Build on your compassion and expertise to make a meaningful impact.
This nationally accredited qualification is designed specifically for current and aspiring frontline leaders in the disability services sector, particularly those working within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers a blend of leadership, management and sector-specific subjects.
Engage with real-world documentation, organisational policies and case studies, applying your learning and demonstrating skills in the workplace or simulated environments.
The curriculum is tailored to equip you with practical, in-demand skills such as team management, risk assessment, financial management and compliance.
Specifically designed for current and aspiring NDIS leaders, co-designed with industry experts to meet the unique needs of the disability services sector.
This course focuses on developing workplace leadership and team management skills, including:
You'll gain expertise in business operations and risk management, such as:
Additionally, the course emphasises service delivery in disability by preparing you to lead effectively within the sector and provide person-centred services to individuals with complex needs. Quality and compliance are key components – you'll learn to develop, implement and review quality frameworks while ensuring adherence to NDIS guidelines and sector regulations.
Finally, the curriculum supports professional development and advocacy, equipping you with the skills to manage your own growth, advocate for clients, and collaborate for optimal resource use and client outcomes.
This course is a blended delivery, which is delivered over 2 sets of 18 weeks of blended scheduled classes:
Based on the RMIT entry requirements, this course is designed considering most of the learners will have prior knowledge, skills and experience in the area, however there is a provision for the cohort of learners with less prior knowledge or experience to gain the required level through self-paced additional activities.
It will be necessary to complete prescribed tasks outside of class time and make a commitment to undertake study outside of the classroom to provide the best prospect of a successful outcome. You'll be required to access a range of research and practice activities in your own time.
Pre-class weekly activities have also been set up in Canvas that require you to watch videos, read articles or conduct research in preparation for the week. These activities assist you in better understanding the topic that will be covered in class, it also facilitates classroom discussions, enabling better participation and overall experience.
Assessment tasks are designed to simulate the workplace and require you to demonstrate the practical application of knowledge and skills that underpin this qualification. Job tasks are drawn directly from industry and performance must meet industry standards.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
The Diploma of Leadership in Disability Services is distinguished by its strong industry connections and sector-driven design.
The course was co-designed by Ability First Australia and UNE Partnerships through extensive consultation with disability service providers and sector experts, ensuring the curriculum directly addresses the real-world needs and challenges faced by leaders in the field. This collaborative approach guarantees you're learning the most up-to-date practices, compliance requirements and leadership strategies relevant to the NDIS.
Additionally, the qualification includes practical assessments and opportunities to demonstrate skills in authentic workplace settings, further strengthening the link between study and industry expectations.
The course's development was also supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Social Services, highlighting its significance and endorsement within the sector.
These industry partnerships and ongoing consultation ensure you graduate well-prepared to lead teams, deliver high-quality services and advance your career in disability services.
This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.
In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.
Throughout this qualification you will be required to attend one day, 6 hours per week face-to-face at the city campus, plus a 6-hour online class per week with an additional 6 hours (one day) of assessments support per week for the duration of the course.
Acquire a blend of foundational and advanced knowledge relevant to leadership, client advocacy, emotional intelligence, workplace relationships, diversity and the disability sector.
Develop advanced knowledge and practical skills across mental health, quality management, finance, operations, risk and workplace support.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Graduates excel in strategic roles, using their expertise to improve service delivery and foster inclusive environments. Consider careers in:
The course offers hands-on experience with real-world documentation, policies and case studies. Engage with industry experts through projects and placements that align with sector demands. With national accreditation and strong industry connections, you'll graduate ready to lead and shape the future of disability services.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have:
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this course.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can:
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.
Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your course so that you can participate fully in your studies.
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
When you successfully complete this diploma, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as an advanced diploma, associate degree or 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.
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.
The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.
Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
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Tuition fee student pays
$13,000.00
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
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The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
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$13,000.00 |
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Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$373.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
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Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
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$373.00 |
|
Material fees
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
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Total cost of material fees associated with this course
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N/A
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Estimated total cost to you
$13,373.00
Includes all fees listed above
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$13,373.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).
Generated on 23 July 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information
VET Student Loan cap for Diploma of Leadership in Disability Services (C5440): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSL|
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$ per nominal hour ($ total).
Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:
VET Student Loan cap for (): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSLRMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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.
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