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Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July, October

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Online

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    DipBus(SCU College)

  • Course code

    2127279

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, June, October

  • Duration

    1 year full-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

  • Placement

    No  

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

Looking for a pathway to a Bachelor degree in business or tourism?

The one-year Diploma of Business gives you the opportunity to develop academic and business skills. In addition to core units, you may choose an optional specialisation in tourism.

Successful completion of the Diploma will guarantee you entry and up to eight units of credit towards the Southern Cross University Bachelor of Business.

The Diploma of Business is offered through SCU College, where we understand that learners have diverse experiences and ways of learning. The College connects you to your peers and supports your study success through additional workshops to assist you in developing academic and study skills.

Bachelor of Business Alumus Deborah Guion

“I really wanted to make an impact on the world and my degree gave me the start I needed. When I was approached to manage a CSR program for a corporation, it just made sense to me. ”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined business or tourism settings.

GA2: Creativity

Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of business or tourism.

GA3: Ethical practice

Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined business or tourism contexts.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of business or tourism.

Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined business or tourism settings.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work in defined business or tourism contexts.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined business or tourism contexts.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined business or tourism contexts.

You complete core units and tailor your studies with the choice of a specialisation in:

  • Tourism.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)079231K
MelbourneTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)086030E
PerthTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)086030E
SydneyTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)086030E

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Diploma of Business will be well-equipped to apply their skills in a variety of entry level management positions such as office manager or accounts manager across a range of business areas including accounting, finance, marketing, and tourism. 

Successful graduates of the Diploma of Business are guaranteed entry into, and up to eight units of credit towards the Bachelor of Business at Southern Cross University.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall5.5
Writingminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.0
Speakingminimum 5.0
Listeningminimum 5.0

CountryScore
Austria AMC4.1
Bangladesh HSC2.3
Brazil SSLC6.7
Canada High School OSSD44
Chile PSU5.3, overall 500-599
China Senior Middle 373% overall graded
Colombia CB (NAT)64, overall 250-299
Denmark USSLE4.4
France FB<10
German Abitur4.2
Hong Kong HKDSE8
India CBSE (best 4)5.5 external exam
India CISCE58
India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4)70
Indonesia SMA6.9
International Baccalaureate24
Japan USSLC3
Korea, Republic of, CSAT269
Malaysia ICSSUEC47
Malaysia STPM1 in 2 A levels
Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate60
Nepal Proficiency Certificate73
Norway GPA1.15
Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams54
Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams26
Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5)2.0 pass Eng & Math
Peru OCSE13.9
Phillipines NSAT78
Russia FCCSE3.6
Saudi Arabia MESSLC68
Singapore SCGCE10
Spain SSSD6.3
Spain STBPU6.3
Sri Lanka GCE3.0
Sweden SSLC10.7
Taiwan GSAT37
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate73
Thailand CSE(Matayom 6) 1.6
Turkey HSD3
UK Board GCE A Levels7 (2 subjects)
USA SAT & ACTSAT 1160, ACT 13
Vietnam (in 4 subjects)6.6

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Business, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:

  • No Specialisation Option OR
  • Tourism Specialisation

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Students must enrol in the core College unit for their first term of study:EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term5
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
BUSN1004Starting a Business
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1,3
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
BUSN1007The Interconnected World
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4
MelbourneN/A
Summer Term
Term2,4
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term2,4
PerthN/A
Summer Term
Term2,4
SydneyN/A
Summer Term
Term2,4
BUSN1008Business Practice and Impact
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
MelbourneN/A
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term4
PerthN/A
Term2,4
SydneyN/A
Term2,4
MATH1003Quantitative Methods with Economics
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term3
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolled in MATH1001 - Foundation Mathematics
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term3
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
BUSN1006Solving Wicked Problems
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1,3
PerthN/A
Term1,3
SydneyN/A
Term1,3
BUSN2001Professional Development for the Workplace
Term2,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
MelbourneN/A
Term2,5
Online
Term2,5
Term2
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port Moresby
Term5
Term2,5
PerthN/A
Term2,5
SydneyN/A
Term2,5
Anti-requisitesSPRT3001 - Work Integrated Learning in Exercise Science

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Students must enrol in the core College unit for their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term5
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
BUSN1004Starting a Business
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1,3
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
BUSN1007The Interconnected World
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4
MelbourneN/A
Summer Term
Term2,4
Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term2,4
PerthN/A
Summer Term
Term2,4
SydneyN/A
Summer Term
Term2,4
TOUR1003Service Quality Management
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Anti-requisitesTOUR1002 - Hospitality Services Management
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term3
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
BUSN1006Solving Wicked Problems
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
China - Guangxi USTN/A
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1,3
PerthN/A
Term1,3
SydneyN/A
Term1,3
TOUR2010Tourist Behaviour and Interactions
Term3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Online
Term3,5
N/A
MATH1003Quantitative Methods with Economics
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term3
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolled in MATH1001 - Foundation Mathematics


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Specialisations

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
MATH1003Quantitative Methods with Economics
BUSN1004Starting a Business
BUSN1007The Interconnected World
BUSN1006Solving Wicked Problems
BUSN1008Business Practice and Impact
BUSN2001Professional Development for the Workplace
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
MATH1003Quantitative Methods with Economics
BUSN1007The Interconnected World
BUSN1004Starting a Business
BUSN1006Solving Wicked Problems
TOUR2010Tourist Behaviour and Interactions
TOUR1003Service Quality Management
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry

Why Business at SCU

Top 8% worldwide

We're ranked in the top 8% of universities worldwide in Business and Economics

(THE World University Rankings 2023)

93% graduate employment

Southern Cross has 93% graduate employment in Business and Management

(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018-2020)

5-star ratings for business and management

We’re rated 5-stars for full-time employment, overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality

(GUG 2023)

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to delivering a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

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  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Early offer

If you're a current year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.

Apply now for your early offer

Choose where you want to study

Gold Coast

Online

Choose where you want to study

International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast

Melbourne

Perth

Sydney

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway