In this articulated pathway, you first complete the Diploma of Tourism at the Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT), and then continue studying to complete the degree at either South Bank or USC’s Sippy Downs campus.
This diploma provides skills and knowledge across a range of sectors including airlines, cruise operators, tour wholesalers, travel agencies and reservation call centres. Graduates also receive training in recognised industry systems including Galileo and Cross Check reservations software, Qantas Standard Fares and Qantas Promotional Fares. The bachelor component provides a complementary theoretical grounding in tourism, leisure and event management, including studies in sustainable tourism, technology and innovation, event management and policy, planning and development. Refer to the Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) for more information.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
This diploma provides skills and knowledge across a range of sectors including airlines, cruise operators, tour wholesalers, travel agencies and reservation call centres. Graduates also receive training in recognised industry systems including Galileo and Cross Check reservations software, Qantas Standard Fares and Qantas Promotional Fares. The bachelor component provides a complementary theoretical grounding in tourism, leisure and event management, including studies in sustainable tourism, technology and innovation, event management and policy, planning and development. Refer to the Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) for more information.
Career opportunities
Refer to separate entry for the Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management).
Teaching mode
There are different teaching modes between the SBIT diploma modules and the University’s Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) courses. Diploma modules are face-to-face teaching with performance-based assessment. The University’s Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) courses include three or four hours of contact per course per week, generally in the mode of a one-hour lecture and two-hour tutorial. Students complete a further six to seven hours of self-directed learning per course per week. The self-directed learning consists of readings, research, assignments and other assessment items.
Please note: This full-time program commences only in Semester 1 each year. New students do not undertake any USC courses until they complete their SBIT diploma.
Program structure
Program structure
This pathway is an articulation between the Diploma of Tourism at Southbank Institute of Technology and the Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete all courses as per study plan listed below.
- Present your completed Diploma of Tourism to enable 8 courses (96 units) of transfer credits to be applied to your academic record.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- The electives can be used to complete an additional minor.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.
Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT)
Students completing the Diploma of Tourism at SBIT will be awarded credit towards their USC degree as specified below.
8 courses credit:
COR199 Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments x2
BUS104 Fraser Island Expedition*
BUS105 Leading Coastal Environmental Studies*
BUS106 Introduction to Behavioural Health
BUS108 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
ART299 Sport and Exercise Psychology x2
University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)
Students complete 16 courses within the USC degree component, either at South Bank or USC’s Sippy Downs campus.
Introductory courses
4 required courses:
BUS101 Physical Education Studies A
BUS102 Physical Education Studies B
BUS103 Communication and Thought
TSM102 Foundations of Human Behaviour
Advanced courses
8 required courses:
BUS211 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
BUS320 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
TSM211 Social Work and Human Services Practice
TSM221 Understanding Society: An Introduction to Social Theory
TSM223 Mental Health and Social Work
TSM313 Working With Children, Youth and Families
TSM314 Ethical Practice in the Helping Professions
TSM315 Social Research
Elective courses
Select 4 advanced (200 / 300 level) elective courses from the Faculty of Arts and Business courses available at South Bank. Students can also access the full suite of electives from either faculty (Arts and Business, or Science, Health, Education and Engineering), on campus at Sippy Downs.