Advanced Diploma of Business

Think strategically. Lead decisively. Advance your career.

Course overview

The Advanced Diploma of Business is built for experienced professionals stepping into senior management. You’ll sharpen your strategic thinking and learn to lead change, manage organisational finances and shape the direction of a business — the qualification for those aiming at executive and business-owner roles. This is an AQF Level 6 qualification, taught by trainers with real industry management experience.

Why choose Advanced Diploma at Evantaa?

• Senior management focus — The Advanced Diploma moves beyond operational management into strategic thinking, senior leadership and organisational development — the skills that distinguish managers who lead from those who coordinate.
• AQF Level 6 — a serious professional credential — Positioned directly below a Bachelor’s degree on the Australian Qualifications Framework, the Advanced Diploma is recognised by employers as evidence of senior management capability and by universities as a pathway to degree-level study.
• Real-world strategic case work — Assessments are built around genuine business scenarios — developing strategic plans, managing complex stakeholder relationships, leading change and evaluating organisational performance.
• Builds directly on the Diploma of Business — If you hold a BSB50120 Diploma of Business, the Advanced Diploma is the natural next step — deepening and extending the business skills you’ve already developed.
• University pathway potential — Many universities accept the Advanced Diploma of Business for credit towards a Bachelor of Business Administration or related degree — check with the institution directly for current articulation arrangements.
• Two campuses, one qualification — Study in Melbourne or Brisbane — the same nationally recognised credential at both locations.

What you’ll learn

• Apply critical thinking to complex problems
• Manage organisational finances
• Lead organisational change
• Develop business and marketing strategy
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement

Entry requirements

Qualification package requirements: completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from the BSB Training Package (current or superseded), OR two years’ equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience in an operational or leadership role. Everything else below is Evantaa’s own admission standard.

• Age: 18 years or over at course commencement.
• Academic / experience: a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from the BSB Training Package (or equivalent), or 2 years’ equivalent full-time relevant workplace experience in an operational or leadership role.
• English language: IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each band), or PTE Academic equivalent (6.0 overall, minimum 5.5 per module). Completed an AQF Level 4 (Australian) qualification? You’re exempt from the English test requirement.
• LLN assessment: all students complete an LLN Robot (TLRG) assessment before training, referenced against the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), to identify any extra support you may need.
• Pre-training review: we conduct a pre-enrolment self-assessment to check course suitability, your existing skills and knowledge, any support needs, and whether you may be eligible for credit transfer or RPL.
• Equipment: you’ll need your own laptop or computer with internet access for self-study outside class hours.
• Study commitment: This course is delivered entirely face-to-face. Students are required to participate in 16 hours of scheduled training and 4 hours of supervised assessment activities conducted in the classroom and/or workshop (for practical courses only) each week. These activities together constitute the student’s scheduled learning commitment. There is no online or self-paced-only mode of study.

Updated per your answer: the IELTS 6.0/PTE/AQF4-exemption standard now applies here too, replacing the page’s previous IELTS 5.5 figure, for consistency with Diploma of Business.

Next intake dates

Intake dates change regularly — contact our admissions team at admissions@evantaa.edu.au for current start dates for this course.

Course structure

10 nationally recognised units of competency — 5 core and 5 elective — delivered over 52 weeks (including breaks): four 10-week academic terms (40 contact weeks total) at a minimum of 20 scheduled hours per week, with study breaks between terms (3 breaks of 2 weeks plus a longer end-of-year break).

How you’ll be assessed

Each unit is assessed through knowledge questions and a project or practical assessment. Some units include an additional skills test. All tasks are marked Satisfactory or Not Yet Satisfactory.

Resources & facilities

You’ll have access to fully equipped lecture rooms and computer labs, broadband internet, printing and photocopying, interactive panels, a reference library and learning materials, and the Student Management System throughout your course.

Evantaa’s business programs are delivered in professional, well-equipped classrooms at both our Melbourne and Brisbane campuses, with access to broadband internet, digital research resources, industry software and a student management system. The Advanced Diploma is taught in a cohort environment that simulates a management team — group work, presentations, peer critique and structured debate are core parts of the learning experience. You’ll develop the communication and analytical skills of a senior manager alongside the formal qualification.

Recognition of prior learning & credit transfer

Already have relevant experience, qualifications or training? You may not need to start from scratch.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): if your existing skills and experience already meet a unit’s requirements, you can apply to have that competency formally assessed and recognised.
• Credit Transfer (CT): units you’ve completed at another RTO can be credited in full, based on verified AQF certification or authenticated VET transcripts. Credit is only granted for whole units.
• Apply before you enrol or at any point during your course — we’ll confirm the outcome in writing, generally within 10 working days of a complete application.
• See our Credit and Skills Recognition Policy and Procedure for full details.

Licensing & regulatory information

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification.

Where it can take you

The Advanced Diploma of Business positions graduates for senior roles across business, government and the not-for-profit sector. At AQF Level 6, it signals a level of strategic capability and professional maturity that takes professionals beyond team leadership into genuine management and executive-level responsibilities.

With a BSB60120, you could work as:

• Senior Manager or Department Head — leading a division, department or business unit with full P&L or operational accountability.
• General Manager (Small to Mid-size Business) — overseeing the full operations of a smaller organisation, reporting directly to directors or owners.
• Business Development Manager — driving commercial growth — identifying opportunities, building relationships and translating strategy into revenue.
• Strategic Planner or Analyst — developing organisational strategy, analysing market trends and providing senior leadership with evidence-based recommendations.
• Change Manager — leading organisational change initiatives — restructures, technology adoption, culture change — from initiation through to embedding.
• Executive or C-suite support (Chief of Staff, Operations Director) — providing strategic coordination and operational leadership at the executive level.

Pathways for further study

• Bachelor of Business/Commerce/BBA/Management/Entrepreneurship & Innovation/Marketing & Communication

Is this course right for you?

This course is designed for you if:

• You’re already in management and want formal recognition — The Advanced Diploma validates the strategic and operational skills you’ve developed through experience, with a nationally recognised AQF Level 6 credential.
• You’ve completed a Diploma of Business and want to go further — The Advanced Diploma is the logical next qualification — it builds directly on BSB50120 and takes you to a more senior level of capability.
• You want to work at the level where strategy gets decided — Advanced Diploma graduates are equipped for roles where they set direction, not just implement it.
• You’re considering a university degree pathway — The Advanced Diploma may provide credit towards a Bachelor’s degree at participating universities — a practical way to combine vocational and higher education.
• You lead or want to lead teams in a complex environment — Managing competing priorities, multiple stakeholders and organisational politics is exactly what this qualification prepares you for.

Not sure if it’s for you? Contact our admissions team at admissions@evantaa.edu.au — we’ll help you understand whether this course matches your goals.

Fast facts

Fees

Fees are shown in Australian dollars. See the full fee schedule for payment plans and international rates, and our Refunds Policy for refund terms.

Keep exploring

• Conditions of Enrolment — your study load and attendance obligations.
• Planning Your Arrival — what to book and pack before you fly.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — your visa-required health insurance.
• Student Central — forms, support and services.

Frequently Asked Questions