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Undergraduate

Diploma of Arts

Key details

Duration

1 year/s full-time
2 year/s part-time
1 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

80

Course code

YARTS1
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

The Diploma of Arts offers students a pathway into diverse specialist and interdisciplinary thematic areas including:

  • communications, text and digital media;
  • society and culture;
  • digital and global humanities;
  • Indigenous governance and policy;
  • contemporary Indigenous Australian languages and linguistics;
  • digital and creative arts;
  • music, production and performance; and
  • architectural design.

As a student, your journey through this program will also develop core communication, critical and creative thinking skills to prepare you to participate in a multi-disciplinary and global workforce.

The Diploma of Arts is ideal for anyone who wants a taste of studying arts and would like to gain a qualification but may not be ready to commit to a full bachelor's degree.



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

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or

(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.

Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $27,096.00. This equates to $ $3,387.00 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.

CDU students in a computer lab

Why study arts at CDU?

Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.

  • #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024) 
  • Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you

 

Creative arts student drawing in workshop

Why study arts at CDU?

Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.

  • #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024) 
  • Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
CDU students in a computer lab

Why study arts at CDU?

Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.

  • #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024) 
  • Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
  • Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you

 

Creative arts student drawing in workshop

Why study arts at CDU?

Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.

  • #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
  • #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024) 
  • Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives

What will I study?

The course requires the successful completion of 80 credit points of study. Core units provide a foundation of Indigenous knowledge traditions, cultural capabilities and an orientation to our place in Northern Australia. Sixty (60) credit points of Specialist Electives allows students to diversify their studies into areas of specific interest.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
 

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Specialist Electives
(6 units) 
60cp 

Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points from the Group A unit listing:

 Group A
 IAS101 Indigenous Australia
 CRA101 The Creative North (replaces IAS102 from 2024)
 IAS201 Cultural Capabilities
 IAS202 Northern Futures

Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points from the Group B unit listing: Units are categorised in alignment with the majors in the Bachelor of Arts, but there is no requirement to complete all Specialist Elective B units from one grouping.

 Group B
 COMMUNICATIONS, LITERATURE AND DIGITAL MEDIA
 IAS111 Introduction to Australasian Literature
 IAS112 Creative Practice in a Digital Context
 IAS113 Introducing Communications Studies
 IAS114 Introduction to Screen Media
 IAS211 Media and Professional Writing
 IAS212 Media and Culture in Global Communications
 IAS213 Guilty Reading: Topics in Popular Genres
 IAS214 Contemporary Literature and Writing
 IAS215 Screen Media and Production 1
 IAS216 Screen Media and Production 2

 SOCIETY AND CULTURE
 IAS121 Critical and Creative Thinking
 IAS122 Ethics and Happiness (unit title change 2022)
 IAS123 Sociological Perspectives
 IAS124 Contested Knowledges
 IAS221 Social Identities and Relationships
 IAS222 Global Sociology
 IAS223 Representing and Recording Country
 IAS224 Philosophy of Arts and Culture
 IAS225 Cultural Resource and Site Management
 IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary Perspectives

 GLOBAL HUMANITIES IN A DIGITAL AGE
 IAS131 Colonising Australia
 IAS132 Colonial Rule in South-East Asia
 IAS133 Introduction to International Relations
 IAS124 Contested Knowledges
 IAS231 Colonial North Australia
 IAS232 Themes in Global History
 IAS234 Indonesia: State and Society
 IAS235 China and International Relations (new from 2024)
 IAS236 Indonesia and the World (no longer offered)
 IAS237 Ancient Civilisations and Societies (replaces IAS233 from 2023)
 IAS243 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics

 INDIGENOUS GOVERNANCE AND POLICY
 IAS131 Colonising Australia
 IAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous Contexts
 IAS123 Sociological Perspectives
 IAS144 Indigenous Land and Resources
 IAS241 Indigenous Policy Principles and Practice
 IAS242 Indigenous Governance and Leadership
 IAS243 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics
 IAS244 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation
 IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary Perspectives
 IAS246 Advocacy and Social Action

 CONTEMPORARY INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA 
 IAS124 Contested Knowledges
 IAS131 Colonising Australia
 IAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous Contexts
 IAS144 Indigenous Lands and Resources
 IAS223 Representing and Recording Country
 IAS225 Cultural Resource and Site Management
 IAS245 Indigenous Contemporary Perspectives
 IAS246 Advocacy and Social Action
 IAS252 Language and Identity (unit title change 2022)
 IAS254 Partnership and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management


 LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS
CHN161 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 1 (new from 2023)
CHN162 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 2 (new from 2023)
CHN261 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 3 (new from 2023)
CHN262 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 4 (new from 2023)
HEL161 Greek Language 1 (new from 2023)
HEL162 Greek Language 2 (new from 2023)
HEL261 Greek Language 3 (new from 2023)
HEL262 Greek Language 4 (new from 2023)
INI161 Indonesian Language 1 (new from 2023)
INI162 Indonesian Language 2 (new from 2023)
INI261 Indonesian Language 3 (new from 2023)
INI262 Indonesian Language 4 (new from 2023)
YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 (new from 2023)
YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 (new from 2023)
YOL261 Yolngu Languages and Culture 3 (new from 2023)
YOL262 Yolngu Languages and Culture 4 (new from 2023)
IAS161 Language Studies 1 (repeatable) (replaced by CHN161, HEL161, INI161, YOL161 from 2023)
IAS162 Language Studies 2 (repeatable) (replaced by CHN162, HEL162, INI162, YOL162 from 2023)
IAS261 Language Studies 3 (repeatable) (replaced by CHN261, HEL261, INI261, YOL261 from 2023)
IAS262 Language Studies 4 (repeatable) (replaced by CHN262, HEL262, INI262, YOL262 from 2023)
IAS164 Linguistics for Indigenous Languages 2 (no longer offered from 2022)
IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics (unit title change 2022)
IAS165 Language in Society
IAS264 Language Documentation Methods and Tools (unit title change 2022)
IAS265 Meaning in Language: Semantics (unit title change 2022)
IAS267 Languages in Contact
IAS268 Sounds and Sound Systems: Phonetics and Phonology (new in course from 2022)
IAS269  Word and Sentence Structure: Morphology and Syntax (new in course from 2022)
TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition (replaces IAS266 from 2023)

 CREATIVE AND DIGITAL ARTS 
 IAS171 Creative Studio 1 (20cps)
 IAS172 Creative Studio 2 (20cps)
 IAS271 Creative Studio 3 (20cps)
 IAS272 Creative Studio 4 (20cps)
 IAS371 Creative Practice and Theory (20cps) (repeatable)
 IAS173 Drawing and Other Visual Representation Tools (repeatable)
 IAS174 Digital Media and Online Content Design
 CRA201 Contemporary Creative Practice (new from 2024)
 CRA202 Creative Practice Responding to Country (new from 2024)
 IAS273 Sculptural Design (repeatable)
 IAS274 Digital Image Capture and Photographic Media (repeatable)

 MUSIC MAKING, PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE 
 IAS184 Digital Composition
 IAS181 Music Making and Theory 1 (20cp)
 IAS182 Music Making and Theory 2 (20cp)
 IAS281 Music Making and Theory 3 (20cp)
 IAS282 Music Making and Theory 4 (20cp)
 IAS381 Music Making, Production and Performance (20cp) (repeatable) 
 IAS283 Indigenous and Community Music (not offered in 2024)
 IAS284 Choral Studies (unit title change 2023) (repeatable) (repeatable)

 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 
 IAS191 Architectural Design 1 (20cp)
 IAS192 Architectural Design 2 (20cp)
 IAS291 Architectural Design 3 (20cp)
 IAS292 Architectural Design 4 (20cp)
 IAS193 Design and Representation in Architecture
 IAS194 Architectural Technology and Environment 1
 IAS293 Architectural Technology and Environment 2
 IAS294 Architectural Technology and Environment 3

General Electives
(2 units)
20cpUnits totalling between 20 credit points may be selected from undergraduate units offered by the University.  

Students may select units from any of the approved specialisations (as above), other units offered throughout the university or by cross institutional enrolment as approved by the course coordinator.
 80cpTotal Credit Points

 

Study plan


Students commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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 assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200  units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective

 Full-time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
Specialist Elective Group A or BSESpecialist Elective Group A or BSE
Specialist Elective Group A or BSESpecialist Elective Group A or BSE
Specialist Elective Group B or General Elective SE/ESpecialist Elective Group B or General Elective SE/E
Specialist Elective Group B or General ElectiveSE/ESpecialist Elective Group B or General ElectiveSE/E

 

Students commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or 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 assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist ElectiveE = Elective

 Full-time Study Plan

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  Specialist Elective Group A or BSE
  Specialist Elective Group A or BSE
  Specialist Elective Group B or General Elective SE/E
  Specialist Elective Group B or General ElectiveSE/E
Year 2
Specialist Elective Group A or BSE  
Specialist Elective Group A or BSE  
Specialist Elective Group B or General Elective SE/E  
Specialist Elective Group B or General Elective SE/E  

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

  • 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 60*.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
    • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
    • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
    • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
    • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
    • School recommendation program

* 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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

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.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30)Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of B2.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21.

* 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

The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2023

ATAR based offers onlyATAR
(excluding adjustment factors)
Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Lowest rank to receive an offer<5<5
Median rank to receive an offer<5<5
Highest rank to receive an offer<5<5

Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.

Professor Ruth Wallace

Ruth Wallace

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, 2023.

Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023)No. of Students% of all Students
A. Higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)
13 .0
B. Vocational education and training (VET) study<5N/P
C. Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
5 .0
D. Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR

(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)

<5N/P
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered

(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR)

<5N/P
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor

(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

<5N/P
International students<5N/P
All students 18 .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

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Diploma of Arts
Faculty/College
Faculty of Arts and Society
Sector
HE
Area of study
Arts, Languages and Linguistics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Creative and Performing Arts, Indigenous Knowledges, Communications and Design

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

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.

SATAC

SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.

MyNextCourse

Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.

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.

SATAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
116301
Online (CSP)
116301
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
0101374

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