Business

Diploma of Business

CRICOS: 094094M

Are you looking to gain the skills needed to succeed in business? The Diploma of Business at Alphacrucis University College is designed for aspiring business professionals, providing a solid foundation for managing and running a small business or starting out on a corporate career. This course also serves as a pathway to the Bachelor of Business, offering flexibility for your educational journey.

Course Duration
1 year full time, up to 4 years part time
Study Modes
Online Recorded, Online Live, Mixed Mode, Face to Face
Study Locations
Online, Sydney
Start Dates
March (S1), Aug (S2), November (Summer)
Fees
$1,625 per subject
FEE-HELP
Subjects/Units
8

What is the Diploma of Business?

Imagine unlocking the door to a world of business opportunities. The Diploma of Business is perfect for individuals eager to gain formal training and advanced skills to manage a small business or kickstart their corporate career. This dynamic course equips you with the tools to excel in leadership and management roles, while mastering the essentials of accounts and business planning. With its flexible design, the Diploma allows you to start with a short course before committing to a full Bachelor program, or to gracefully exit a Bachelor program if life takes an unexpected turn.

Who is this for?

Aspiring Business Professionals: Are you looking to gain the essential skills needed to start or manage a business successfully?

Current Employees: Do you want to upskill and formalise your business knowledge to advance your career?

Entrepreneurs: Are you planning to start a new business or take over a family business and need a strong foundation in business practices?

If this is you, the Diploma of Business will help you start your business journey with confidence.

Outcomes

Small Business Owner: Start and manage your own business with confidence.

Sales Professional: Utilise your business knowledge to excel in sales roles.

Operations Manager: Oversee business operations and implement strategic initiatives.

Administration Professional: Manage administrative functions in diverse organisational settings.

Customer Experience Manager: Take responsibility for continually improving the customer journey.

I’m working at two small business now, and my time in the Diploma of Business has helped shape me into someone who can add value above and beyond my job description. The teaching from AC on integrity in business and the importance of personal character have seen me find favour with both bosses and my co-workers.

Sam Tomko, Diploma of Business Student

Accreditation

Graduates of AC Business courses with an Accounting specialisation are recognised by the Certified Practicing Accountants of Australia (CPA) and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA).

Course Structure

Subjects & Units

Core
5 Subjects
50 Credit Points
Faith and Purpose ACA001
Discover the foundations of faith and how it relates to one's worldview and purpose. Students will explore the Christian story from Scripture and express ideas of their own faith, examine how faith shapes views on the meaning and purpose of life, the value of humanity and ideas of human flourishing. Expand your perspective in this core subject and understand the significance of faith in all areas of life.
Introduction to Accounting & Bookkeeping ACC001
This subject demystifys accounting and finance concepts for those with non-accounting backgrounds. Gain a clear, step-by-step understanding of essential accounting practices, generate and analyse basic accounting data and reports, understand financial ratios and appreciate their impact on business decisions. This foundation is invaluable for understanding and managing finances effectively, relevant for all sectors.
Introduction to Management MAN001

Through this introductory unit, students are given a dynamic entry into the world of business leadership, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Explore a blend of contemporary management theories with real-world applications, including the integration of sustainable development practices. Students will also consider the role of ethics and social responsibility from a Christian perspective, and how these principles are applied in organisational settings.

Foundations of Marketing MKT001

Understanding the foundations of marketing is crucial for anyone looking to effectively promote ideas, products, or services. This course offers insight into how organisations identify and understand their markets and tailor creative marketing campaigns successfully. Students will explore the marketing mix's components, develop strategies from legal, ethical, and Christian perspectives, and learn to apply these concepts in various contexts.

Quantitative Skills BUS001

Navigating numbers is a crucial skill in business and translates directly into effective management and decision-making. This subject lays the groundwork for success with financial mathematics, tailoring its content to benefit individuals across all skill levels. Ideal as a precursor to more advanced studies in statistics, accounting, and finance, it offers a deep dive into the quantitative skills needed to solve real-world business problems.

Electives
3 Subjects
30 Credit Points
Choose 3 of the following subjects
Quantitative Skills BUS001

Navigating numbers is a crucial skill in business and translates directly into effective management and decision-making. This subject lays the groundwork for success with financial mathematics, tailoring its content to benefit individuals across all skill levels. Ideal as a precursor to more advanced studies in statistics, accounting, and finance, it offers a deep dive into the quantitative skills needed to solve real-world business problems.

