotels, resorts, pubs, restaurants, aged care and hospital catering, stadiums, and event companies. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in hospitality management or business, where you may receive credit for completed units.