Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Diploma of Leadership and Management at Sapience College is a one-year qualification for people who want to step into team leader or supervisor roles, or who already hold one and want to do it better. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it's practical, job-focused and shorter than a degree. You'll study how to manage teams, plan and monitor work, manage budgets and finances, build relationships with stakeholders, and lead people through change. The emphasis is on what you can actually do at work, not just what you know.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set credit point value. At Sapience College you'll complete a set number of core and elective units over two or three study periods across the year. The exact unit list and credit points are on the official course page and the CRICOS register, so check there before you apply. Assessment is usually a mix of written tasks, case studies, projects and practical simulations. Some units may include a work placement or industry project, which is common in management qualifications because employers want to see you apply what you've learned in a real workplace.

What you'll learn

You'll come out able to write a business plan, manage a team's performance, run a meeting that achieves something, manage a budget, and handle the tricky parts of leadership like giving feedback and dealing with conflict. You'll also learn to think about risk, compliance and continuous improvement. These are the skills that make the difference between someone who is technically good at their job and someone who can lead others to do good work.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who are already working and want a formal qualification to move up, or people who have finished school or a certificate and want a practical, fast route into a supervisory role. It's also a pathway to further study, you may get credit towards a bachelor's degree in business or management, depending on the institution. International students should note that the Student visa allows you to work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. English requirements are IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall or an accepted equivalent. Always confirm current details, including tuition, on the official Sapience College page and the CRICOS register.

• Team Leader or Supervisor, in retail, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics or customer service, where you manage a small team's daily work.
• Office Manager or Administration Manager, in small to medium businesses, professional services or government agencies.
• Project Officer or Coordinator, supporting projects in construction, IT, events or community organisations.
• Frontline Manager, in health administration, aged care or disability services, where you coordinate staff and rosters.
• Small Business Owner or Operator, running your own business with a better grasp of planning, budgets and people management.
• Sales Team Leader, in real estate, automotive, telecommunications or business-to-business sales.

These roles are found across Australia in almost every industry. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor's degree in business or management, where you may receive credit for your completed units.