Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Diploma of Leadership and Management is a one-year qualification for people who want to step into team leader or supervisor roles, or who already hold one and want to do it better. It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's practical and job-focused rather than academic theory for its own sake. You'll study how to manage budgets and financial plans, lead and develop teams, manage projects, handle workplace relationships, and support innovation and change. Assessment is typically a mix of written tasks, case studies, role plays and simulated workplace projects.

How the course is structured

This is a vocational qualification, so it's built around units of competency rather than semesters and credit points. You'll complete a set number of core and elective units, usually delivered over two or three study periods across the year. Some providers offer weekday, evening or online delivery, and many let you start in several intakes through the year. Because it's competency-based, you progress when you can demonstrate the required skills, not just when you pass an exam. There's no research thesis at this level. The closest thing to a capstone is a project or portfolio unit where you apply what you've learned to a real or simulated workplace problem.

Work-integrated learning and skills you gain

Work-integrated learning varies by provider. Some arrange a placement or industry project; others build workplace-based assessment into the units, which means you can use your current job as evidence if you're already employed. Either way, the point is to leave with something you can show an employer. You'll finish with skills in delegating, giving feedback, reading a profit and loss statement, running a meeting, managing a small project and dealing with conflict. Those are the things that come up daily in a supervisor role.

Who it suits

This diploma suits three groups: people already working who want formal recognition before going for a team leader job, career changers moving into management, and international students who want an Australian qualification that leads to work. Entry requirements are usually completion of Year 12 or equivalent, though providers often accept relevant work experience instead. International applicants need to meet English requirements, the published standard for courses at this level is often IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa, which is separate from the college's requirement. If you hold a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, and you should confirm fees, intakes and unit lists directly with the provider on the official page.

• Team leader or supervisor, retail, hospitality, logistics, manufacturing, community services
• Office or administration manager, small and medium businesses, professional services firms
• Frontline manager, customer service, call centres, health administration
• Project coordinator, construction, events, marketing, government agencies
• Operations coordinator, transport, warehousing, facilities management
• Assistant manager, retail chains, food and beverage outlets, tourism operators

These roles are found across most Australian industries. The diploma also gives you a pathway into higher qualifications if you want to keep going, many graduates use it as credit towards a bachelor degree in business or management.