Let's look at the best options in Australia for studying to be a manager and leader.
Course Overview
The Diploma of Leadership and Management is a vocational qualification for current and future leaders and managers. Students gain essential skills to effectively lead and manage in different types of organisations. It's an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their leadership capabilities or to step into managerial roles.
The course covers key areas such as leadership theory and practice, effective communication, conflict resolution, and financial management. You'll also explore project management and risk management. These subjects provide a high-level understanding of business administration.
Offered by TAFEs, colleges and universities, the diploma can be completed in 12-18 months. It's available in different formats, including online and in-class. The entry requirements vary, with some providers asking for a Certificate IV or relevant work experience, while others have more open enrolment policies. Completing the diploma can open pathways for further studies at university level.
What Does this Qualificaton Do?
A Diploma of Leadership and Management can help advance your career in many ways. A key advantage is skill development and on-the-job productivity. You'll come away with insights, strategies and practical skills to perform at a higher level.
This kind of certification is important to qualify you for senior roles. Credentials gives you a clear advantage – or neutralise any disadvantage – compared to the competition. It shows employers that you're thinking about how to be a manager and know relevant strategies and techniques.
Graduates have learned how to approach organisational and director tasks in a structured way. The knowledge gained is especially handy for job interviews. You'll be more fluent in talking about how to lead and what your experiences and approaches are.
Related: Why Study Leadership and Management?
Online Courses in Australia
Good leadership courses are engaging. They make smart use of technology and connect theory to what managers do on a daily basis. We've chosen the best online courses based on features, flexibility and cost. These are also nationally recognised qualifications.
Edmund Barton College
The Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420) from Edmund Barton College is a self-paced course that really delivers. You can construct your own course, with a good selection of elective units to choose from. There are no entry requirements and you can start any time. Graduates earn a nationally recognised qualification. Topics include planning, emotional intelligence, relationship building, performance management, budgeting and workplace safety.
Australian College of Commerce and Management
The Australian College of Commerce and Management has online courses in Leadership and Management at the Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels. Students gain access to an exceptional range of elective subjects. By studying with ACCM, you get strong student support services to help you succeed. These include a dedicated student adviser, the ability to study anytime, and choice about how you receive course content. Tuition fees are also competitive.
Related: Best Business Courses Online in Australia
Study Online
Studying online is the easiest way to gain a management and leadership diploma or similar award. You can complete a course 100% online from anywhere you like, such as home or work.
Learning about planning and strategy is the essence of management training. You can do this effectively on a digital platform. Online courses cover the same topics as you would in a physical classroom. The programs are usually self-paced, meaning you work through content independently.
The courses are ideal for busy people who may be working full-time. Most people who study how to lead don't have time to waste attending classes. Distance learning has become the preferred way to do management training in Australia.
Related: Online Study in Australia
What You'll Study (Course Units)
As of 27 December 2023, BSB50420 is the latest training qualification for Australia that we call a "Diploma of Leadership and Management" in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. The qualification is 12 units long, the same as existing versions.
For this diploma, your college may have a fixed set of units or allow you to choose from a wider selection. In total, the course consists of 6 core units and you have 26 electives to choose from.
The 6 core units for BSB50420 are:
- BSBCMM511 Communicate with influence
- BSBCRT511 Develop critical thinking in others
- BSBLDR523 Lead and manage effective workplace relationships
- BSBOPS502 Manage business operational plans
- BSBPEF502 Develop and use emotional intelligence
- BSBTWK502 Manage team effectiveness
Another 26 elective units are available:
- BSBCMM412 Lead difficult conversations
- BSBCRT512 Originate and develop concepts
- BSBFIN501 Manage budgets and financial plans
- BSBFIN502 Manage financial compliance
- BSBHRM522 Manage employee and industrial relations
- BSBHRM524 Coordinate workforce plan implementation
- BSBHRM531 Coordinate health and wellness programs
- BSBLDR521 Lead the development of diverse workforces
- BSBLDR522 Manage people performance
- BSBOPS501 Manage business resources
- BSBOPS503 Develop administrative systems
- BSBOPS504 Manage business risk
- BSBOPS505 Manage organisational customer service
- BSBPEF501 Manage personal and professional development
- BSBSTR501 Establish innovative work environments
- BSBSTR502 Facilitate continuous improvement
- BSBSTR503 Develop organisational policy
- BSBSUS511 Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability
- BSBTWK501 Lead diversity and inclusion
- BSBTWK503 Manage meetings
- BSBWHS521 Ensure a safe workplace for a work area
- BSBXBD501 Develop big data strategy
- BSBXCM501 Lead communication in the workplace
- BSBXDB501 Support staff members with disability in the workplace
- BSBXDB502 Adapt organisations to enhance accessibility for people with disability
- SIRXOSM007 Manage risk to organisational reputation in an online setting.
