Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management

This Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management is a one-year qualification delivered by Malvern International College and Central Melbourne Institute in Melbourne. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's a practical, job-focused course rather than a research degree. You'll study core areas of business administration: managing teams, leading people, budgeting and financial plans, operational planning, risk management, workplace relationships, and change. Assessment is mostly assignments, case studies, and simulated workplace projects, not long exams.

Australian diplomas are usually made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points, and delivered across semesters or trimesters. The exact unit list is set by the college, so check the official course page on the CRICOS register (course code 105986B) for the current structure. The course is designed for people who want management skills without committing to a three-year bachelor degree. If you later want to continue studying, credit may be granted towards a bachelor degree, but that depends on the receiving institution's rules.

You'll build skills in leading a team, managing performance, preparing budgets, implementing operational plans, and handling workplace conflict. These are the things employers actually ask for in supervisory and middle-management roles. The course is delivered in Melbourne, so you'll be studying in a city with a large business services sector and plenty of part-time work in hospitality, retail, and administration while you study. As an international student on a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course.

Who is this for? People already working in a junior role who want to move into team leader or supervisor positions. People with trade or technical backgrounds who need management training. And international students who want an Australian qualification in business without the time and cost of a full degree. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. Confirm the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs. English entry is typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or an accepted equivalent, but the Student visa itself has a separate English requirement set by the Department of Home Affairs. Always check the official CRICOS page for the exact tuition, intake dates, and English requirements before applying.

• Team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality, or customer service
• Office manager or administration manager
• Operations coordinator in logistics, manufacturing, or professional services
• Assistant manager in small to medium businesses
• Project support officer
• Business development coordinator
• Frontline manager in health, education, or government administration

These roles are common across Australian industries including retail, hospitality, business services, logistics, construction, and community services. Employers range from small local businesses to large national organisations and government departments.