Course Structure

The Diploma of Business (DipBus) comprises 8 units of study (or subjects). Each unit represents 3 credit points. To fulfil the requirements of the DipBus award, you will need to complete a minimum of 24 credit points.

Common Core units (8 units)

You will take 8 core units common to all DipBus students. There are three types of common core units:

• Business units - six foundation units in management, marketing, accounting, economics, law and finance or mathematics.
• A research unit - one unit on academic and professional communication. This unit is taken by students from all undergraduate courses at Sheridan.
• A Christian Studies unit - one unit on the Christian faith. Like the Research unit, this unit is taken by students from all undergraduate courses at Sheridan. 

Course Duration

One year full-time or equivalent part-time.

Full-time = minimum of twenty-four (24) or more credit points (or 8 standard units) in an academic year

Part-time = less than twenty-four (24) credit points (or 8 standard units) in an academic year

Mode of Study

Face-to-face through lectures, tutorials and seminars, and is supported by Canvas, Sheridan's server-based learning management system. 

All teaching takes place at the Perth CBD campus (Suite 18, 7 Aberdeen St Perth).

Sheridan does not offer online study options for remote students.

Course Workload

A standard Diploma of Business unit typically represents 150 hours of study over a semester, including class contact hours and personal study. 

The 150 hours typically consist of seminars for 36 hours (3 hours per week over 12 teaching weeks) and personal study for 114 hours (7 hours per week over 12 teaching weeks plus 10 hours per week over 3 non-teaching weeks).

If you are a full-time student (ie you are taking 4 units in a semester) you should plan to set aside a total of 12 hours/week for all your formal classes combined and a total of 28-30 hours/week for all your personal study. 

Course Learning Outcomes

Diplomas qualify individuals who apply integrated technical and theoretical concepts in a broad range of contexts to undertake advanced skilled or paraprofessional work and provide a pathway for further learning.

Upon successful completion of their study students will be able to:

• Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of specialised learning areas within the field of business.
• Exercise cognitive skills successfully to identify, analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources.
• Plan, propose and evaluate potential solutions to unpredictable problems relating to specialised learning areas within the field of business.
• Communicate understanding of knowledge and skills relating to specialised learning areas within the field of business to others in various contexts.
• Apply learned technical and creative tools from one or more specialised learning areas within the field of business to interpret and resolve unpredictable problems in a diverse range of scenarios.
• Demonstrate the capacity to seek knowledge and truth with persistence, independence, rigour, and integrity.
• Evaluate the relevance of Christian faith and practice to the pursuit of knowledge in the field of business.
• Model self-discipline, ethical decision-making, servant leadership and respect for the dignity of individuals and groups in various settings.

Each unit taken in the Diploma of Business program will contribute towards the fulfilment of these broader learning outcomes.

Course Specific Requirements

A minimum ATAR score of 70 or its equivalent

For other acceptable entry requirements, please view the relevant sections:
Domestic students
International students

Course Guide

Diploma of Business

Pathways to a Bachelor degree

Student graduating with a Diploma of Business at Sheridan Institute of Higher Education will receive 24 credits towards the Sheridan Bachelor of Business.

See also Alternative Degree Pathways for pathways from the Diploma of Business to degrees at other institutions.