Diploma in Business

This program will prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you're interested in accounting, finance, economics, international business, marketing, sports management, human resources, management, or dream of starting your own business, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed. This program also provides entry to the second year of a Bachelor of Business at Western.

Diploma in Business

Duration

Full Time: 1 Year

Next Start Date

02 March 2026

20 July 2026

Closing Date

Campuses^
Parramatta City UAC 729251 Bankstown City UAC 729250
Indicative 2025 Annual Fee
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Indicative annual fee from $11,885

Additional Information

Program Code: 7190

Diploma in Business

Modular learning
Our modular learning will help you reach your potential, no matter your starting point or ATAR. You’ll study one course-specific subject a time without slowing down.

Introduction
The Diploma in Business will prepare you for a diverse range of career paths so you can harness your energy and passion for business. Whether you're interested in a career in accounting, finance, economics, international business, marketing, sports management, human resources, management, or dream of starting your own business, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to succeed. This program also provides a direct pathway to the second year of a Bachelor of Business at Western, without losing any time.

In a rapidly changing world, success in business means not just keeping up, but also staying ahead of the curve. Being flexible, adaptable, and creative is crucial, along with the ability to solve problems that haven't even emerged yet.

Delivered through practical learning, focussing on one course-specific subject at a time - you will develop a unique set of skills, knowledge, habits, and attributes to help you thrive. By bringing real-world corporate expertise into the classroom, this program empowers you to turn your passion for business into a successful career.

What pathways to further study does this Diploma provide?
Upon successful completion of this Diploma course, you can transition to the second year of the following Bachelor programs:

What are the entry requirements for this course?

To be admitted to this course, you don’t need an ATAR. This program is open to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents who are aged 17 years or over.

What can I do with my Diploma? 
Diplomas are recognised in the workforce, and can be used to help you stand out from other job candidates. You can take a look at the potential career opportunities in the careers tab.

Register your interest now.

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How it works

Our Modular Learning Model offers an immersive study experience with workshop-style classes focused on one course-specific subject at a time, in 4-week blocks. Classes are held on campus - the average timetable includes 3 hours of classes, 3 days a week, meaning you can fit study around your other commitments.

Additional preparatory subjects run across 17 weeks, predominantly online, with one in-person class every 4 weeks. These subjects help you develop confidence in your studies, and transition into further study or the workforce.

You will complete 10 subjects in total for this Diploma. These can be completed over 1 year (full time).

What you can expect to study

This subject introduces students to university culture and life, and explores a range of skills, attributes and behaviours that will gear students for success in their first year of tertiary study. A range of topics will be covered to facilitate increased confidence in students as they embark upon their university journey, as well as enhance students’ capacities to engage critically and actively in their chosen field of study. This subject will equip students with a range of academic study skills, research techniques and multi-literacies, and support students to develop their own individualised learning model, personal learning objectives and academic capacities. Academic integrity is further positioned as a critical component of university life and this subject will prepare students to engage effectively in their future professional fields and as active citizens.

With rapidly increasing industry advancements and emerging technologies professionals need to develop a well-rounded skill set, making them adept in today's technology-driven business environment. This subject delivers a combination of information technology, communications and creative concepts that will give you the ability and skills to excel in your future workplace. You will also develop an understanding of audiences from cross-cultural and international perspectives and develop your ability to creatively communicate complex ideas to a variety of stakeholders. Students will develop the ability to not only consider current challenges and opportunities, but also anticipate what the future may require.

The notion of business in practice has its foundations in economic theory. To connect the dots between what an enterprise does and why in the broader global context of economic forces, it is crucial to develop an understanding of ideas and their relationship to the enterprise’s goal. This subject will introduce the theoretical underpinning of economics, market forces and trending issues which ultimately shape enterprise behaviour in the global landscape. You will learn how the firm and its competitors adapt to each other’s actions. You will also learn nuances of government policy and how the enterprise can adapt to the shifting of goalposts along the way.

Marketing Enterprises is an ideal introduction to understanding consumer behaviour, preferences, and trends. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of integrated marketing strategies in various environments using real-world case studies and practices. Marketing Enterprises is a fundamental subject for marketing majors and offers a general overview for those who wish to design, develop, manage, and maintain consumer information. Marketing students can explore various career opportunities, such as marketing managers, analysts, digital marketing specialists, and advertising executives. In today's world, where businesses face unprecedented challenges and opportunities, a solid foundation in marketing is essential for success.

A business needs to know how to generate funds and ultimately invest it in resources that will bring it the most benefit. Keeping track of this money as it flows in and out of an enterprise is critical for success which is why we refer to it as speaking the language of business. In this subject, you will learn how to keep consistent records as dictated by accounting principles. With the basics in place, you will further your understanding of where funds come from and how financial information can be used to make informed choices about the future direction of the business.

Organisations need to respond to the ever-changing and increasingly complex global environment. The goal of this subject is to address this organisational requirement. You will learn the fundamentals of business management and leadership to acquire the competencies required by businesses. You will learn to motivate teams, make decisions, and manage people and enterprises, which are valuable skills for career advancement. Managing and Leading Enterprise will prepare students for effective professional and managerial careers. This subject will be beneficial if you aspire to start and manage your own business.

This subject is designed to complement the first six months of study in a College Diploma program by developing the skills required to be successful at University and beyond. The subject is delivered online with students accessing learning modules and connecting with their learner community in their own time and at their own pace to allow maximum flexibility. At the beginning of the subject students use diagnostic tools to identify their specific strengths and areas for improvement, and develop an individualised learning journey through the content. This learning journey will help to address individual study skill needs, while also developing employability skills, facilitating connection with peers and with the University community, as well as the student’s future career.

