Diploma of Hospitality Management

The Diploma of Hospitality Management is a practical qualification for people who want to run food and beverage operations, front office, housekeeping or events. You learn how hospitality businesses actually work: rostering and labour costs, stock control and purchasing, food safety and hygiene, responsible service of alcohol, customer service, budgeting, and leading a team on a shift. Assessment is competency-based, so you demonstrate skills rather than sit traditional exams, planning a menu, costing a function, resolving a guest complaint, managing a roster.

This is an AQF diploma, usually delivered over 1.5 years across semesters or trimesters. It is made up of units of competency, each carrying credit points, and many providers build in a work placement or industry hours component because hospitality is learned on the floor as much as in a classroom. Some students use the diploma as a pathway into a bachelor degree in hospitality, tourism or business, with credit for completed units.

The course suits school leavers who want a fast route into supervisory work, career changers moving into hotels, restaurants, clubs or catering, and international students who want an Australian qualification with a strong practical element. You will need to meet the English requirement published for the course, commonly IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the provider's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. Note that the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students on a Student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, which many use to gain paid experience in cafes, hotels and events. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 115341A. Check the official page for current entry requirements, unit structure and intake dates.

• Duty manager or shift supervisor in hotels, restaurants, pubs and clubs
• Food and beverage supervisor or restaurant manager
• Front office supervisor or guest services coordinator
• Housekeeping supervisor
• Events and functions coordinator
• Bar or gaming venue supervisor
• Catering coordinator in aged care, hospitals, airlines or corporate settings
• Small hospitality business owner or operator

Australian employers in accommodation, food and beverage, tourism, events, clubs and catering hire diploma graduates for supervisory and operational roles. The qualification also provides a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in hospitality management or business.