Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management at Kentford College is a two-year qualification that prepares you for supervisory and operational roles in hotels, restaurants, clubs, catering companies and event venues. You study how a hospitality business actually runs: food and beverage service, front office and accommodation operations, kitchen management, rostering and staffing, budgeting and cost control, stock and purchasing, and the legal side of serving alcohol and keeping customers safe. Alongside the practical units you cover marketing, customer experience and the supervisory skills you need to lead a team on a busy shift.

How the qualification is structured

The diploma is delivered over two years, typically split into four study periods or semesters. You complete a set number of units of study, each carrying credit points, and you need to pass all required units to graduate. Assessment is a mix of written tasks, practical service and kitchen sessions, projects and workplace-based observation. Many hospitality diplomas include a work placement or industry experience component, because the sector hires on demonstrated skill as much as on paper. Kentford College's arrangement for placement and practical training should be confirmed directly with the college.

Skills you build

By the end you can run a service period, manage a roster and a budget, handle guest complaints, supervise food safety and hygiene, and work within the rules that govern licensed venues. You also practise the softer side of hospitality: communicating with staff and guests, solving problems under pressure, and keeping a team motivated through a long weekend of service. These are the skills employers in pubs, hotels, resorts and event companies look for when they promote someone into a duty manager or supervisor role.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want to move into hospitality management without committing to a full bachelor degree, and those already working in the industry who want a formal qualification to support a promotion. International students should note that the Student visa generally allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available after you finish, depending on your circumstances. English requirements are published by the college and by the Department of Home Affairs for the visa; check the official course page and the CRICOS register for current fees, intake dates and entry details.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor in a hotel, pub or restaurant
• Food and beverage supervisor or restaurant manager
• Front office or reservations supervisor
• Banquet, events or catering coordinator
• Housekeeping supervisor or rooms division team leader
• Kitchen supervisor or chef de partie in a commercial kitchen
• Venue or club operations coordinator
• Bar or gaming supervisor in a licensed venue

These roles sit across Australian hotels and resorts, restaurants and cafes, pubs and clubs, catering companies, event venues, aged care and hospital food services, and tourism operators. Hospitality is one of the largest employers in the country, with steady demand in capital cities and in regional tourism areas.