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 formal recognition for what they do. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree, and is delivered over two or three study periods depending on the provider's calendar. You enrol in units of study, each carrying credit points, and you need to pass the set number of units to graduate. Greenwich English College and Greenwich Management College deliver it to international students on a CRICOS-registered course, code 104165C, so your enrolment is recorded on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.

What you actually study

The coursework is practical. You look at how to plan and monitor your own work and the work of a team, how to manage budgets and financial plans, how to lead and facilitate a team, how to manage operational plans, and how to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders. Assessment is usually a mix of written tasks, case studies, role plays and projects based on real workplace scenarios. There is no research thesis at this level. Some providers include a work placement or a simulated workplace project as part of the course; check the official course page for whether Greenwich requires one and how many hours it involves.

How it fits into the Australian system

A diploma is a recognised stepping stone. Many students use it to enter a bachelor degree with credit for the units they have completed, which shortens the degree. Others use it to move straight into a supervisory job. The Australian business sector hires diploma graduates into team leader, office manager and coordinator roles, and the qualification is also common in retail, hospitality, logistics and community organisations. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, provided you meet the Department of Home Affairs requirements. English entry is typically IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Student visa itself has a separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs.

Who it suits

This course suits someone who has some work experience and wants to move into a leadership role, or a school leaver who wants a shorter, job-focused qualification before deciding on a degree. It also suits people already supervising staff who want a formal credential without committing to three years of study. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Confirm the current unit list, study periods, placement requirements and fees on the official course page before you apply.

• Team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality, logistics or customer service
• Office manager or administration coordinator
• Operations coordinator in a small to medium business
• Front-line manager in community services or not-for-profit organisations
• Project support officer or team coordinator
• Shift manager or department manager in food and beverage
• Business owner or manager of a small enterprise

These roles are found across Australian industries including retail trade, accommodation and food services, transport and warehousing, professional services, health and community services, and government administration. Some graduates continue into a bachelor degree with credit for their diploma units.