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  • Undergraduate
  • Degree

Diploma of Arts

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • Online
Start
Fees
  • AUD 28,840
  • (Indicative annual fee)

Overview

  • Pursue your passion and create new career possibilities with the Diploma of Arts, which offers a flexible introduction to university study without the commitment of a full bachelor degree.
  • Customise your education to suit your career goals and self-expression by selecting from a diverse range of courses, including criminology, creative writing, international relations, history, English literature, psychology, legal studies, and more.
  • Benefit from career and employment linkages, with courses designed to enhance professional skills and make you more employable. Explore and fine-tune your career direction in a fully supported learning environment.
  • Enjoy the flexibility to study online or on-campus, full-time or part-time, allowing you to balance work, life, and family commitments while gaining transferrable skills sought after by employers, such as teamwork, adaptability, communication, creative thinking, and problem-solving.

Majors in the Diploma of Arts

  • Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Extended)

    Create data science solutions, develop skills in data modelling, storage, retrieval, AI, and analyse privacy and ethics issues.

  • Anthropology

    Explore how understanding human societies and cultures can address social issues like inequality and sustainability, while developing critical thinking and practical skills.

  • Archaeology

    Study archaeology to uncover human history, from ancient migrations to recent societies, through hands-on training and expert guidance.

  • Counselling Practice

    Develop counselling skills, emphasize cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practice, and pair studies with interests like HR, physiology, or criminology.

  • Creative Writing

    Develop creative writing skills, experiment with diverse genres, and connect with vibrant writing communities to produce compelling narratives.

  • Criminology and Criminal Justice

    Explore the complexities of crime and justice by studying social and psychological factors, forensic psychology, and interdisciplinary criminology and justice studies.

  • Digital Media

    Explore digital media, master creative tools, and build industry-ready skills through hands-on projects in communication, design, and animation.

  • Documentary Production

    Learn to craft impactful documentaries, master production skills, and build a professional portfolio guided by industry experts and real-world projects.

  • Drama

    Develop performance skills through acting, directing, and stagecraft, explore dramatic literature and theatre history, and gain professional experience via internships and projects.

  • English Literature

    Develop critical arguments, research, and writing skills, explore classic and contemporary literature and prepare for diverse careers with cross-cultural understanding.

  • Environment and Sustainability

    Study climate science, ecology, and sustainability, develop interdisciplinary skills, and combine majors to pursue diverse environmental and resource management careers.

  • First Nations Australia

    Explore how Indigenous cultures have shaped Australia, gaining cultural competence and skills to support respectful, informed engagement with First Nations communities.

  • History

    Explore major global events, sharpen your analytical and research skills, and gain a deeper understanding of how history influences societies, cultures, and contemporary global issues.

  • International Relations

    Explore global systems, diplomacy, and security while building critical skills to analyse and address today’s most pressing international challenges and humanitarian issues.

  • Journalism

    Master journalism by telling impactful stories, gaining real-world experience, and learning from industry experts across digital, print, and broadcast media.

  • Legal Studies

    Gain a deep understanding of how Australian law evolved, its societal impacts, and build critical legal thinking, research, and interpretation skills for real-world application.

  • Marketing

    Capture your audience’s attention, communicate your product value, and successfully convert and retain customers.

  • Music

    Explore music theory, performance, and digital composition while building creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills for a dynamic career in the contemporary music industry.

  • Photojournalism

    Capture the world through a powerful lens – develop storytelling, photography, and digital media skills to create compelling, ethical, and impactful visual journalism.

  • Physiology and Human Movement

    Gain a deep understanding of how the human body functions, how movement impacts health, and how to promote wellbeing through safe, inclusive physical activity.

  • Politics

    Explore how governments function, power is exercised, and policies are shaped, while developing critical thinking and media literacy for today’s political landscape.

  • Professional Communication and Advertising

    Develop industry-ready communication skills to craft persuasive campaigns, engage audiences, manage reputations, and boost your career versatility.

  • Professional Photography

    Learn professional photography across genres, build a standout portfolio, gain industry experience, and master digital, creative, and business skills

  • Psychology

    Study psychology with unique courses in cultural and clinical areas, combine with other fields, and gain critical thinking and communication skills for diverse career paths.

  • Social Justice and Enterprise

    Study community welfare and social justice by exploring advocacy, human rights, and social change, while building skills in communication, conflict resolution, and critical analysis.

  • Software Application Development

    Develop software solutions with real-world tools, master programming in Python and C++, and explore cutting-edge web and mobile technologies.

  • Visual Arts Curation

    Study the art of curation by exploring visual storytelling, cultural practices, and the evolving role of art across industries like media, design, and education.


Don't hesitate

Do it! Firstly, go to uni, don't hesitate when it comes to further education. And secondly, pick ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, it's a great school, with friendly students and knowledgeable staff.

Victoria - Arts & Communication

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you will have foundational skills in communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, opening doors to various career paths. Depending on the courses studied, you may find work in communication and media, anthropology, cultural and social justice areas, writing and publishing, or para-legal practices.

You may also use this diploma as a stepping stone into further study such as a bachelor’s degree in arts, communication or creative industries.

