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.
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.
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 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.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
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.
Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification)
AND
At least 6 months of full-time work experience (or part-time equivalent) in the Disability Sector.
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 program.
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 program 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.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
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 course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
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) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
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, 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.
This program is only offered as a full-fee program.
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
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.
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.
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 2026 is $373.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
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.
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 2026 is $373.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
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.
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.
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 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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