Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication

The Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication at Canberra College of Management and Technology is a practical, one-and-a-half-year qualification for people who want to work in marketing, advertising, public relations or communications. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is built around job-ready skills rather than academic theory alone. You study how to plan campaigns, write for different audiences, manage social media and digital channels, interpret market research, and coordinate communication across an organisation.

How the course is structured

Australian qualifications at this level are organised into units of study, each carrying credit points. You will usually complete a set number of core units plus electives, with assessment based on projects, presentations, reports and practical tasks rather than exams alone. The course is delivered over three or four study periods (semesters or trimesters) across 1.5 years. Many advanced diplomas include a work-integrated learning component, such as an industry project or placement, where you apply your skills in a real workplace. You should confirm the exact unit list, delivery mode and any placement requirements on the official page or with the college directly.

What you will actually learn

You will learn to build a marketing plan from scratch: researching a market, defining an audience, setting objectives, choosing channels, and measuring results. On the communication side, you will practise writing copy for websites, social media, media releases and internal announcements. You will also cover budgeting, client management, and the legal and ethical rules that apply to advertising and privacy in Australia. Group work is common, because marketing teams rarely operate solo.

Who it suits

This course suits school leavers who want a fast route into the workforce, career changers moving into marketing or communications, and people already working in related roles who need a formal qualification. It also provides a pathway into a bachelor degree, often with credit for prior study. If you are an international student, you will need to meet the college's English requirements, typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for this level, and the separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register; check the official page for current figures and intake dates.

• Marketing coordinator, planning and executing campaigns for businesses, not-for-profits and government agencies.
• Digital marketing assistant, managing social media, email marketing and online advertising for agencies or in-house teams.
• Communications officer, writing media releases, newsletters and internal communications for corporations, councils or NGOs.
• Public relations assistant, supporting media relations, event coordination and stakeholder communication.
• Advertising account coordinator, liaising between clients and creative teams in advertising or media agencies.
• Sales and marketing support, helping sales teams with collateral, lead generation and customer research across retail, technology and professional services.

These roles exist in almost every Australian industry, from tourism and hospitality to healthcare, education and government. The advanced diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in marketing or communication, with credit for your completed units.