Entrepreneurship Foundations ENT001
Step into the mind of the entrepreneur. This subject introduces students to the key concepts and practices of entrepreneurship. It explores the importance of early adopters, maintaining a personal and strategic focus, and engaging with leaders and teams throughout entrepreneurial pursuits.
Idea to Opportunity ENT002
Explore the difference between ideas and opportunities. This subject teaches students how to have an entrepreneurial mind, and apply solutions to identified opportunities. Students will be introduced to the Redemptive Framework and will engage with current social, environmental and technological disruptions.
Professional Practice in Business EXP007

Catch a glmipse of the dynamic and multifaceted world of businesses, while gaining practical experience through a hands-on placement. Guided by experienced mentors (excluding family or close friends), students complete a 100-hour placement over a semester, enhancing their learning journey.

Leadership Principles LEA005
Exploring leadership through contemporary theory and a Christian worldview can profoundly enhance your effectiveness across various settings, including ministry and business. This unit offers a deep understanding of different leadership theories and their applications, enhancing your ability to lead with ethics and adaptability. Students will develop skills in communication, team building, and critical analysis, preparing them for diverse leadership challenges.
Project Management MAN003

Driving projects towards success is key in any professional setting. This unit equips students with the skills to plan, execute, and oversee projects effectively. You will learn about various project stages, from setting goals and managing budgets to evaluating team performance, helping you to deliver successful outcomes and enhance your career prospects.

Specialisation (Optional)
3 Subjects
30 Credit Points
Marketing
30 credit points MKT at AQF Level 5, 6 or 7 (choose 3 of the following subjects)
Foundations of Marketing MKT001

Understanding the foundations of marketing is crucial for anyone looking to effectively promote ideas, products, or services. This course offers insight into how organisations identify and understand their markets and tailor creative marketing campaigns successfully. Students will explore the marketing mix's components, develop strategies from legal, ethical, and Christian perspectives, and learn to apply these concepts in various contexts.

Foundations of Marketing MKT101

Centred on consumer value, this unit explores marketing's evolution and its current dynamics. Students will learn to analyse consumer needs, craft strategic marketing plans, and utilise the marketing mix effectively. Ethical considerations are considered throughout these aspects, preparing students to create impactful, responsible marketing strategies in a competitive landscape.

Sales Management MKT201

Managing sales effectively is essential for anyone looking to thrive in business by effectively making and retaining customers. This unit equips students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in sales, including working with CRM systems and developing robust communication and negotiation techniques. Students will learn to craft comprehensive sales strategies, perform detailed market analyses, and create value for customers.

Consumer Behaviour MKT202

Understanding consumer behaviour is pivotal for crafting effective marketing strategies. This subject delves into the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence buying decisions, equipping students with the ability to analyse and make predictions on consumer actions. Through exploring key theories and frameworks, students will learn to apply this knowledge to real-world marketing decisions.

Strategic Marketing for Non-Profit Organisations MKT216

Non-Profit Organisations have unique challenges to navigate in creating social and spiritual value. This unit explores multi-stakeholder marketing, teaching how to build movements, transform supporters into advocates, engage sponsors, and secure grants. By developing a strategic marketing plan tailored to NFPs, students will learn to balance ethical values with effective marketing strategies.

Marketing Communication MKT251

Exploring how organisations connect with their audiences, this subject delves into the complexities of marketing communication strategies, providing insights into mass communication, media planning, and the digital revolution, including social media. Students will learn to critically analyse various communication theories, design impactful messages, and create an effective media mix tailored to specific target audiences.

Management
30 credit points MAN/HRM at AQF Level 5, 6 or 7 (choose 3 of the following subjects)
Introduction to Management MAN001

Through this introductory unit, students are given a dynamic entry into the world of business leadership, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Explore a blend of contemporary management theories with real-world applications, including the integration of sustainable development practices. Students will also consider the role of ethics and social responsibility from a Christian perspective, and how these principles are applied in organisational settings.

Project Management MAN003

Driving projects towards success is key in any professional setting. This unit equips students with the skills to plan, execute, and oversee projects effectively. You will learn about various project stages, from setting goals and managing budgets to evaluating team performance, helping you to deliver successful outcomes and enhance your career prospects.

