The purpose of the Diploma of Commerce at Leaders Institute is to provide a thorough grounding in the functional issues in commerce and business and to equip students for work in a range of commercial and accounting positions. The course also allows students who, for lack of confidence or work-study-life balance reasons, do not feel that they can enrol in a full bachelor-degree initially, to articulate into the Bachelor of Accounting at Leaders Institute.

The Diploma of Commerce is an entry level commerce course with emphasis on accounting. It provides graduates with a broad understanding of the key practical, technical and theoretical accounting knowledge and skills and principles of general business operations and management.

They are exposed to, and will have experience in, practical business tasks and functions necessary to not just work in, but also to thrive and prosper in, today’s competitive business and commercial environments.

The purpose of the Diploma of Commerce curriculum is to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education in commerce: whilst focussing on accounting it combines with important business-related subjects like management, marketing, economics, applied statistics, computer systems, and organisational management.

As a result, this course not only prepares graduates for current market issues, but for future ones as well. Graduates will have learned how to generate accurate financial and management reports for decision making, how to communicate effectively, how to promote organisational change and manage people, and have an appreciation of ethical business practice and the elements of good governance.

In keeping with the leadership ethos of Leaders Institute the Diploma of Commerce also includes units that promote and develop the so called ‘soft skills’ and leadership skills which are increasingly required and expected within a business environment.

Graduates will be commerce, accounting, market-and-business ready and will be able to work in small and large businesses in the areas of finance and accounts, management, administration, marketing, business applications and systems or business development. Graduates will also be equipped to run their own businesses.

The course encourages lifelong learning and ethical practice and development of critical thinking skills. Students will discover their own strengths and will be equipped to become effective and ‘impactful’ leaders in business.

Students will develop and apply theoretical knowledge and understanding to a variety of authentic learning tasks and assessments including case studies, reports, portfolios, oral presentations, and practical exercises individually and in small teams. Assessments will include projects reflecting real world industry-based problems.

Upon completion of this course, students will be eligible to articulate into the second year of the Bachelor of Accounting.

CORE UNITS

• AC101 Accounting I
• AC201 Accounting II
• BC100 Professional Business Communication
• CS101 Computer Based Information Systems
• EC101 Economics
• MG101 Management
• OB101 Organisational & Human Management
• ST101 Applied Quantitative Data Analysis

Domestic students

Completion of one of the following:

• Queensland Higher School Certificate or an interstate equivalent Higher School Certificate. OP 17 / ATAR 60;
• International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• AQF Level 5 or above qualification (or overseas equivalent).
• qualifications deemed equivalent to any of the above qualifications.

International students

Completion of one of the following:

• Queensland Higher School Certificate or an interstate equivalent Higher School Certificate. OP 17 / ATAR 60;
• International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• AQF Level 5 or above qualification (or overseas equivalent).
• qualifications deemed equivalent to any of the above qualifications.

International students whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require one of the following:

• International English Language Testing Services (IELTS) of 6.0, with a score of not less than 5.5 in any of the four skill areas;
• TOEFL (paper based) 550 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English;
• or equivalent.

It is expected that students can demonstrate that the English language test was successfully completed within two years of the date of application for admission.

Note: International students must hold a valid student visa. There are numerous conditions that apply to a student visa. A holder of a student visa may not work, paid or unpaid, for more than 40 hours in any fortnight during semester. Current information on student visa conditions may be found here.

Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Credit for previous learning may be obtained through the process of articulation, credit transfer, and RPL or a combination of these processes. Students who wish to apply for RPL must provide evidence in terms of completed qualifications along with other relevant documentation.

Alternative Admission Arrangements

Alternative admission pathways are also open for educationally disadvantaged applicants and for First Nations Peoples applicants. These applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis with RPL, professional accreditations, and the provision of a portfolio of work for entry to micro-credential and single units. Consideration will be given to other factors such as practical experience, community service, maturity, motivation, and the likelihood of satisfactory completion of the academic requirements of the course.

Applicants seeking alternative entry must also fulfil the English language entry requirements.

Alternative pathways are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director (or delegated representative).

Graduates of the Diploma of Commerce will be able to:

• Demonstrate technical and theoretical knowledge of business-related fields and disciplines including accounting, management, economics, statistics, computer systems and marketing;
• Demonstrate awareness of business practice, accounting standards and expectations, business ethics;
• Apply cognitive skills to identify, analyse and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from arange of business, industry, accounting and academic sources;
• Utilise cognitive and technical skills to create innovative solutions for complex accounting andmanagement issues within a business environment;
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills to express ideas, information recognised andanalysis in business, professional and academic formats;
• Develop an understanding of current and emerging practices in accounting;
• Describe and utilise innovative, professional accounting and business practice;
• Demonstrate social, professional and ethical competence while working independently or in team.

Learning Time Period and Fee

International Student Fees:

Tuition per unit: AUD $ 2,500

Total Course Fees: AUD $ 20,000

One-time Application Fee (non-refundable): AUD $ 500

Deposit component of tuition fees (non-refundable): AUD $ 2,000*

Total amount paid up front and prior to issue of Confirmation of Enrolment: AUD $ 10,500

*If an international student cancels their course enrolment less than 28 days before the commencement of the course, a non-refundable $2,000 deposit component of tuition fees is due before commencement to recover administrative expenditure incurred.

Domestic Student Fees: Total Course Fees:

Tuition per unit: AUD $ 1,625

Total Course Fees: AUD $ 13,000

One-time Application Fee (non-refundable): AUD $ 500

Total amount paid up front: AUD $ 6,500

Scholarships

To promote excellence in scholarship and learning, Leaders Institute will offer scholarships to outstanding students for both courses starting Year 2.

A combination of merit and needs based scholarships by way of fee discount of 25% is available for both domestic and international students. To apply for this scholarship, please meet your Program Director.