Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management

The Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management at William Angliss Institute is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in the travel and tourism industry, or who already work in it and want formal recognition of their skills. William Angliss Institute is a specialist institution in hospitality, tourism and foods, so the teaching is grounded in the day-to-day realities of the industry rather than general business theory. You study how travel products are sold and managed, how tourism businesses operate, how to deal with customers and suppliers, and how to handle the operational and financial side of a tourism enterprise.

Australian diplomas sit at level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework, one step below a bachelor degree. The course is delivered over one year full time, usually across two semesters or trimesters, and is made up of units of study with credit points attached to each. There is a strong practical element. Tourism is a field where work-integrated learning matters, so you can expect industry-based projects, case studies drawn from real operators, and possibly a placement or simulated workplace tasks depending on the units you choose. Assessment is a mix of assignments, practical tasks and exams rather than purely theoretical work.

Skills you pick up include interpreting tourism trends, preparing and costing travel packages, managing bookings and reservations, applying marketing and customer service principles, understanding legal and safety obligations, and using industry software and systems. You also learn how to communicate with clients from different backgrounds and how to solve problems when travel plans go wrong, which is a daily reality in the sector. By the end you should be able to step into a supervisory or coordination role, or use the diploma as a pathway into further study.

This course suits school leavers who want a faster route into work than a three-year degree, career changers who want to move into travel and tourism, and people already in the industry who want a recognised qualification to move up. International students should note the English requirement: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and after graduating you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register, and you should confirm all details on the official page before applying.

• Travel consultant or travel agent in retail agencies and online travel businesses
• Tour coordinator or operations assistant with tour operators and inbound travel companies
• Reservations agent or bookings coordinator in hotels, resorts and airlines
• Customer service or guest relations officer in tourism attractions and visitor centres
• Destination or visitor information officer with local tourism organisations
• Assistant manager or team leader in a travel or tourism business
• Sales and marketing assistant for tourism products and experiences

Australia's tourism industry is a major employer, with jobs spread across capital cities, regional destinations and the outback. Employers range from large travel groups and airlines to small tour operators, cruise companies, hotels and government tourism bodies. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in tourism or business, where you may receive credit for some units.