Introduction to Management MAN101

This foundational subject equips students with the essential management skills needed to design roles, recruit effectively, train teams, and develop fair compensation structures. By integrating these skills, students will be prepared to enhance job satisfaction and productivity within organisations, considering ethical and responsible management practices from a Christian perspective.

Organisational Behaviour MAN201

Mastering organisational behaviour is essential for thriving in the complex environment of the modern workplace. This unit focuses on the behaviour of individuals and groups within organisations, tracing from historical roots to modern-day practices in management, leading effectively, and fostering collaborative teams. Combining academic theories with real-world applications, it equips students with the tools to understand and influence organisational dynamics.

Fundamentals of Human Resource Management HRM201
A solid understanding of Human Resource Management (HRM) is essential for the success of any organisation. This course offers a comprehensive overview of strategic HRM, including work design, recruitment, performance management, and employee retention. Students will develop a solid understanding of HRM functions and their impact on organisational operations and planning.
Human Resource Planning and Development HRM202
Aligning workforce strategies with an organisation’s strategic goals is critical to reach objectives efficiently. Through this unit, students will learn to assess and forecast workforce needs and design HR initiatives that are responsive to organisational objectives and external changes. By understanding these key HR functions, students are prepared to enhance organisational effectiveness and adaptability in various sectors.
Management of Workplace Health & Safety HRM203
Maintaining a safe and productive work environment is essential within every organisation. This unit covers the legislative framework governing employment and delves into the practical aspects of hiring, termination, and employee benefits. Students will examine critical issues such as workplace safety, work/life balance from a biblical perspective, and the management of workplace conflict and diversity.
Volunteer Management HRM216
Managing volunteers well is important for the effectiveness of non-profit and community organisations. This subject offers a comprehensive overview of the sociological and historical roles of volunteers, both in Australia and globally. Students will explore volunteer motivation, management techniques, and the strategic utilisation of volunteer efforts to maximise the benefits of volunteer involvement while aligning it with organisational goals.

More Information

For more information and details of previous course structures see Student Handbook.
*You can also use the Subject & Unit Search to explore the subjects (including electives) available to enrol in for this course and can filter by subject area and level.
For a full list of course dates for new and continuing students, please see our Timetables.

What people say

  • Learning Outcomes

    Knowledge

    • General understanding of key issues, recent scholarship and practices within chosen discipline area of business, consistent with a Christian worldview;
    • Depth of understanding of practical fieldwork
    • Technical and theoretical understanding of research principles and methods, and knowledge of research approaches used in the discipline area of business

    Skills

    • Identify, analyse and synthesise theoretical knowledge in the discipline area of business;
    • Examine technical business problems or management requirements using appropriate methodologies and theories from the discipline area of business;
    • Communicate effectively and creatively ideas and perspectives on key business issues, recent scholarship and practices in business to peers and general audiences in diverse contexts;
    • Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills acquired to develop appropriate solutions to business and management issues;
    • Work independently, responsibly and with the level expected in a broad range of professional and business contexts;
    • Collaborate in team projects to make a positive contribution toward social issues;
    • Undertake self-reflection and evaluation of performance for the purpose of vocational development.

    Admission Criteria

    Entry Requirements

    Recent Secondary Education (with the past 2 years)

    Completion of NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) (or the completion of an International Baccalaureate or the interstate or overseas equivalent qualification).

    Vocational Education and Training (VET)

    Completion of a Certificate III or higher by an authorised institution or registered training organisation.

    Higher Education Study

    Completion of an AQF Level 5 Higher Education Diploma (or higher) by an authorised institution.

    Work and Life Experience – Applicants under 21 who do not meet academic requirements

    If you are under 21: apply for non-award study and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of the course.

    This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

    Work and Life Experience – Applicants over 21 who do not meet academic requirements

    If you are over 21: apply for admission and complete the provisional entry qualifying period to become a full candidate of the course.

    This is an alternate pathway for applicants who do not meet other academic requirements.

    International Students – Language Requirements

    IELTS (or equivalent) Score of 6.0 (with no score below 5.5 in any of the four skills areas)

    How to Apply

    • Get Started

      Read through the admissions criteria and ensure you meet the entry requirements.

    • Apply

      It’s easy! Apply online below or contact us and we can help on 1300 228 355.

    • Offer

      We’ll contact you shortly after to confirm your details and help you through the rest of the process.

    Key Dates
    Semester 1
    Term 1
    February / March
    Term 2
    April
    Semester 2
    Term 3
    July / August
    Term 4
    November