Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a practical, one-and-a-half-year qualification for people who want to work in hotels, restaurants, events, clubs or catering. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which means it's a hands-on, vocational qualification rather than a university degree. You'll learn the day-to-day realities of running hospitality operations: how to manage staff, handle food safety, control stock and costs, deliver customer service, and plan events or functions. The course is delivered by Kangaroo International College Pty Ltd, and the CRICOS course code is 112959B.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. You'll typically complete a mix of core units (the essentials everyone must do) and elective units that let you focus on areas like food and beverage, housekeeping, or event coordination. The course runs for 1.5 years, which usually means three or four study periods depending on whether the college uses semesters or trimesters. Assessment is competency-based: you need to show you can actually perform the tasks, not just pass a written exam. Many units include practical work in a simulated or real hospitality setting, and some include a work placement where you spend time in a commercial venue. That placement is where you put your skills to work under real pressure.

What you'll learn

You'll cover the basics of hospitality operations: rostering, budgeting, compliance with health and safety rules, and how to lead a team. You'll also learn how to deal with customers, manage difficult situations, and keep a venue profitable. Communication, problem-solving and time management are built into the units because hospitality is a people business. The course is taught in a way that prepares you for supervisory or team-leader roles, not just entry-level jobs. You'll finish with a portfolio of skills you can show an employer.

Who it's for

This diploma suits people who want to move into hospitality management without committing to a three-year bachelor degree. It's also a good option if you're already working in the industry and want a formal qualification to step up into a supervisor or duty manager role. International students should note the English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, and the college accepts TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and its own English programmes as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself. While you study, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia. Always check the official CRICOS page and the college's website for the most current details on tuition, start dates and entry requirements.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor in a hotel, motel or resort
• Food and beverage supervisor or restaurant manager
• Event or functions coordinator
• Front office supervisor
• Housekeeping supervisor
• Catering manager or club operations supervisor

These roles are found across Australia's hospitality industry: hotels and resorts, pubs and bars, restaurants, clubs, event venues, catering companies and aged-care or hospital food services. The diploma also gives you credit toward further study, such as a bachelor degree in hospitality or business, if you want to keep going.