Diploma of Business

The Diploma of Business at the Russo Institute of Higher Education (RIHE) is a one-year qualification that introduces you to how organisations run, from managing money and people to marketing and day-to-day operations. You will study core business areas such as accounting, economics, management, marketing and business communication, building the practical knowledge employers expect from someone entering an administrative or junior management role. The course is delivered over one year of full-time study, and you can confirm the exact unit list, trimester or semester structure, and credit point values on the official RIHE course page.

How the qualification fits together

As an AQF diploma, this course sits between a certificate and a bachelor degree. It is made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points, and you will typically complete them across two or three study periods in the year. The diploma is a standalone qualification, but it can also serve as a pathway: many students use it to gain entry to a bachelor degree with credit for the units they have already passed. If you are considering further study, ask RIHE how much credit the diploma carries toward their bachelor programmes.

What you actually learn

You will learn how to read financial statements, prepare a simple budget, analyse a market, write a business report and work in a team on a practical project. Assessment is a mix of exams, assignments and group work, with some units asking you to apply what you have learned to a real or simulated business case. The skills you pick up, planning, problem-solving, spreadsheet use, professional writing, are the same ones that show up in almost every office job.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a practical business qualification before committing to a full degree, people already working in administration who want a formal credential, and international students looking for an Australian qualification that can lead to further study. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. English requirements for entry are set by RIHE; check the official page for the exact score and accepted tests. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 088834G.

• Administration officer, government departments, universities, healthcare providers and private firms all need people who can keep records, manage schedules and handle correspondence.
• Business support officer, work in operations, HR or finance teams, helping with reporting, invoicing and process improvement.
• Customer service team leader, retail, banking, insurance and telecommunications companies hire diploma graduates to supervise front-line staff.
• Sales and marketing assistant, support campaign delivery, market research and client accounts in agencies or in-house marketing teams.
• Accounts clerk or payroll officer, handle accounts payable, receivable and payroll using accounting software, in small businesses or larger finance departments.
• Small business operator, use the planning and financial skills from the diploma to run your own enterprise.
• Pathway to further study, many graduates continue into a bachelor degree in business, commerce or management, often with credit for completed units.