This subject is designed to assist students to take the next step in their academic development by helping them build higher level reflective skills that will allow them to critically consider their own learning and professional journey and make the adjustments required to achieve their goals. Students will begin to take ownership of their learning by developing proactive strategies that will allow them to study on their own terms. Students will begin engaging with their intended profession and reflect on the skills, attributes and qualifications that will be required to reach their goals. Students will also develop a transition plan to help them navigate the next steps in their academic journey so that they can identify the challenges they might encounter as they move forward, and develop the skills to overcome them.

You can see the course credit points for each subject outlined in our handbook.

Career Opportunities

This program prepares you for entry level roles in accounting, finance, economics, international business, marketing, sports management, human resources and management.

Looking for jobs that are in demand?

Check out these helpful tools that you can use to find out more:

Jobs and Skills Atlas

Jobs and Skills Atlas

You can use this tool to research different jobs and industries, including 5-years trends of how many people are employed and the demand in different regions and LGAs.

Provided by Jobs and Skills Australia, part of the Australian Government.

Skills Priority List

Skills Priority List

You can use this tool to research the likely future need for different jobs and skills, as well as filter by your State or Territory.

Provided by Jobs and Skills Australia, part of the Australian Government.

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Alumni

"Being a student isn’t just about learning, I’ve made some really close friends. And when I’m on campus I feel a part of the community."

— Layal, Diploma in Culture, Society and Justice

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for domestic students

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about special requirements here.

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for international students

**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.

Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.

You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.

Indicative annual fee

UG Direct

This indicative annual fee is based on a full time study load of 10 subjects (110 credit points) and is partially subsidised by the Commonwealth – this is known as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). The above fee is what the student owes, known as the Student Contribution.

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

Your student contribution amount will be calculated based on the general discipline area of the subjects you study (this may be different to the discipline area of your course). To work out your fees in advance, visit the Student contribution calculations page.

FEE-HELP

Students that are eligible for HELP (Higher Education Loan Program) loan can use this to avoid paying upfront and instead pay your Student Contribution over time.

HECS-HELP is a Government loan system designed to help eligible domestic students afford higher education. You will only be required to start repaying the loan once your annual income exceeds the compulsory threshold for the relevant income year.

In order to receive HECS-HELP you must be enrolled in a commonwealth supported place (CSP) and be:

  • an Australian citizen studying at least some of your course in Australia; or
  • a New Zealand Special Category Visa (SCV) holder, or eligible former New Zealand SCV holder; who meets the long-term residency requirements and who studies the entire course while living in Australia; or
  • a permanent humanitarian visa holder, or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who will be resident in Australia for the duration of your unit(s); or
  • a pacific engagement visa (PEV) holder who will be resident in Australia for the duration of your unit(s) (a PEV holder becomes eligible from 1 February 2024)

Find out more about HECS-HELP

Find out more about OS-HELP

Apply as a Domestic Student

If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.

Domestic students are:

  • Australian Citizens
  • New Zealand Citizens
  • Australian permanent residents
  • Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders

Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees. 

No application
B Education (Early Childhood)

FAQs

12 months (full time).

There are no exams in our Diplomas. Instead, our programs employ a variety of assessment types which may include portfolios, applied project work, fieldwork, and practical tasks. Assessments are authentic, maintain high standards and aim to be reflective of real-world tasks. In addition, teachers work closely with students in small, interactive workshop-style classes, and provide students with individual support. This approach ensures a robust evaluation of students’ skills and knowledge. Non-exam assessments develop essential skills, such as critical thinking and time management, preparing students for traditional exams in later years of their programs.

All of our Diplomas commence with the same subject, providing students with an introduction to University life and allowing them to further explore their chosen professional fields. Should you discover a different diploma better suits your personal goals, you can transfer at this stage with no time lost. Transfers to other diplomas are available at any time throughout the duration of your course, and you will receive credit for any common subjects you have already completed.

Diplomas are recognised in the workforce, and can be used to help you stand out from other job candidates. You can take a look at the potential career opportunities in the careers tab.

In this Diploma, there are two electives which students generally complete as the last two subjects in their course. With a wide range of elective options, you can explore a number of topics and align your studies with your specific interests and career goals.

You can view elective options for this course here.

*Please note, not all elective subject options are available at all campuses. 

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Want to know more?

We're here to help.

If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our courses today and gain the confidence to move forward.


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What's the difference between a Bachelor degree and a Diploma?

Ever wondered about the difference?

A Diploma offers specialised learning, focused on gaining job-ready skills or preparing you for further study in a particular field. It is:

  • Generally more accessible than a Bachelor with flexible entry requirements.
  • Faster to complete - on average 12 months of full time study.
  • Ideal for anyone who wants to upskill, earn credit towards a Bachelor degree, or start a career.

With a Western Diploma, you study for 12 months through our Modular Learning model at The College.

Upon completion, you graduate job-ready or can transition into the second year of a Bachelor at Western - gaining two qualifications in the time of one. This makes it the ideal choice for those who:

  • are looking to do their first year of uni differently, and/or
  • need more time to uncover their passion - most of our Diplomas provide pathways (and 12 months credit) into more than one Bachelor course, and/or
  • are aspiring for a career in a high-growth industry that doesn't require a Bachelor.
Kingswood campus

PATHWAY OPTIONS

Upon successful completion of this Diploma course, you can skip ahead to the second year of the following Bachelor program:

Bachelor of Business

Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, The College reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.