Diploma of Creative Arts and Health
UndergraduateTAS-CAH-DIP2025
Combine arts with health
Discover how creative arts interventions in health care settings can have a positive impact on people’s lives. Learn through case studies, data and neuroscience. Explore your own creativity and ties to community. Advocate creativity.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 13 July 2025,
- 12 Oct 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Diploma of Creative Arts and Health
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Identify and analyse social, cultural and ethical impacts of the creative arts as a means to improve health and wellbeing in local, cross-cultural and/or global contexts.
- Communicate effectively by written, oral and technology supported modes to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Define and solve problems applying knowledge and skills as a basis for planning and decision making to inform the use of the creative arts to promote health and wellbeing
- Demonstrate initiative, by applying knowledge and skills to identify the ways in which social responsibility, accountability, ethical conduct and resilience can be used in creative arts projects to improve health and wellbeing, whether working independently or with others.
Engagement with the creative arts can bring joy, restore self-confidence, improve mental and physical wellbeing and contribute to improving the quality of life for everyone.
An ageing population and rising levels of depression and anxiety in youth, the elderly, and people living in rural areas are significant challenges for Tasmania, Australia and internationally. Research is demonstrating ways in which music, visual arts, theatre and other creative arts can contribute to addressing these challenges.
The Diploma of Creative Arts and Health offers you an interdisciplinary study experience that is unique. You will gain knowledge of innovative uses of creative arts in a range of community and health-care settings, while developing an understanding of the effects of the arts on brain and body in the social and cultural context. There are opportunities to explore your own creativity and learn about international best practice for ethical and effective implementation of arts programs in both community and healthcare settings.
If you are interested in how the power of creative arts can be used to promote wellbeing and better health in a range of community and healthcare settings - then this program is for you!
Recommended study pattern
For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:
Completion of 5 core subjects from the schedule below:
- 2 Introductory subjects
- TAS-FXA100 The Arts and Dementia Care
- TAS-FXA101 Creativity for Life
- 2 Intermediate subjects
- TAS-FXA202 The Photo Essay: Storytelling with Image and Text
- TAS-PSY214 Stress, Self-Care and Mindfulness
- 1 Advanced subject
- TAS-FXA301 Arts in the Community
Completion of 3 elective subjects from the schedule below:
- Up to 2 introductory elective subjects
- TAS-CZZ104 Living and Working With Cultural Diversity
- TAS-HGA138 Society, Culture and Health
- TAS-PSY112 Brain and Behaviour
- Completion of 1-3 advanced elective subjects
- TAS-FXA300 Music, Mind and Body
- TAS-FXA302 Perspectives of the Arts on Health and Wellbeing
- TAS-FXA303 Creative Arts, Play and Mental Wellbeing
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 8 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1-3 years from commencement.
- 2 Introductory 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.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $10,280
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.
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 20
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
Entry requirements
- Partially completed an undergraduate program at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any subjects the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; or
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Successful completion of any 2 OUA open access subjects of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
Completion of a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.
Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this program.
The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.
Career opportunities
Professional recognition
The Diploma of Creative Arts for Health is a course approved by theAustralian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association(ANZACATA) and graduates of the Diploma of Creative Arts for Health will be eligible for tier level membership.
Graduates may meet the requirements for membership of ANZACATA. There may be additional requirements for membership beyond the completion of the course.
For further membership requirements, please visit the ANZACATA.
If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Actors, Dancers and Other Entertainers | $93K to $120K | Down 30.9% |
| Community Workers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Disabilities Services Officers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Entertainers and Variety Artists | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Musicians | N/A^ | N/A^ |
| Welfare, Recreation and Community Arts Workers | $75K to $93K | Up 29.8% |
| Youth Workers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Explore community services & care courses
Discover related degrees to compare your options and find the best fit for your goals.
Diploma in Community Welfare and Wellbeing
UndergraduateUNE-CWW-DIP
Undergraduate Certificate in Community Support
UndergraduateTAS-CST-CTF
UndergraduateSCU-CMW-DEG
UndergraduateUSA-BPH-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology
UndergraduateUSA-PSY-DEG
UndergraduateUSA-BCH-DEG
UndergraduateUNE-SWK-DEG
Bachelor of Health Science (Healthy Ageing)
UndergraduateUSA-BHA-DEG
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.