Diploma in Arts
Undergraduate
UNE-ART-DIP 2024Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
The first step in your journey through humanities, arts and social sciences
Explore humanity through the lens of culture, history, and society. This introduction to university studies includes academic research and writing, and your choice of subjects exploring human culture and achievement.
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 6 Oct 2024
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 12 months
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Diploma in Arts
About this degree
Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to:
- demonstrate general knowledge in their chosen areas of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences and be able to apply that knowledge;
- demonstrate a basic understanding of theories, factual content, research procedures and ethical practice in their areas of study;
- 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;
- act as informed participants within a community of scholars; and
- display communication skills.
This degree is designed to provide students with basic skills and knowledge in a range of disciplinary studies in the humanities, arts and social sciences. The Diploma in Arts examines historic, environmental, social, behavioural and cultural features of humanity, allowing students to analyse, reflect upon and anticipate patterns of human conduct. Students will develop creative, critical and analytical skills to assist with future employment or to pursue further study.
The Diploma in Arts is an attractive option for students who would prefer to trial university study while gaining an introductory undergraduate qualification.
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 degree 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 foundation skills demanded by employers in a global jobs market.
Recommended study pattern
Complete two of the following subjects:
- HASS100 Foundations of Academic Research
- HASS101 Controversies: Foundations of Critical Social Analysis
- WRIT101 The Craft of Academic Writing
Complete six Listed subjects.
To access the course rules and plans go to the UNE Course Handbook.
Award requirements
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass subjects to the value of 48 credit points (8 subjects).
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Students must contact UNE with their intent to graduate.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $17,912
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 36
Entry requirements
With the exception of the two open enrolment subjects, this is a restricted degree. Further enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
To be admitted to the Diploma in Arts you need to complete two of the three following subjects:
- HASS100 Foundations of Academic Research
- HASS101 Controversies: Foundations of Critical Social Analysis
- WRIT101 The Craft of Academic Writing
To be admitted to the Diploma in Arts you need to complete two of the three following subjects:
- HASS100 Foundations of Academic Research
- HASS101 Controversies: Foundations of Critical Social Analysis
- WRIT101 The Craft of Academic Writing
At least one of the following criteria must be met:
- English is the applicant's first language; or
- Satisfactory completion, within five years of the date of application for admission to UNE, of at least one year of full-time or equivalent full-time study at senior secondary, post-secondary or tertiary level in a country in which English is the primary official language or co-official language and in which English was the sole medium of instruction and assessment for the particular period of study claimed, resulting in an AQF award or an award recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR); or
- A pass grade or better in an English language subject at Australian Year 12 level or overseas equivalent; or
- An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.0 with no sub-band less than 5.5; or equivalent TOEFL score of at least 213 in the computer-based test; or at least 79 in the internet-based test with no less than 22 in the written component; or a PTE Academic minimum overall score of 57 with no skill less than 50; or
- Satisfactory completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program:
- at the University of New England English Language Centre; or
- an equivalent EAP program at an Australian university NEAS-accredited English Language Centre (subject to certification from the university concerned that satisfactory completion of that university's EAP program would entitle the applicant to be accepted into a comparable award-bearing program at that university); or
- at a non-university NEAS-accredited English Language Provider that has a formal agreement with UNE under which it provides an equivalent EAP Program; or
- a NEAS-accredited TAFE NSW EAP Program.
More detailed information regarding these requirements can be viewed here:
Students admitted to the degree with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this degree may be eligible for advanced standing. For more information on Advanced Standing or Recognition of Prior Learning, please visit: UNE Advanced Standing
Study method requirements
Depending on subject intensive, school attendance may be required.
Career opportunities
Career outlook
- Arts Administrators and Managers:
- Over $120K
- Historians:
- $93K to $120K
- Policy Analysts:
- $93K to $120K
- Policy and Planning Managers:
- Over $120K
- Social Professionals:
- $75K to $93K
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.