Overview

Gain confidence and a holistic approach to management with the Diploma of Business (Operations). This online course will teach you to identify marketing opportunities, develop administrative systems, manage budgets, and financial plans. Graduate with the creative and critical thinking skills sought by leading organisations.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Project Management

Your career opportunities

  • Retail Manager
  • Team leader
  • Business Manager
  • Executive Officer
  • Events Manager

Location options

  • Online
  • Side view head shot of a smiling mixed race female wearing a headset, with laptop communicating via video chat.

    Study with Swinburne Online

    With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.

Admissions

To ensure you have the best chance of successfully completing your diploma, you may enter this course if you meet any of the below criteria.

  • Hold a Year 12 Certificate of Completion

OR

  • Completion of a Cert IV or above in any field

OR

Can demonstrate relevant work experience and meet the language, literacy and numeracy requirements to study at the diploma level.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification.


This will be assessed at the time of your application. If you would like further information, contact your education agent or get in touch with our team.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

This course consists of twelve units.

5
Core unit
+
7
Elective units
=
Diploma
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 730

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Develop critical thinking in others
Core unit
BSBCRT511
Manage budgets and financial plans
Core unit
BSBFIN501
Manage business resources
Core unit
BSBOPS501
Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability
Core unit
BSBSUS511
Lead communication in the workplace
Core unit
BSBXCM501
Elective units
Coordinate human resource functions and processes
Elective unit
BSBHRM527
Manage people performance
Elective unit
BSBLDR522
Identify and evaluate marketing opportunities
Elective unit
BSBMKG541
Manage personal and professional development
Elective unit
BSBPEF501
Undertake project work
Elective unit
BSBPMG430
Establish innovative work environments
Elective unit
BSBSTR501
Manage meetings
Elective unit
BSBTWK503

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$7,425

2025 fees

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all courses at the Diploma level and higher will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$326

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$326

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
BSB50120
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Upcoming events
Swinburne Study Expo (Wantirna)
28-May-2025
Swinburne Study Expo (Hawthorn)
05-June-2025
Swinburne Study Expo (Croydon)
11-June-2025