Diploma of Business

Diploma of Business - BSB50120

VOCATIONAL

Gain a broad understanding of business with a diploma that will enhance your career.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$11,750 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July, September
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Designed to build on your existing knowledge, the Diploma of Business is tailored to ensure relevance to contemporary work environments.

It will cover personal and team effectiveness, communication with customers, business continuity for sustainability and risk, and business success through planning.

Pathways to your business degree

The Diploma of Business offers students the opportunity to work within various functions of business. It's like a taster to the different things that students may be exposed to within a workplace. 
- Annie Barry, Diploma of Business teacher

Male instructor speaking to four students in grey polo shirts.

Work in elite sport

Love sport? RMIT has partnered with both Essendon Football Club and Cricket Victoria to offer a unique insight into professional sport, get essential industry experience, and gain two qualifications in one.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

You will undertake work-related projects to develop practical skills and apply knowledge, demonstrating your abilities to function effectively in a business role.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes reports, presentations, projects, research, and practical activities, exercises, and assignments.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

In the Diploma of Business you will undertake work-related projects to develop practical skills and apply knowledge, demonstrating your abilities to function effectively in a business role.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

You will study 12 subjects, covering topics including:

  • emotional intelligence 
  • critical thinking
  • marketing
  • social media
  • customer behaviour
  • workplace sustainability and risk management
  • project management
  • managing budgets and business resources
  • communication skills.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Business
Program code: C5406
National curriculum code: BSB50120

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Business
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5406
107881F
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5406
CRICOS
107881F
Diploma of Business
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5406
107881F
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5406
CRICOS
107881F
Diploma of Business
City Campus
1 year
C5406EFC
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year
Plan code
C5406EFC
CRICOS
Diploma of Business
Melb Cricket Education Academy
1 year full-time
C5406MCE
Location
Melb Cricket Education Academy
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5406MCE
CRICOS

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Throughout this diploma, you will develop business communication and professional development skills, with the aim of building on existing knowledge and gaining a broad understanding of a range of business functions.

After graduation, you may choose to transition to further education or employment opportunities. Possible career paths include small business owner, business manager and coordinator-level roles involving business planning, project management, resourcing, marketing or social media. 

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Diploma of Business (Plan code C5406):

Applicants must meet one of the following minimum academic requirements:

OR

  • At least 6 months’ work experience in a related field

 

Essendon Football Club / Cricket Victoria dual Diploma of Business (plan code C5406EFC / C5406MCE) / Diploma of Leadership and Management (plan code C5407EFC / C5407MCE):

Applicants are advised to apply for either the Essendon Football Club C5407EFC plan or Cricket Victoria C5407MCE plan, and if successful, will be made an offer for both the Diploma of Leadership and Management and the Diploma of Business. See Diploma of Leadership and Management for details and admissions requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 or equivalent OR
  • Completion of Post-Secondary Studies (including Certificate III) OR
  • Successful completion of the Australian Senior VCAL Certificate

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grade

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

You can gain entry to this diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry to one of the following RMIT programs when you successfully complete the Diploma of Business:

  • Bachelor of Business
    • you will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) into any major (excluding Business Information Systems) or no major
    • you will receive 1 semester of credit (equivalent to 84 credit points) into the Business Information Systems major
  • Bachelor of Accounting - you will receive 1 semester of credit (equivalent to 72 credit points).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

2023 fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

Diploma of Business (Plan code C5406):

  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$9,000* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$10,500* per annum

Dual Diploma of Business (plan code C5406EFC / C5406MCE) / Diploma of Leadership and Management (plan code C5407EFC / C5407MCE):

Students will undertake and graduate with two qualifications, the Diploma of Business and the Diploma of Leadership and Management. In 2023, the total tuition fees for these diplomas are:

The total tuition amount for this program will be:

  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$17,111.20 per annum
  • 2023 full fee paying place: AU$20,000.00

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$11,750.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.