How Long Does an Online Diploma Take? Study While You Work

The quick answer

An online diploma typically takes around 12 to 24 months of part-time study. The national framework sets the volume of learning for a Diploma at 1-2 years, and for an Advanced Diploma at 1.5-2 years. Studied online alongside work, S2C Training's indicative durations are 12 months for the Diploma of Project Management and 24 months for its Advanced Diplomas. If you already do the work, Recognition of Prior Learning can be much faster.

Diploma (AQF 5): 1-2 years volume of learning

Advanced Diploma (AQF 6): 1.5-2 years volume of learning

Graduate Diploma (AQF 8): 1-2 years volume of learning

Working full time: Online study is designed for it

What 'volume of learning' means

The Australian Qualifications Framework describes how long a qualification takes as a volume of learning, expressed in equivalent full-time years. ASQA's guidance gives a Diploma 1-2 years (1,200-2,400 hours), an Advanced Diploma 1.5-2 years (1,800-2,400 hours) and a Graduate Diploma 1-2 years (1,200-2,400 hours). That includes reading, practice, assignments and assessment, not just tutorials. For how the levels compare, see Diploma vs Advanced Diploma vs Graduate Diploma.

Providers that advertise a full diploma in a few weeks are usually assuming significant prior experience, which is what RPL is for. Be wary of any course that promises a qualification without assessment of your skills. See How to choose an RPL provider.

Indicative durations at S2C Training

• Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820) - 12 units, indicative 12 months

• Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420) - 10 units, indicative 24 months

• Advanced Diploma of Business (BSB60120) - 10 units, indicative 24 months

• Graduate Diploma of Strategic Leadership (BSB80320) - 8 units, indicative 24 months

These are indicative. Your actual time depends on your study load, your progress and any prior learning.

Can you study a diploma while working full time?

Yes, and online study is built for it. At S2C you study online with trainer support and scheduled online tutorials, and assessment uses tasks from your own workplace where possible. That means much of the work you do for assessment is work you would be doing anyway: a project plan, a risk register, a team performance review. If you are not currently in a relevant role, assessment can use a simulated workplace.

A few habits make a big difference:

• Set aside regular weekly study time, rather than waiting for free weekends.

• Use your real work for assessments wherever the task allows.

• Attend the scheduled tutorials and ask your trainer early when you get stuck.

• Tell your manager. Some employers will support study that improves your work.

The faster route: RPL

If you have been doing the work for years, Recognition of Prior Learning assesses your existing experience against the units instead of making you study them. At S2C, RPL is assessed online using your evidence, a live competency conversation and, if needed, a practical task. How long it takes depends mostly on how quickly you can gather your evidence. For more, see Online study or RPL: which is faster for an Advanced Diploma? and What evidence do I need for RPL?

Where to from here

Complete a free skills check to find out whether online study or RPL fits your experience and schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an online diploma take in Australia?

Typically around 12 to 24 months part-time. The AQF volume of learning for a Diploma is 1-2 years, and S2C's indicative duration for the Diploma of Project Management is 12 months.

How long does an Advanced Diploma take?

The AQF volume of learning for an Advanced Diploma is 1.5-2 years. S2C's indicative duration for its Advanced Diplomas is 24 months of online study.

Can I study a diploma while working full time?

Yes. Online study with scheduled tutorials and workplace-based assessment is designed for people working full time.

Can I finish a diploma faster?

If you already have relevant experience, Recognition of Prior Learning can be much faster than studying, because it assesses what you already know and do.

Is a diploma done in a few weeks legitimate?

A nationally recognised diploma requires your skills to be assessed against every unit. Short timeframes are only realistic where significant prior experience is being recognised through RPL.

Sources

• ASQA - Volume of learning: https://legacy.asqa.gov.au/guidance-resources/determining-appropriate-training-and-course-duration/volume-learning

• Australian Qualifications Framework - AQF qualifications: https://www.aqf.edu.au/node/45