Diploma of Applied Business

Upon successful completion of this diploma students should be able to:

1. Identify, source and analyse information relevant to business and social challenges
2. Evaluate a range of alternate solutions to business and social challenges and account for potentially competing economic, ethical, social and commercial perspectives in a responsible manner
3. Communicate professionally and effectively with a range of stakeholders, using a variety of modes of communications and appropriate tools
4. Devise innovative recommendations to business and social challenges, based on the identification of the elements of a problem and the application and evaluation of problem solving approaches

This business diploma adopts an enquiry based learning approach that helps you develop important problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills relevant to business. It's applied nature makes it one of the most popular online courses in Australia.

Please note that you will be required to enrol in the 3 Year Applied Business Degree, but can exit after 1 Year with the University Diploma should you complete it successfully.

Recommended study pattern

As a full-time student, each year of your course must be completed within 12 months. You will then achieve your diploma by studying 8 subjects over a 1 year timeframe.* Undertaking 30 hours of study per week should see you successfully complete your qualification within this timeframe. Each subject has specific deadlines based around your study plan which you must meet.

You may undertake your studies part-time instead, however, this will extend the duration of your course. Feel free to ask the La Trobe Student Admissions Team about this option.

Core subjects:

• BUS1OPX Office Professional
• BUS1BFX Business Fundamentals
• BUS1AFX Accounting and Finance Fundamentals
• MKT1MDX Marketing: Stand and Deliver
• MGT1OBX Working with Others
• CSE1SPX Sustainability Practices

Elective subjects (choose 2):

• CSE1ITX Information Technology Fundamentals
• BUS2WDX Manage Diversity
• BUS2PMX Project Management
• MKT1ADX Advertising in a Digital Age
• MGT1FOX Foundations of Management

*Minimum timeframe for the diploma is 12 months. This can vary according to:

• Your progress in the course
• Leave of absence, such as holidays
• Advanced standing granted
• Changes between part-time and full-time
• Availability of subjects (for preferred elective options)

Award requirements

Completion of 8 prescribed subjects.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $14,500

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.

Learn more about La Trobe University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

17

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

15

An equivalent academic level achievement

Completion of Year 12, with a study score in English of at least 25. An ATAR of at least 50.0 or equivalent is required.

Completion of a minimum of Certificate IV

Students may apply based on two years relevant work experience after leaving school

Students who have studied at tertiary level elsewhere, or who have relevant studies or work experience, may be eligible for advanced standing (credit) towards a La Trobe University qualification. Advanced standing enables you to complete your degree earlier, reduce your study load and/or take on additional qualifications.

We can provide you with more details about the process for advanced standing at enrolment (advanced standing is similar to recognition of prior learning).