Diploma in Arts

Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate general knowledge in their chosen areas of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences and be able to apply that knowledge;
2. demonstrate a basic understanding of theories, factual content, research procedures and ethical practice in their areas of study;
3. 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;
4. act as informed participants within a community of scholars; and
5. display communication skills and, in the case of students taking language units, read, write and speak another language at an introductory level and have some appreciation of its cultural context.

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 the following two subjects:

• HASS101 The Academic Practice of Research and Critical 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.

• Core Subjects

• Listed Subjects

Students must contact UNE with their intent to graduate. 

UNE Graduation

2025 Changes

Due to curriculum reform, UNE-HASS100 Foundations of Academic Research has been withdrawn and removed from the Core Subjects as it has merged with UNE-HASS101 The Academic Practice of Research and Critical Analysis.

Students under old rules can remain in the program under those rules. Students will be managed by UNE where a subject is no longer available.

Students who have completed UNE-HASS101 will still be allowed to have it count as a core subject under old rules and those students who have not completed UNE-HASS101 can still complete under old rules with the two remaining core subjects.

Students under the old rules can complete their program as there will be more listed subjects to choose from and the two core subjects still meet degree requirements to complete. 

Students are to contact UNE via askune@une.edu.au if there are no subjects to enrol in for their program or for any progression or enrolment issues.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $18,808

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.

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QS Ranking 2024:

36

To be admitted to the Diploma in Arts you need to complete the following two subjects:

• HASS101 The Academic Practice of Research and Critical Analysis
• WRIT101 The Craft of Academic Writing

To be admitted to the Diploma in Arts you need to complete the following two subjects:

• HASS101 The Academic Practice of Research and Critical Analysis
• WRIT101 The Craft of Academic Writing

At least one of the following criteria must be met:

1. English is the applicant's first language; or
2. 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
3. A pass grade or better in an English language subject at Australian Year 12 level or overseas equivalent; or
4. 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
5. Satisfactory completion of the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program:
   1. at the University of New England English Language Centre; or
   2. 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
   3. 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
   4. a NEAS-accredited TAFE NSW EAP Program.

More detailed information regarding these requirements can be viewed here:

UNE English Language Requirements for Admission Rule

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

Depending on subject intensive, school attendance may be required.