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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Overview
The Diploma of Business Studies is designed to reflect general business degree course objectives and build towards the graduate attributes of Charles Darwin University. These attributes describe creative, flexible and socially responsible graduates who are able to acquire, understand and apply concepts and knowledge with a high level of skills in communication, leadership and team work.
The UP Education approach meets this commitment to learning through a focus on students, high quality teaching, strict academic standards and helping students to be well-rounded.
The Diploma of Business Studies has been developed to parallel the existing first year course in business with the added dimensions of Academic English development, increased contact time with staff and focus on linguistic and cultural gaps that will exist for many students in first year units.
The Diploma of Business Studies is delivered by UP Education through an existing partnership that governs all programs in the CDU International College.
Career opportunities
Successful completion of this course allows you to enter the second year of the following courses at CDU: Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Accounting or Bachelor of Digital Enterprise.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $28,376.00. This equates to $ $3,547.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
Why study business at CDU?
Learn from internationally-recognised academics when you study business at CDU. Future-proof your career with accredited courses built on sustainable business practices and innovation. You'll graduate ready to make an impact on the global market.
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Industry experts with experience in Australia, the Asia Pacific and beyond
What will I study?
The information provided for this course was valid for the final year of enrolment. Students continuing in this course may find there have been some changes to the unit availability. Students should, in the first instance, refer to the recommended study plan in the newest version of this course to make their unit selection for the current year.
Course structure
Every re-enrolling student will be able to complete their current course of study. As a continuing student you should always consider transferring to the newest course version to enable you to take advantage of new and exciting changes to university programs. Students electing not to transfer should refer to the transitional arrangements where provided.
If you have any queries, or concerns about your course progression you would like clarified, please contact Student Central on freecall 1800 061 963 or student.central@cdu.edu.au.
A candidate must successfully complete 8 units totalling 80 credit points (cp) over two semesters (4 units each semester). All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
All units are scheduled for five contact hours per week over a 12 week teaching semester.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Each unit is scheduled for five contact hours per week (a total of 20 hours per week for 4 units) over a 12 week teaching semester.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (7 units) | 70cp | Core units totalling 70 credit points as detailed below. IDC104 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces IDC101 from 2025) IDC103 Business and Professional Communications IDC202 Cultural Capabilities (replaces IDC102 from 2025) IDB101 Quantitative Analysis for Business IDB102 Introduction to Business Law IDB103 Introduction to Management IDB104 Business Economics |
| Specialist Electives (1 units) | 10cp | Specialist Elective unit totalling 10 credit points selected from the units listed below. IDA101 Introduction to Accounting (Accounting) IDM101 Fundamentals of Marketing (Business) |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2025
IDC104 Language, Literacy and Sustainability replaces IDC101 Academic Literacies Through Exploring Sustainability. Students who have completed IDC101 prior to 2025 should not complete IDC104.
IDC202 Cultural Capabilities replaces IDC102 Cultural Intelligence and Capability. Students who have completed IDC102 prior to 2025 should not complete IDC202.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Note: A candidate must successfully complete 8 units totalling 80 credit points over two semesters (4 units each semester) as detailed below.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||
| IDC104 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces IDC101 from 2025) | CO | IDC202 Cultural Capabilities (replaces IDC102 from 2025) | CO |
| IDB101 Quantitative Analysis for Business | CO | IDB102 Introduction to Business Law | CO |
| IDB103 Introduction to Management | CO | IDB104 Business Economics | CO |
| IDC103 Business and Professional Communications | CO | One Specialist unit chosen from: IDA101 Introduction to Accounting (specialist to Accounting) or IDM101 Fundamentals of Marketing (specialist to Business) | SE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Note: A candidate must successfully complete 8 units totalling 80 credit points over two semesters (4 units each semester) as detailed below.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||||
| IDC202 Cultural Capabilities (replaces IDC102 from 2025) | CO | IDC104 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces IDC101 from 2025) | CO | ||
| IDB102 Introduction to Business Law | CO | IDB101 Quantitative Analysis for Business | CO | ||
| IDB104 Business Economics | CO | IDB103 Introduction to Management | CO | ||
| One Specialist unit chosen from: IDA101 Introduction to Accounting (specialist to Accounting) or IDM101 Fundamentals of Marketing (specialist to Business) | SE | IDC103 Business and Professional Communications | CO | ||
____________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Note: A candidate must successfully complete 8 units totalling 80 credit points over two semesters (4 units each semester) as detailed below.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||||
| IDC104 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces IDC101 from 2025) | CO | ||||
| IDB101 Quantitative Analysis for Business | CO | ||||
| IDB103 Introduction to Management | CO | ||||
| IDC103 Business and Professional Communications | CO | ||||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||||
| IDC202 Cultural Capabilities (replaces IDC102 from 2025) | CO | ||||
| IDB102 Introduction to Business Law | CO | ||||
| IDB104 Business Economics | CO | ||||
| One Specialist unit chosen from: IDA101 Introduction to Accounting (specialist to Accounting) or IDM101 Fundamentals of Marketing (specialist to Business) | SE | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 50*.
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 162, with no skill below 154. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B1. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 42 with no score lower than 36. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 46 with a minimum score of 14 for reading, speaking and listening and a minimum score of 21 for writing. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
I loved the whole process of learning how to pitch, working on business models, figuring out solutions to problems—they’re all really helpful skills to have in business.
Ben
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
I loved the whole process of learning how to pitch, working on business models, figuring out solutions to problems—they’re all really helpful skills to have in business.
Ben
CDU student
I genuinely believe Darwin is the land of opportunities if you leverage your strengths, abilities and skills.
Ellie
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | <5 | N/P |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | N/P |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | 12 | .0 |
| All students | 12 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about business at CDU
Sushan is from Nepal studying a Master of Business Administration (Professional Practice) at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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