Why study Arts and Communication at ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ?

Learn from the best

Rated 5/5 stars for skill development and teaching quality in communications.
(Good Universities Guide, 2025)

Be future ready, today

ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ is future-focused, we teach skills that are directly transferrable to today’s workplace and jobs of the future.

Gain a competitive edge

Develop professional communication, analytical and critical skills to make you stand out in the job market.

What you'll study

To graduate from the Diploma of Arts, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.

Degree structure

An undergraduate university degree typically consists of a combination of core, major and elective courses designed to provide you with foundational knowledge and opportunities for an in-depth deeper dive into your chosen field.

(1 Unit)

Select seven (7) courses from discipline areas listed below which make up the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Communication and Creative Industries:

(8 Units)
Design thinking and Leadership
(8 Units)
(8 Units)
(8 Units)
(8 Units)
(8 Units)
(8 Units)
(8 Units)

Refer to the for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.

Other study options

If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Bachelor of Arts ´Ç°ùÌýBachelor of Communication and Creative Industries (if you meet all the entry requirements).

Entry requirements

You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

Use our International qualification converter to check country-specific grades (that are equivalent to Australian Year 12) you will need to apply for this degree.

To study this degree, we assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent

We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to a grade C or higher in Units 3 and 4 at high school level (typically studied in Year 12). Find out more about assumed knowledge.

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:

  • IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.

Entry pathways

There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.

Fees and scholarships

International full fee paying AUD 28,840
You are responsible for the full cost of your degree and are charged a tuition fee.
  • This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee
  • This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
  • We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
  • Further details are available on the Fees website.

Additional costs

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ Scholarships

We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!

Find out more

How to apply

The University accepts applications all year. Complete your online application directly to ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ.

Degree code
DART

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1, 2 or 3.

Study period  Orientation  Start date
Trimester 1, 2026  Monday 9 February  Monday 16 February 
Trimester 2, 2026 Monday 25 May Monday 1 June 
Trimester 3, 2026 Monday 7 September Monday 14 September

Preparing to apply

You've made the decision to study at ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ - congratulations! Take the next steps:

You can contact one of our approved agents to guide you through the application process. Our agents provide:

  • advice on your study plans
  • advice on applying to ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ
  • document certification
  • assistance with any pre-departure arrangements
  • assistance with your visa requirements.

Each degree has unique entry requirements so it’s essential to know the specifics for your chosen degree.

To support your application, you will need to submit certified copies of:

  • identity documents (passport)
  • evidence of your English language proficiency
  • senior high school (A levels/Year 12) certificate and academic transcripts
  • all post-secondary study certificates and academic transcripts (if any)
  • evidence of work experience (if required).

Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.

It is important to apply early to allow enough time for your application to be assessed and processed to meet study commencement dates and participation in Orientation activities. You should also factor in visa processing requirements and timeframes, where applicable.

You can submit your application through a ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ-approved agent, or directly to ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ for your chosen degree.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. Please allow up to 14 days for assessment. If further assessment is required for course credits or exemptions, this process may take longer.

Once you have received your letter of offer from ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, you will need to return your signed acceptance of offer form. The ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ team will contact you at this time with more information regarding next steps.

Find out more

Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.

Live Chat

Available 5 days a week

Phone

+61 7 4631 5543

Enquire

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

What you will study in an Arts Diploma (or equivalent) will vary depending on the education provider you choose.

At ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, with our Diploma of Arts you will study one core course and choose seven electives to study. We recommend that you select from three discipline areas. The discipline areas available include:

  • Humanities
  • Creative Arts
  • Business/IT
  • Sciences.

For further details on the specifics of each discipline, please view the degree structure section of this page. 

At ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ, to gain entry into our Diploma in Arts you need to meet a specific ATAR, pre-requisites and assumed knowledge requirements. ‘Assumed knowledge’ is the term we use to explain the minimum level of knowledge we presume you have in some subjects before you start your degree. 

For more information on entry requirements, please view the entry requirements section of this page. 

Do you still have questions? Get in touch with one of our iconnect support staff to talk through your options. 

With an Arts and Communication degree, you open yourself up to many rewarding career paths. A Diploma of Arts qualification from ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ gives you the opportunity to keep your career options open, as an arts qualification is multifaceted and covers many diverse disciplines. Some of the potential career industries including:

  • communication
  • media industries
  • anthropology
  • cultural, political and social justice
  • writing
  • publishing
  • para-legal practices.

You’ll also find that many of the principles you learn when you study an arts diploma are transferable across a range of industries, no matter where you end up working either in Australia or across the globe. 

We know that cost can play a big part in your decision to study. Learn about the fees related to university and the financial support options we have available during your arts diploma studies on our fees and scholarships website.

Yes! At ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ you can study a Diploma of Arts online as an external student and attend campus when required for practical experience. You can choose to study full-time or part-time, allowing you to balance study with your work and life commitments.

Work towards your undergraduate qualification at your own pace with our flexible learning options. Immerse yourself in campus life or learn your subject theory online - the choice is yours!

Discover the different ways you can study with ÌÇÐÄÊÓÆµ.