Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in hotels, restaurants, resorts, clubs and catering operations. You learn how to run a shift, manage a team, control stock and costs, and look after guests. Typical units cover food and beverage service, front office, housekeeping, food safety, rostering, budgeting, and leading staff. Assessment is practical as well as written, so you spend time in training kitchens and service areas as well as in a classroom.

Australian diplomas sit at level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. They are made up of units of study, each carrying credit points, and are usually delivered over two or three study periods a year. Some providers run semesters, others trimesters. The course is delivered at Australian Ideal College and is registered on CRICOS as 102547E. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. International students should check the official course page for unit lists, intake dates and the exact fee.

Work-integrated learning is a normal part of hospitality training. You may complete a placement or work in a commercial kitchen or service outlet on campus, and many students take paid casual work in cafes, hotels or events alongside study. This is where the skills become real: taking a booking, handling a complaint, balancing a till, briefing a team before a busy service. You also learn to follow Australian food safety and responsible service of alcohol rules, which matter in every venue.

Entry is open to school leavers and to people changing careers. International applicants need to evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall is the common standard for undergraduate and coursework postgraduate courses, though teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work ask for 7.0 to 7.5. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the college's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself, so check both.

While studying, a Student visa usually allows 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Confirm all details with the college and the Department of Home Affairs before you apply.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor in a hotel, motel or resort
• Food and beverage supervisor or restaurant manager
• Front office supervisor or guest services agent
• Housekeeping supervisor
• Banquet or events coordinator
• Cafe or bar manager
• Club operations supervisor
• Catering coordinator in aged care, hospitals or schools

These roles are found across Australia in hotels, pubs, clubs, restaurants, resorts, event venues, airlines, and contract catering companies. The diploma also gives you credit towards further study, such as a bachelor degree in hospitality or business, if you want to move into operations management or ownership.