Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management at Salford College is a two-year qualification for people who want to run the show in hotels, restaurants, events and food service. You learn how the industry actually works: rostering and managing staff, costing menus, controlling stock, complying with food safety and liquor licensing, delivering service to paying guests, and handling the paperwork that keeps a venue legal and profitable. It is practical, workplace-facing study rather than a theory-heavy degree.

Australian diplomas sit at Level 5 of the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree and above a Certificate IV. Study is usually organised into semesters or trimesters, with each unit carrying a set number of credit points. You complete the required units, plus electives and, where the qualification includes them, a work placement or industry-based project. Assessment is typically a mix of practical tasks, assignments, projects and exams. Because this is a vocational qualification, much of your learning happens in training kitchens, simulated service environments or on placement in a real venue, and your work is assessed against industry standards.

You finish with skills employers ask for every day: supervising a team, managing rosters and budgets, dealing with customers and complaints, planning functions and events, and understanding workplace health and safety and responsible service of alcohol. You also build the communication and problem-solving habits that hospitality demands, since you will be juggling staff, suppliers and guests at the same time.

This course suits school leavers who want a fast route into supervisory work, career changers moving into hospitality, and people already working in the industry who need formal recognition to step into management. International students should check the official CRICOS listing for current tuition, intake dates, English requirements and any additional entry criteria before applying. Note that the Student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Confirm all details on the official page.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor in hotels, motels, pubs and clubs
• Restaurant or cafe manager, overseeing service, staff and daily takings
• Front office supervisor in accommodation providers
• Events or functions coordinator for venues, conference centres and catering companies
• Food and beverage supervisor in resorts, casinos and large hospitality groups
• Banquet or catering team leader working across weddings, conferences and corporate events
• Small business operator, running your own cafe, takeaway or catering venture

Australian industries that hire these roles include accommodation and hotels, food and beverage service, clubs and pubs, event and function venues, catering companies, tourism operators, and aged care and hospital food services. Hospitality is one of the country's largest employers, with jobs in every state and territory and strong demand in tourist regions.