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Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on recent secondary, higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.

Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence. English language requirements must also be met.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 8 units (48 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • International
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 093386G
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student sits on sofa studying on laptop

Are you looking to add an additional area of expertise to your CV to enhance your career prospects and become future fit for life, without committing to a full degree? Perhaps you just want to dip a toe into university study, with the option of continuing on to an advanced diploma or even a bachelor's degree? Well, our Diploma in Arts is the perfect way to achieve both goals. This course will equip you with a variety of fundamental skills and knowledge in a range of subjects in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Why study Diploma in Arts with UNE?

This course will open up a whole new world of historic, environmental, social, behavioural and cultural features of humanity, allowing you to analyse, reflect upon, and anticipate patterns of human conduct. You will also develop the creative, critical and analytical skills that are now in demand by employers.

Our Diploma in Arts offers more than 80 elective units to choose from an extensive range of discipline areas including the arts, humanities and social sciences. It's also a great foundation if you wish to pursue further study.

What makes our course different?

The flexibility of UNE’s Diploma in Arts and the sheer breadth of choice, makes it stand out from similar courses at other universities:

  • Choose from more than 80 elective units from subject areas that include archaeology, ancient and modern history, English, writing, film studies, psychology, philosophy, criminology, plus a range of languages — just to name a few.
  • Flexible study with the option to study on campus or completely online, at home in your own time.

UNE is Australia’s oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education. Students consistently award us the maximum 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support. So, no matter whether you choose to study online or on campus, you are in very good hands.

Core units

  • HASS100 - Foundations of Academic Research
  • HASS101 - Controversies: Foundations of Critical Social Analysis
  • WRIT101 - The Craft of Academic Writing

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist your and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

To meet the entry requirements for this course you must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

To meet the entry requirements for this course you must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: A maximum of 24 credit points of Advanced Standing can be granted for units completed at UNE or another institution. However, no limit will apply to Advanced Standing for units completed within the last 10 years at UNE and which have not counted towards another qualification.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Select the option that best describes your experience.

You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.

Guaranteed ATAR

Not Applicable

If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):

  • Undergraduate Certificates
  • Diplomas
  • Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
  • Bachelor degrees
  • Postgraduate degrees

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:

  • Level and type of qualification (Certificate IV or above)
  • Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
  • Complete or incomplete.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.

You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:

Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements

Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course

TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS

Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: A maximum of 24 credit points of Advanced Standing can be granted for units completed at UNE or another institution. However, no limit will apply to Advanced Standing for units completed within the last 10 years at UNE and which have not counted towards another qualification.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points.

48 credit points

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units: Candidates must successfully complete 12 credit points of Core Units within the first 18 credit points of attempted units, excluding any advanced standing. Candidates who complete HASS100, HASS101 or WRIT101 as a Core Unit cannot undertake the unit as a Listed Unit.

36 credit points

Complete 36 credit points from the following units: Students undertaking CLLA101 and/or CLLA102 should specify which strand they are enrolling in: Latin or Greek. Other 200- and 300-level Arts units may be selected from any of the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts courses subject to candidates meeting overall course requirements and prerequisite and timetabling requirements for individual units. With the approval of the course coordinator, other units available from subjects offered within the University may be substituted for one or more of the Listed Units.

48 credit points

12 credit points

Complete 12 credit points from the following units: Candidates must successfully complete 12 credit points of Core Units within the first 18 credit points of attempted units, excluding any advanced standing. Candidates who complete HASS100, HASS101or WRIT101as a Core Unit cannot undertake the unit as a Listed Unit.

36 credit points

Complete 36 credit points from the following units: Students undertaking CLLA101 and/or CLLA102 should specify which strand they are enrolling in: Latin or Greek.

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
International
$30,200*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$12,758*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

Graduate with a Diploma in Arts and you will have a broad background knowledge and a transferable skillset that will assist you in a huge range of careers including, but not limited to:

  • management
  • public relations
  • education
  • business
  • human resources
  • government and public sector
  • research and analysis
  • creative industries
  • international affairs.
Other career information

Our Diploma in Arts can provide an alternative pathway into courses such as teacher education if you lack the required ATAR or educational background. It also functions as an exit award for students who have completed 48 credit points from units selected from other arts related courses.

Course outcomes

The Diploma in Arts provides students with a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies from across the University, with a basic focus on aspects of human culture and achievement. The course aims to provide students with: (i) an introductory knowledge in their chosen areas of study; (ii) the ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired; (iii) the ability to communicate effectively in a range of ways; (iv) creative, critical and analytical skills; (v) the ability to work both independently and collaboratively; (vi) the skills to connect across geographical, disciplinary, social and cultural boundaries; (vii) an understanding of the value of ethical behaviour; and (viii) the foundational skills demanded by employers in a global jobs market.
  1. demonstrate general knowledge in their chosen areas of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences and be able to apply that knowledge;
  2. demonstrate a basic understanding of theories, factual content, research procedures and ethical practice in their areas of study;
  3. exhibit lifelong learning skills and employment skills including the ability to analyse, evaluate and communicate ideas, as well as solve problems with a degree of intellectual independence in their fields of study;
  4. act as informed participants within a community of scholars; and
  5. display communication skills and, in the case of students taking language units, read, write and speak another language at an introductory level and have some appreciation of its cultural context.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will possess knowldege relevant to their fields of study, and have an introductory understanding of key principles, practices and boundaries of the disciplines they study. They will also understand the need to adopt a global perspective to the understanding of issues in these fields.

Communication Skills

Graduates will have skills that enable them to communicate the ideas and information acquired from their areas of study, including, where applicable, the possession of these skills in languages other than English. Graduates will recognise the importance of continuing to develop their communication skills, and to be able to use appropriate communication technologies.

Problem Solving

Graduates will have an understanding of key problem solving strategies in their fields of study and be able to apply these skills.

Information Literacy

Graduates will have skills in how to recognise relevant information and to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access and use information. They will be able to critically evaluate the sources, values and validity of information, and to interpret it.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will understand and practice ethical behaviour, as well as be open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world, and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have the skills to continue to investigate, evaluate issues and further their learning. The development of intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills will enable students to be able to research, write about and discuss a range of issues. These skills are transferable and essential lifelong skills.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will develop skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Find out how online study works

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Find out how online study works

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Join the campus at UNE Armidale
Live off-campus in Armidale
Explore options for UNE Sydney
Stay in our Intensive Schools accommodation

Find out more about studying on campus

Stay connected

Register your interest and we'll keep you updated

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Why study with us?

Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology) student Colin Ahoy on a rock beside a local river

I've always been interested in the human history of my local region. Studying archaeology has given me the skills to understand more about the human past and bring the past into the present.

Colin Ahoy, Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology) student

Why study with us?

UNE student poses at Booloominbah

UNE has been such a welcoming place for me as an international student. The staff has provided me with the profound knowledge and support that I needed to feel connected and comfortable in this advent

Yihong Zhu, UNE graduate

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024
Trimester 311 October 202421 October 2024
Apply now
Apply now

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.

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© University of New England, 2024

Indigenous artwork

The University of New England respects and acknowledges that its people, courses and facilities are built on land, and surrounded by a sense of belonging, both ancient and contemporary, of the world's oldest living culture. In doing so, UNE values and respects Indigenous knowledge systems as a vital part of the knowledge capital of Australia. We recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of the Aboriginal community and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.