Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management at West Melbourne Institute of Technology is a one-year qualification for people who want to run teams, projects and business units. It sits at the diploma/advanced diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, so it's practical and job-focused rather than academic. You'll study how to develop and use emotional intelligence, manage budgets and financial plans, lead and manage team effectiveness, manage operational plans, and implement and monitor work health and safety practices. The course also covers risk management, continuous improvement, and managing meetings and workplace relationships.

How the course is structured

Vocational qualifications like this one are usually delivered in semesters or trimesters, with each unit of study carrying credit points. You'll complete a set number of core and elective units to reach the required credit points for the qualification. The exact unit list and credit point values are set out in the official course documentation, so check the CRICOS register and the institute's handbook for the current structure. Assessment is likely to include practical tasks, case studies, role plays, projects and written assignments rather than exams alone. Some units may be delivered online or in a blended format, but the official page will confirm the delivery mode.

Skills you'll gain

You'll learn how to lead a team through change, manage a budget, plan and monitor operational work, and deal with difficult workplace situations. You'll also practise analysing information, making decisions, and communicating with people from different backgrounds. The focus is on applying these skills in real workplaces, so you can take them into a supervisory or management role straight away. Group work and simulated workplace tasks are common, which helps build the confidence to manage people and projects.

Who it suits

This course suits people who already have some work experience and want to move into a team leader, supervisor or middle management role. It also suits recent school leavers who want a practical business qualification rather than a three-year degree. If you're an international student, you'll need to meet the English requirement, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, and equivalent tests like TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced are accepted. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Confirm all details, including unit selection and credit points, on the official page before you apply.

• Team leader or supervisor, in retail, hospitality, manufacturing, or office administration, managing a small team and reporting to a manager.
• Office manager, in small to medium businesses, professional services firms, or government agencies, overseeing daily operations and administrative staff.
• Project coordinator, in construction, IT, events, or marketing, supporting project managers with schedules, budgets, and documentation.
• Operations coordinator, in logistics, transport, or warehousing, helping to plan and monitor operational activities.
• Customer service manager, in banking, telecommunications, or utilities, leading a customer service team and handling escalations.
• Business development officer, in sales and marketing, identifying new business opportunities and managing client relationships.

These roles are found across Australian industries including retail trade, accommodation and food services, manufacturing, construction, professional services, and government. The qualification can also be a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor's degree in business or management, with credit for prior learning depending on the institution.