VET study in business and management
Courses and specialisations
Business and management is a very broad field in the Vocational Educational and Training (VET) sector, with certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas available in a variety of fields. General courses in business, business administration and management allow students to explore basic business principles. These courses provide a set of skills that graduates can use in many different business and management roles across a range of industries.
VET qualifications are also offered in more specific areas related to business and management, such as marketing and human resources, as well as in specific industries. For example, a certificate in business administration (medical) prepares students to perform administrative duties in the health sector, while an advanced diploma of community sector management trains students for management roles in the community services sector. Other specialised courses include frontline management, international trade, leadership development, local government administration, micro business operations, music business, project management, property services, retail services and small business management.
Generally, VET qualifications are more practical than degrees in the higher education sector. If you are looking for a course with an academic focus or want to enter a more senior management role, you may consider studying in the higher education sector. VET qualifications can provide a good pathway into undergraduate business and management degrees.
Applicants must meet academic and English language requirements, which vary between courses, institutions and qualification levels. For more information about VET courses and entry requirements, see Vocational Education.
Where to study
VET qualifications in business and management are widely offered throughout Australia. These courses can be studied at TAFE institutes, private colleges and some universities. If you are considering progressing to an undergraduate degree after completing a VET qualification, enquire with institutions about their pathway schemes to see whether you will be awarded credit for your studies.
The course you choose will depend on whether you want to gain a general set of skills (through a diploma of business, for example) or skills that are related to a particular type of work (such as those taught in a diploma of music business). You may also be interested in moving into the higher education sector once you finish your VET studies.
