Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management is a two-year qualification that prepares you to run the show in hotels, restaurants, events and tourism businesses. You'll learn how to manage staff, budgets, stock, compliance and customer experience, and you'll spend real time in commercial kitchens, bars and service areas as part of your training. The course is built around units of study, each with a set credit point value, and you'll usually study full time across semesters or trimesters. Assessment is practical as much as written, you'll be rostered on shifts, complete service periods, and keep a logbook of your hours. Many providers also include a work placement unit where you work in a real venue under supervision.

What you actually study

Core units cover hospitality operations, financial management, human resources, marketing, food and beverage service, and workplace health and safety. You'll learn to write rosters, cost menus, handle complaints, manage liquor licensing requirements, and lead a team through a busy service. Some providers offer a specialisation in accommodation, events or commercial cookery. The final stage often includes a capstone project or a supervised work placement where you apply everything to a real hospitality business. If you're an international student, you'll need to meet English requirements, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, with TOEFL, PTE and Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa.

How it fits together

This qualification sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework. It's a vocational qualification, which means it's hands-on and industry-focused. You'll study units of study, each with a credit point value, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. The two-year duration includes breaks between semesters. Some providers offer a pathway into a bachelor degree with credit for your studies, so you can finish a degree in less time. Check with the provider about credit arrangements and whether the course includes a work placement unit.

Who it suits

This course suits people who want to work in hospitality management, not just front-line service. You might be a chef wanting to move into management, a supervisor looking for formal qualifications, or someone changing careers into hotels, resorts, events or restaurants. It's also a good option if you want a practical qualification that gets you into the workforce quickly. The course is delivered in Australia, and international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Confirm all details, including tuition and English requirements, on the official CRICOS register and the provider's page.

• Hospitality manager, hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, cafes and function centres
• Food and beverage manager, restaurants, bars, clubs and event venues
• Front office manager, hotels and resorts
• Events coordinator, conference centres, catering companies and event management firms
• Restaurant supervisor, casual and fine dining establishments
• Banquet manager, hotels and event spaces
• Tourism operator, tour companies and visitor attractions
• Small business owner, cafes, restaurants and catering businesses

Australia's hospitality and tourism industry employs hundreds of thousands of people across major cities and regional areas. Employers include hotel groups, restaurant chains, catering companies, clubs, pubs, and event venues. The qualification also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in hospitality management or business.