Diploma of Business
BSB - Business Services
Mid-level business qualification. Most providers offer specialisations in management, organisational development, leadership or operations management.
Entry requirements
- Year 12 or Cert IV in a business field
What you will learn
The BSB50120 covers mid-level business operations and team leadership. Core units include managing business operational plans, communicating with influence, leading communication in the workplace, developing and implementing business plans, managing budgets and financial plans, and managing meetings. Most students choose a specialisation - operations management, business administration, organisational development, records and information management, or procurement. Electives often include human resources, marketing, customer experience and business technology. Some providers offer streams in international business and trade.
Skills you build
- Business operations and process management
- Budget preparation and financial reporting basics
- Project management and scope control
- Team leadership and performance management
- Workplace communication and influencing
- Records, information and document management
- Strategic thinking and business planning
How the course runs
Most students study online over 18 months on a self-paced model, or full-time on campus over 12 months. Around 700 to 900 hours of formal training, with theory and applied case study work split roughly 60/40. No mandatory work placement. Many students complete the Diploma while working in administration or junior management roles. Some providers offer it as a paid traineeship under the Australian Apprenticeships framework.
How you will be assessed
- Written knowledge tests per unit of competency
- Workplace case studies and business plan assignments
- Meeting chairing and roleplay demonstrations
- Budget preparation and financial analysis tasks
- Workplace portfolios of evidence
Workplace and placement
No mandatory work placement. Most students work concurrently as an office manager, team leader, project coordinator or small business owner. Wages follow the Clerks - Private Sector Award or relevant industry award. Many employers fund the qualification as part of succession planning and staff development.
Typical employers
- Small and medium business management roles
- Government department operations and administration teams
- Healthcare and aged care practice management
- Construction and trades back-office management
- Retail and franchise area manager roles
- Not-for-profit and community organisation management
Pay after this qualification
$60,000 - $85,000 per year
Source: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/explore-careers/occupation/office-managers. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
Is this the right course for you?
You probably thrive here if
- You can manage your own time across multiple priorities
- You can lead and motivate a small team
- You can communicate clearly in writing and meetings
- You can analyse data and present findings
- You can take initiative when given autonomy
It is probably not for you if
- You prefer to be told exactly what to do
- You do not enjoy meetings and team coordination
- You cannot handle multiple priorities at once
- You struggle with budget and financial reporting tasks
After you finish
After the Diploma you can progress to the Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420), the Advanced Diploma of Business (BSB60120), or directly to a Bachelor of Business at RMIT, Swinburne, Victoria University, Torrens, Charles Sturt and many other unis with substantial credit transfer. Many graduates use the Diploma as a stepping stone into industry-specific roles in HR, marketing or finance, or progress to MBA programs after building work experience.
Careers this leads to
Credit into a uni degree
Common articulation pathways. Confirm credit transfer with the receiving university directly.