Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management is a two-year qualification at Mid City College, listed on the CRICOS register under course code 111234C. It sits at the diploma/advanced diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is a practical, industry-focused qualification rather than a research degree. Most students study full time over four semesters, though some providers offer a trimester calendar that can compress delivery. You will cover areas such as food and beverage operations, front office, housekeeping, rostering and staff supervision, budgeting and financial controls, marketing, and compliance with Australian liquor, gaming and food safety laws. Assessment is usually a mix of practical service tasks, written assignments, case studies and a supervised work placement.

How the course is structured

Australian vocational qualifications are built from units of competency, each with a set number of credit points. To finish the advanced diploma you complete all core units plus a set of electives, and the total credit points must meet the AQF volume-of-learning requirement. Many colleges include a work-integrated learning component, often a minimum number of hours in a hotel, restaurant, events venue or resort. That placement is where you put the theory into practice, running a shift, handling a guest complaint, reconciling a till, or helping plan a function. If you continue to a bachelor degree later, some institutions may grant credit for completed units, but you should confirm this with the receiving university.

Skills you build

You learn to supervise a team, manage rosters and wage costs, control stock and minimise waste, interpret financial reports, and apply responsible service of alcohol and gambling rules. You also practise communication with guests and staff from different backgrounds, and learn how to handle pressure during peak service. These are the same skills that hospitality employers in Australia look for when they promote someone into a duty manager or supervisor role.

Who it suits

This course suits people who want to move into supervisory or management positions in hotels, restaurants, clubs, catering companies or event venues, and who prefer hands-on learning over a purely academic degree. It also works for international students who want an Australian qualification with a strong practical focus. If you are applying from overseas, you will need to meet the college's English requirement, typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for this level, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced or the college's own English programme accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. On a student visa you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available if you meet the requirements. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, and you should check the official course page for the current unit list, intake dates and fees.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor, hotels, motels, resorts, pubs and clubs
• Food and beverage supervisor, restaurants, cafes, catering companies and function centres
• Front office supervisor, reception, reservations and guest services teams
• Housekeeping supervisor, accommodation providers and serviced apartments
• Events or banquets coordinator, conference venues, wineries and event hire companies
• Restaurant or cafe manager, independent venues and hospitality groups
• Gaming or bar supervisor, licensed clubs and hotels (subject to state licensing rules)

These roles are found across Australia's tourism, accommodation, food service and events industries. Employers range from small family-run venues to large hotel groups and catering contractors. Some graduates go on to run their own small hospitality business, though that usually means meeting additional local council and liquor licensing requirements.