Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management is a practical qualification for people who want to run teams, projects and operations. It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is built around applied skills rather than academic theory. You study how to lead people, manage budgets, develop business plans, oversee workplace safety and improve operational performance. At The Queensland Institute of Commerce and Technology, the course runs for 1.5 years and is registered on CRICOS for international students (course code 111564G).

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are usually delivered in semesters or trimesters. You enrol in units of study, each worth credit points, and you need to complete all required units to graduate. The exact unit list, credit point values and semester sequence are set by the institute, so check the official course page for the current structure. Assessment is typically a mix of assignments, case studies, projects and practical tasks. Some institutes include a work placement or industry project as part of the course, which gives you direct experience in an Australian workplace. If placement is part of this programme, it will be listed in the course details.

What you actually learn

You cover the day-to-day work of a manager: leading and motivating a team, managing conflict, planning and monitoring work, managing finances, and complying with workplace laws. You also look at how to develop and implement business plans, manage risk, and improve systems. The focus is on making decisions and solving problems, not just memorising theory. By the end, you should be able to step into a supervisory role and handle the responsibilities that come with it.

Who it suits

This course suits people already working in business who want to move into a team leader or supervisor role, or those with some study or work experience who want a shorter, job-focused qualification instead of a full degree. It also works for international students who want an Australian qualification that leads to practical employment. If you are considering it, confirm the entry requirements, English level and unit details with the institute directly. The published English requirement for international applicants is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa, so check both.

Studying in Australia

As an international student on a Student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session. After you finish, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period. The institute is based in Queensland, and the course is registered on CRICOS, which means it meets the standards for international students. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. For exact fees, intake dates and unit information, go to the official course page.

• Team Leader or Supervisor: Manage a small team, allocate work and monitor performance in retail, hospitality, manufacturing or office environments.
• Office Manager: Oversee administrative operations, budgets and staff in small to medium businesses.
• Project Coordinator: Support project planning, scheduling and reporting in construction, IT or government.
• Operations Coordinator: Coordinate daily operations, resources and compliance in logistics, healthcare or community services.
• Business Development Officer: Identify opportunities, prepare proposals and manage client relationships.
• Retail Manager: Run a store or department, manage stock, sales targets and staff rosters.
• Frontline Manager in Government or Not-for-Profit: Lead a service team, manage budgets and report on outcomes.

These roles are common across Australian industries including retail, hospitality, health administration, construction, manufacturing, government and community services. The qualification also gives you credit towards further study, such as a bachelor degree in business or management, if you decide to continue.