Prepare for leadership in a thriving visitor economy.
With its many cultural events and festivals, Adelaide is the perfect place to build a career in tourism, events, and hospitality management. Industry growth across Australia – and the ongoing demand for skilled professionals – ensures rewarding careers for management graduates (The Australian, 2024).The global hospitality industry is also booming, with an estimated annual growth rate of 10.24% until 2028 (GlobeNewswire, 2024).
Acquire practical experience by managing real-world events. Engage with experts and industry professionals to prepare for senior hospitality roles. Gain contemporary expertise in tourism management, with a focus on sustainability practices and emerging technologies. Become a confident leader set for success with an advanced qualification in tourism, events and hospitality.
Our one-year Graduate Diploma in Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management will prepare you for leadership in a thriving sector.
Acquire fundamental expertise in marketing, accounting, and entrepreneurial thinking for the tourism and hospitality industry. Develop contemporary management skills required to lead tourism and hospitality operations and meet business goals.
Explore the professional challenges and opportunities across the tourism, events, and hospitality sector.
Learn about sustainable tourism, destination management, and festival management. Discover how to make a lasting impression with your events.
Study in-demand skills and knowledge including digital innovation, data analytics and marketing. Understand how the latest technological advancements enhance operational efficiency and guest experiences.
Collaborate with industry partners on real-world projects. Learn how to cater to diverse audiences in a globalised industry.
Cultivate a specialised knowledge of global trends, leadership strategies and market demands. Get ready for a high-impact career such as tourism policymaker, destination marketer, event director, hotel manager, event planner or tourism consultant.
Study in a vibrant environment, thriving with cultural, festival, sporting, and business events. Learn about visitor economy, including emerging digital innovations. Build industry knowledge, skills, and experience. Develop, plan, and deliver actual events. Collaborate with industry partners on practical projects and internships. Design, conduct, and analyse relevant research in the field.Adelaide University’s Graduate Diploma in Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management is hands-on, future-focused and industry engaged. Adelaide University is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the state’s cultural festivals and sporting events throughout the year.
Gain practical experience working on industry-based projects. Design, conduct, and analyse research. Collaborate with industry partners in the field. Learn how to lead teams, make decisions under pressure, and deliver high-quality, tailored experiences.
What impact is emerging technology having on the industry? Digital apps and technology have been transformative on Australia’s tourism and hospitality industry - driving innovation and enhancing visitor experiences. Explore emerging digital technologies in tourism, events, and hospitality. Learn about personalised visitor experiences, digital payment solutions, online reviews, travel guide apps, staff training and management tools.
Tourism, Event and hospitality managers need to make informed and confident decisions. Finance and accounting reports are central to decision-making. They are an effective tool for communication, monitoring, and resource allocation. Gain a fundamental understanding of financial and management accounting. Understand how to read and prepare financial reports - and the information’s practical application.
Would you like to have your own hospitality business? Perhaps you’ll open your own café or restaurant. With a knowledge of entrepreneurial thinking, you’ll be set for success. Learn to drive innovation, create opportunities, and stand out in a competitive industry. Create unique guest experiences, identify market gaps, start a side hustle, or launch a start-up.
You’ll study specialised topics, including:
You’ll also select an elective - explore an area aligned with your interests and professional goals.
This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification.
You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree.
Complete 48 units comprising:
Complete 42 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
|
Course code
HRES5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Tourism and Hospitality
|
Course code
HOSP5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise Management
|
Course code
HOSP5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Festival and Event Management
|
Course code
HOSP5002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
|
Course code
HRES5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Foundations of Tourism and Hospitality
|
Course code
HOSP5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise Management
|
Course code
HOSP5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Festival and Event Management
|
Course code
HOSP5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
|
Course code
HRES5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Foundations of Tourism and Hospitality
|
Course code
HOSP5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Tourism and Hospitality Enterprise Management
|
Course code
HOSP5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Festival and Event Management
|
Course code
HOSP5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
Career opportunities in the tourism industry are diverse – ranging from travel agencies and luxury resorts – to global event planning and destination management.
Australia is home to many luxury hotel chains known for their impeccable service, and world-class amenities. You might work as a hotel manager at 5-star hotel chains such as InterContinental Hotels, Marriott International, Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, or Langham Hotels.
Or you could coordinate eco tours on the Great Barrier Reef. Perhaps you’ll manage the next Adelaide Festival pop-up, like the Royal Croquet Club, Barrio, Lola’s Pergola, or SOHO Supper Club.
You could choose to build a career as a:
The rise in domestic and international travel is expected to increase job opportunities across the industry, including hotel management, event coordination, and culinary services (DEWR, 2024).
Digital advancements, including artificial intelligence and automation, are reshaping the hospitality industry. This is creating new roles and transforming existing ones, enhancing operational efficiency and guest experiences (Trends of Hospitality Jobs Opportunities, 2024).
The tourism and hospitality sectors are experiencing continuous growth - with emerging areas like wellness tourism, sustainable hospitality, and virtual events creating exciting new opportunities (Tourism Research Australia, 2023).
Adelaide University’s Graduate Diploma in Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management will give you the expertise and connections to pursue leadership careers locally and internationally.
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
