Featured courses
Upgrade your career in beauty with this high-level qualification from TAFE Queensland. You will learn advanced skills that will help you to progress as a beauty therapist.
Advance your building and construction management career with this technical qualification. This course meets the technical requirements for a Builder Low or Medium Rise licence in Queensland.
Take the next step in your career in community services with this advanced qualification. This course is perfect for people who want to work in the community sector.
Increase your hospitality skills and learn how to solve complex problems in a team environment. Take the next step in your career and get the skills you need to take on a management role in the hospitality industry.
Advance your career in leadership with this high-level qualification that will give you the skills needed to seek employment as a manager in human resources, business, or sales.
Progress your career in database design with this advanced-level qualification. Develop the specialised skills and knowledge required to plan and create information and communications technology (ICT) database systems for a wide range of businesses.
Progress your career in child care with this advanced qualification and gain the specialised skills and knowledge needed to work as an early childhood educator or centre director.
Unlock your creative talents with this visual arts diploma qualification. This course is perfect for individuals seeking self employment or work within the wider creative industries community.
Featured courses
Upgrade your career in beauty with this high-level qualification from TAFE Queensland. You will learn advanced skills that will help you to progress as a beauty therapist.
Advance your building and construction management career with this technical qualification. This course meets the technical requirements for a Builder Low or Medium Rise licence in Queensland.
Take the next step in your career in community services with this advanced qualification. This course is perfect for people who want to work in the community sector.
Increase your hospitality skills and learn how to solve complex problems in a team environment. Take the next step in your career and get the skills you need to take on a management role in the hospitality industry.
Advance your career in leadership with this high-level qualification that will give you the skills needed to seek employment as a manager in human resources, business, or sales.
Progress your career in database design with this advanced-level qualification. Develop the specialised skills and knowledge required to plan and create information and communications technology (ICT) database systems for a wide range of businesses.
Progress your career in child care with this advanced qualification and gain the specialised skills and knowledge needed to work as an early childhood educator or centre director.
Unlock your creative talents with this visual arts diploma qualification. This course is perfect for individuals seeking self employment or work within the wider creative industries community.
What is a diploma?
A diploma is a nationally-recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualification. VET courses are a type of higher education that give you practical skills and knowledge you can put into practice straight away. Diplomas are very different to traditional school or university study that covers abstract ideas and assesses you using grades. That's why many people who struggled at school or university find that a diploma course better suits their learning style.
How long is a diploma?
The length of your diploma depends on whether you're studying full time, part time, or online. However most diploma courses usually take between one and two years to complete. Some diplomas could even be considered short courses, with accelerated study modes reducing their duration to as little as six months.
Can I study a diploma online?
TAFE Queensland offers a wide range of online diplomas in popular study areas including business, community services, project management, and information technology. Studying online allows you to study when and where you want and fit your higher level studies around your other commitments.
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What's the difference between a diploma and a degree?
You might have heard that TAFE courses such as diplomas better prepare people for the workforce when compared to degrees. That's because VET qualifications are taught using competency-based learning. While university degrees tend to focus on broad topics, VET courses are broken down into individual skills or competencies. Students are assessed on each competency as they complete it, rather than being graded on their ability to perform well in an exam.
Can a diploma get me into university?
Completing a diploma is a common alternative pathway into university. Unlike uni, you don't have to meet strict academic criteria to enrol in a diploma course. But that doesn't mean your studies at TAFE aren't valued. In fact, most universities will consider your diploma as equivalent to the first year of study in a related bachelor degree.
There are two ways a diploma can help you get into university:
Completing a diploma can help you improve your QTAC selection rank and allow you to meet your university entrance requirements. Your diploma qualification may also count as credit towards your chosen degree, saving you time and money.
Learn moreTAFE Queensland offers a number of diploma-to-degree pathways with Australia's leading universities. You'll get guaranteed entry into selected university degrees and complete two qualifications in the same time it usually takes to complete one.
Learn moreWith nearly 100 diploma courses available across 15 study areas we have a diploma course to suit your needs. With a diploma you can get into your dream job, boost your career prospects and earning potential, make the switch into a new industry, or continue your studies at university.
News and events
Four reasons to study a diploma
If you've already completed a certificate level qualification, are ready to take the next step in your career, or want to get into university, then a diploma at TAFE Queensland could be just what you're looking for.
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Why VET is the right choice
When deciding which study option is best for you it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Is TAFE or university better? Should you go to uni, TAFE, or a private provider? Everyone seems to have a different opinion on what the 'right' answer is. It can be hard to sort out fact from fiction.
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Ahead of the game
While fate may have played a hand in starting Cade Franklin's career in games design, it's taken a lot more than good luck to get him to where he is today.
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