Career Opportunities
Management is a potential career path for many people. You're a potential candidate if you have good professional knowledge, work well with people, and have administration skills. Training will prepare you for roles such as:
- analysis and research activity (Head of Research)
- budget development (Finance Manager)
- customer services (Sales Team Leader)
- handling large projects (Project Leader)
- managing individual or team performance (Supervisor, Team Leader)
- marketing (Marketing Manager)
- plant and equipment (Facilities Manager)
- recruitment (HR Manager)
- workplace safety (Safety Manager).
Studying the management discipline only enhances your prospects. You'll learn the best management approaches from a diploma course, which can be invaluable early in your career.
Thinking like a manager is how you develop your skills in the workplace. The training helps you communicate strategies when going for jobs. You also can hit the ground running when moving up to a higher level.
Related: Top 10 Business Management Careers
Job examples
Real examples of job openings for course graduates. Snippets from job ads. Positions may now be closed.Restaurant Manager – Chopstix Sorrento
We are looking for an experienced, committed and professional Restaurant Manager. This role is full time and a great competitive salary will be offered. Duties include: administering all phases of front-of-house operations (from reservations, to hosting and customer service); planning and organizing special functions; and stock maintenance, purchasing, and adhering to budgets. Qualification: Diploma of Management or equivalent. Must have basic knowledge in accounting and know how to work with Excel.
Retail Business Administrator – Flow Systems Pty Ltd
Flow Systems Pty Ltd is a sustainable utility providing drinking water, recycled water, wastewater services, embedded energy networks and hot water systems to communities. We are seeking a Retail Business Administrator in this diverse role encompassing data analysis and reporting, customer accounts maintenance, customer relations, building set up, and office management tasks. Qualifications, skills and experience: Certificate IV, Diploma or degree in a business discipline desired; proven work experience in a fast-paced and varied administration or customer service role; and experience with Microsoft Office suite, advanced Excel and Word is essential.
Business Support Manager – Hydraulic Doctors Pty Ltd
Work for Canberra's No.1 Hydraulic Engineering Company. We are looking for a dedicated and driven individual who can contribute to overall strategic planning as well as being responsible for overseeing a large range of day to day office functions and business operations. Responsibilities: co-ordination, planning and support of operational and administrative functions; oversee professional reception/phone and customer management; and develop processes /procedures to improve efficiency and meet business goals. Skills and experience: Diploma of Business Administration and a proven track record in office/business management.
Café Manager – The Colombian Coffee Co.
Run day to day operations, including recruiting, hiring and training other members of staff, ensuring facilities are properly maintained, managing stock of all products, and building strong/long-lasting relationships with customers and suppliers. The Cafe Manager will be required to oversee the upkeep of administrative, financial records and reporting of business performance figures against targets. Qualifications: Bachelor of Business, Advanced Diploma of Management or equivalent.
Project Officer – Pimpama Sports Hub
The City of Gold Coast is committed delivering a sporting and community hub like never before. It will become a place for residents and visitors to engage in social, cultural, recreational and educational activities. We’re looking for an experienced Project Coordinator to provide high level project management support and change management to the Business Readiness Project Manager to ensure this new integrated hub is operationally ready to successfully open on time. Essential: Do you have a Diploma of Business Administration, Project Administration or demonstrated equivalent knowledge and experience in a similar role?