Overview

A strong personal brand can’t exist without strategy. Our Diploma of Social Media Marketing teaches you how to increase engagement and monitor results for maximum impact. Gain practical experience writing persuasive copy, planning a strategy and creating a blog. Use your skills to drive results and find employment as a social media manager, strategist or coordinator.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

Get more for your ATAR

Looking for a uni with state-of-the-art facilities, guaranteed industry experience and a supportive community? Find your dream course and make Swinburne your #1 VTAC preference.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Communication
  • Planning
  • Strategy
  • Generate ideas
  • Social Media management

Your career opportunities

  • Social Media Manager
  • Social Media Strategist
  • Social Media Coordinator
  • Social Media Community Manager

Location options

  • Online

Admissions

Applicants require a minimum of completion of Year 12 or equivalent. 

Non-school leavers without formal qualifications are welcome to apply. 

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Other requirements

Entrants into this course would benefit from having high-level language, literacy and numeracy levels – sufficient to interpret complex documents, prepare written reports and prepare budget-spread sheets; and intermediate level computer literacy skills – sufficient to navigate all digital channels and social media platforms Technical requirements: Students need a headphone/microphone and camera through a computer connected to the internet to use 'Collaborate Ultra ' within the CANVAS learning management system.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

Students will need to complete 6 core units and 3 elective units in a self-paced online fashion. Units are delivered in 8 week blocks, with 4 intakes a year. Units have been clustered together to enable students to progress efficiently through the material, with topics that work well together. It is recommended that students complete Clusters 1 and 2 (in any order) before commencing Clusters 3 and 4. This will ensure you have the foundational knowledge you need before beginning more advanced units.

6
Core units
+
3
Elective units
=
Diploma
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 600

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Plan, implement and manage content marketing
Core unit
NAT10904001
Plan, conduct and optimise organic social media marketing
Core unit
NAT10904002
Plan, manage and optimise paid social media advertising
Core unit
NAT10904003
Establish, build and leverage a personal brand on social media
Core unit
NAT10904004
Plan, implement and manage social media conversion strategies
Core unit
NAT10904005
Develop a social media strategy
Core unit
SIRXMKT006
Elective units
Identify and evaluate marketing opportunities
Elective unit
BSBMKG541
Present a body of own creative work
Elective unit
CUAPPR513
Develop a digital marketing plan
Elective unit
SIRXMKT007

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$5,380

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$3,120

2025 fees

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

Concessions rates for vocational students

Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.

The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2025 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
10904NAT
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
February Intake
Location
Online
Last date to apply
12-February-2025
Start dates
17-February-2025
May Intake
Location
Online
Last date to apply
23-April-2025
Start dates
28-April-2025
August Intake
Location
Online
Last date to apply
30-July-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
October Intake
Location
Online
Last date to apply
01-October-2025
Start dates
06-October-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
February Intake
Location
Online
Start dates
17-February-2025
May Intake
Location
Online
Start dates
28-April-2025
August Intake
Location
Online
Start dates
04-August-2025
October Intake
Location
Online
Start dates
06-October-2025
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
21-January-2025
  • Diploma of Social Media Marketing Testimonial

    I have previously worked in Marketing and thought I had a pretty good handle on Social Media, but the Diploma really brings it all together and presents it in a whole new light for my business - Wilderness Lab. I learned tips and strategies that are vital for marketing success across all platforms. Since finishing the Diploma, my followers and engagement have seen a HUGE increase. 

    Rini Puccetti , Diploma of Social Media Marketing