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 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. Visit the Academic Calendars webpage for key dates relevant to your chosen intake.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete eight units (48 credits):
- 1The core structure (6 units)
- 2Two elective units
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Core Units
You will study eight units, including the first six listed below. You will then choose one of the following units:
- Introduction to Study and Professional Practice (BUSN11016)
- Academic and Digital Literacy in Higher Education (BUSN11030).
You will then choose one additional unit from the following:
- Introductory Financial Accounting (ACCT11081)
- Residential Construction (BLAR11050)
- Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning (FINC11001)
- Organisation Behaviour (HRMT11010)
- Hospitality Management Fundamentals (HOSP11001)
- Digital Marketing and AI (MRKT11028)
- Networked Infrastructure Foundations (COIT11238).
Course Planner
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and the term you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
Additional Information
If you have prior experience or have studied previously, you may be eligible for credit or recognition of prior learning (RPL), which can help reduce your study load and the time it takes to complete your degree.
Learn more about credit and RPL, including application timelines and the overall process.
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, 2026 via our Institute Profile.
Alternative Entry Pathways
CQU offers a range of alternative entry pathways to help you get started. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, there are options available, depending on your background and previous experience.
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 September 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.
Important
If you are a new student and are offered a CSP, you must submit an eCAF (electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form) with the Australian Government to confirm your place, even if you are ineligible for or don’t intend to use a HECS-HELP Loan.
This is a Government requirement, and if you don’t submit before your commencing census date, your enrolment for the term will be cancelled.
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.
Start Your Application
When applying through a tertiary admissions centre (TAC) you can use the relevant TAC code below to search for a course or add it to your application preferences.
