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Undergraduate

Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Arts, Social Science and Languages

Not available to international students.

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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

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

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Not available to international students.

Credit points required

40

Course code

NASSL1
SATAC codes
MyNextCourse

Overview

The Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Arts, Social Sciences and Languages is a 6-month course that offers you the opportunity to upskill or reskill and retrain.

Available 100% online or on campus, the course equips you with a solid grounding in key discipline areas of the arts. It is also a direct pathway into related higher education courses, should you wish to continue studying.

During this course, you will begin to explore elementary concepts in the arts and social sciences, which will provide you with insight into academic work in these fields and a grounding for more advanced studies. This course will support your learning needs and develop your study skills.

On completing the Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Arts, Social Sciences and Languages, you will be eligible to use the credit you've gained towards further study in a:

  • Diploma of Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Diploma of Indigenous Research

Advanced standing will be granted for some of or all the subjects you successfully complete. If further study is your intention, be sure to check the requirements of your preferred undergraduate degree to determine how many credits you can transfer.

Should you continue your studies with a Diploma of Arts or Bachelor of Arts at CDU, all credits for an Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Arts, Social Sciences and Languages will be transferred.

Note: On current advice the Undergraduate Certificate must be completed by the end of 2025.



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.

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?

This 40-credit point course consists of two (2) Core Units and two (2) Specialist Elective units chosen from a range of units at an Introductory level. The combination of introductory and first-year degree level subjects is designed to help you develop introductory knowledge in the arts, social sciences and languages, and the necessary skills for successful university studies.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core 
(2 units)
20cp

Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below.

LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100 from 2024)
IAS201 Cultural Capabilities

Specialist Elective
(2 units)

 

20cp

Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points selected from one of the following specialisations below:

Indigenous Research
IND170 Indigenous Research: Guiding Principles
IAS124 Contested Knowledges
 
Global Humanities
CRA101 The Creative North (replaces IAS102 from 2024)
IAS101 Indigenous Australia
IAS133 Introduction to International Relations
IAS131 Colonising Australia
IAS124 Contested Knowledges
IAS132 Colonial Rule in South East Asia
 
Languages
CHN161 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 1 (new from 2023)
CHN162 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 2 (new from 2023)
HEL161 Greek Language 1 (new from 2023)
HEL162 Greek Language 2 (new from 2023)
INI161 Indonesian Language 1 (new from 2023)
INI162 Indonesian Language 2 (new from 2023)
YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 (new from 2023)
YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 (new from 2023)
IAS161 Language Studies 1 (no longer available from 2023)
IAS162 Language Studies 2 (no longer available from 2023)
 
Digital Media
IAS112 Creative Practice in a Digital Context
IAS114 Introduction to Screen Media
IAS173 Drawing and Other Visual Representation Tools
IAS174 Digital Media and Online Content Design
 
Society and Culture
IAS121 Critical and Creative Thinking
IAS122 Ethics and Happiness (unit title change 2022)
IAS124 Contested Knowledges
IAS123 Sociological Perspectives

 40cpTotal 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 or part time load.

Full-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (previously CUC100)CO  
IAS201 Cultural CapabilitiesCO  
Specialist Elective 1SE  
Specialist Elective 2SE  

Part-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (previously CUC100)COIAS201 Cultural CapabilitiesCO
Specialist Elective 1SESpecialist Elective 2SE

 

Specialist Elective Availability
Please note: due to unit availability some specialist areas can only be undertaken part-time.

Semester 1Semester 2Summer SemesterIntensive Period (INT)
Indigenous Research
IND170 Indigenous Research: Guiding PrinciplesIAS124 Contested Knowledges  
Global Humanities
IAS101 Indigenous Australia
IAS133 Introduction to International Relations
IAS131 Colonising Australia
CRA101 The Creative North (replaces IAS102 from 2024)
IAS124 Contested Knowledges
IAS132 Colonial Rule in South East Asia
IAS101 Indigenous Australia
 
 
Languages
INI161 Indonesian Language 1
YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1
YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2
INI161 Indonesian Language 1
YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1
YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture
HEL161 Greek Language 1HEL161 Greek Language 1 (INT-2)
CHN161 Chinese Language 1 (INT-4)
HEL162 Greek Language 2 (INT-4)
CHN162 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 2 (INT-6)
HEL162 Greek Language 2 (INT-6)
Digital Media
IAS114 Introduction to Screen Media


 
IAS112 Creative Practice in a Digital Context
IAS174 Digital Media and Online Content Design
 IAS173 Drawing and Other Visual Representation Tools (INT-4)
Society and Culture
IAS121 Critical and Creative Thinking
IAS123 Sociological Perspectives
IAS122 Ethics and Happiness (unit title change 2022)
IAS124 Contested Knowledges
  

 

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 or part time load.

Full-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (previously CUC100)CO
  IAS201 Cultural CapabilitiesCO
  Specialist Elective 1SE
  Specialist Elective 2SE

Part-time Study Plan

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective

 

Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (previously CUC100)CO
  Specialist Elective 1SE
Year 2
IAS201 Cultural CapabilitiesCO  
Specialist Elective 2SE  

 

Specialist Elective Availability
Please note: due to unit availability some specialist areas can only be undertaken part-time.

Semester 1Semester 2Summer SemesterIntensive Period (INT)
Indigenous Research
IND170 Indigenous Research: Guiding PrinciplesIAS124 Contested Knowledges  
Global Humanities
IAS101 Indigenous Australia
IAS133 Introduction to International Relations
IAS131 Colonising Australia
CRA101 The Creative North (replaces IAS102 from 2024)
IAS124 Contested Knowledges
IAS132 Colonial Rule in South East Asia
IAS101 Indigenous Australia
 
 
Languages
INI161 Indonesian Language 1
YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1
YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2
INI161 Indonesian Language 1
YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1
YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture
HEL161 Greek Language 1

 
HEL161 Greek Language 1 (INT-2)
CHN161 Chinese Language 1 (INT-4)
HEL162 Greek Language 2 (INT-4)
CHN162 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 2 (INT-6)
HEL162 Greek Language 2 (INT-6)
Digital Media
IAS114 Introduction to Screen Media


 
IAS112 Creative Practice in a Digital Context
IAS174 Digital Media and Online Content Design
 IAS173 Drawing and Other Visual Representation Tools (INT-4)
Society and Culture
IAS121 Critical and Creative Thinking
IAS123 Sociological Perspectives
IAS122 Ethics and Happiness (unit title change 2022)
IAS124 Contested Knowledges
  

 

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).
  • 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 125 or higher.
  • Successful completion of a 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

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 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.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
No
Award
Undergraduate Certificate (Arts, Social Science and Languages)
Faculty/College
Faculty of Arts and Society
Sector
HE
Area of study
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Languages and Linguistics, Indigenous Knowledges

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.

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)
108031
Online (CSP)
108031
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

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