Diploma of Business Studies
Overview
Develop introductory skills and knowledge in business and management with a Diploma of Business Studies from CQUniversity.
The Diploma of Business Studies will to equip you with foundational knowledge, practical skills, and future-ready capabilities to thrive in today’s fast-changing business environment. You will build essential competencies in areas such as accounting, business analytics, economics, management, marketing, and business law, while also having the opportunity to explore fields like human resource management, property, or financial planning. Our curriculum is designed to develop your critical thinking, problem-solving, digital literacy, and ethical awareness, skills that are highly valued by employers across industries.
With flexible online and part-time study options, this course supports you to balance your learning with work and life commitments. Whether you’re seeking entry into the workforce or a clear pathway to further study, the Diploma of Business offers both. Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible for credit for up to eight units in CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Business, allowing you to transition directly into the second year of the degree. Through a focus on practical, real-world learning experiences and industry-relevant knowledge, this course sets a strong foundation for your success in business and beyond.
Study Experience
Discover more about your Diploma of Business Studies and how you'll benefit from flexible study options and seamless pathways to advance your skills and knowledge. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.
- Industry Relevant
- Study Full-time or Part-time
- Online or On Campus
- Professional Development
- Seamless Pathways
Career Opportunities
Completion of the Diploma of Business Studies will prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in roles such as:
- Office Administrator
- Project Officer
- Administrator
- Personal Assistant
- Executive Officer.
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete eight units (48 credits):
- 1The core structure (7 units)
- 2One elective unit
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
What You'll Study
Term 3, 2025
Core Units
You will complete the first seven units listed below.
Elective Units
You will then have the option to select one additional unit from the following:
- ACCT11081 Introductory Financial Accounting
- BLAR11050 Residential Construction
- FINC11001 Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning
- HRMT11010 Organisation Behaviour
- HRMT11011 Human Resource Management
- MRKT11028 Digital Marketing and AI.
Term 1, 2026
Changes are expected to this course from Term 1, 2026.
Core Units
You will complete six core units:
- FINC11002 Financial Literacy for Business
- MGMT11169 Business Analytics
- HRMT11011 Human Resource Management
- LAWS11030 Foundations of Business Law
- MGMT11109 Introduction to Business
- MRKT11029 Marketing Fundamentals.
You will choose one of the following units:
- BUSN11016 Introduction to Study and Professional Practice
- BUSN11030 Academic and Digital Literacy in Higher Education.
Elective Units
You will then have the option to select one additional unit from the following:
- ACCT11081 Introductory Financial Accounting
- BLAR11050 Residential Construction
- FINC11001 Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning
- HRMT11010 Organisation Behaviour
- HOSP11001 Hospitality Management Fundamentals
- MRKT11028 Digital Marketing and AI
- COIT11238 Networked Infrastructure Foundations.
Course Planner
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
Additional Information
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Student and Course Profiles
View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2025 via our Institute Profile.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage.
Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in November each year.
Commonwealth Supported Places
This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
HECS-HELP Loan
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
Follow These Steps
Extra Admission Information
Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU.
Applying for 2026
Applications for 2026 via the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC) open in August 2025.
More information will be available soon.
