Postgraduate Coursework
Graduate Certificate of Arts
2021
The Graduate Certificate of Arts is a flexible postgraduate course that prepares you for further studies or research. The course will diversify and grow your knowledge in cultural and creative spheres.
You'll choose to specialise in one of five focus areas, four of which carry a strong focus on Indigenous research, engagement and language.
Whether you want to consolidate your expertise or forge a new career path, this degree will equip you with the analytical and critical thinking skills you need to succeed.
At CDU, you'll explore unique perspectives on the contemporary issues facing Indigenous Australia, Northern Australia and South-East Asia. Our lecturers are leaders in their fields and are ready to guide and mentor you.
Career opportunities
A Graduate Certificate of Arts will open up opportunities for you by adding a new dimension of knowledge and skills to your existing qualification. It is likely to make you ready for work in the NT by giving your qualifications and experience a local edge. It also allows you to access locally specific, Indigenous or creative skills and knowledge development without committing to longer periods of study.
Credit transfers & pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
English Language Requirements for International Students
For detail on English Language Entry Requirements please read the entry requirements provided for International students.
How to Apply
International applicants apply directly to CDU and should refer to the information provided for International future students Apply.
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification.
Consideration will also be given to applicants who do not have one of the above qualifications, but who have at least five years appropriate professional experience.
Applicants must provide further documentation detailing their employment experience in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.
International Pathway
Applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1) are eligible for entry.
Essential 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.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Navitas Academic English (will not be accepted from 2021 onwards) | A minimum overall pass and 65% in Academic English 3 with a 65% pass in the research essay. (Note: this score will not be accepted from 2021 intakes onwards). |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with 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.
Course structure
This six-month course of study gives you the flexibility to study online, on campus or a mix of both, part time or full time. With 24/7 access to learning materials and online collaboration tools, you can study when it suits you.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Specialist Electives (4 units) |
40cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points selected from ONE of the five specialisations outlined below:
CULTURAL AND CREATIVE RESEARCH INDIGENOUS RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT INDIGENOUS POLICY DEVELOPMENT YOLNGU LANGUAGE AND CULTURE STUDIES |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Certificate AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
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 vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
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 vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
Course fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study of 40 credit points (1.0 EFTSL) for commencing students in 2021 is AUD $16,004.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, 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.