Faculty of Arts : Guide to courses

17. Diploma in Arts

Table of Contents

 17. Diploma in Arts

The Diploma in Arts enables students to gain a diploma in humanities or social sciences while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne. The Diploma usually consists of a three year sequence of First, Second and Third Year study and adds one year to the duration of your degree course. You take subjects in a single area of study alongside your degree subjects in an integrated sequence. The Diploma will only be awarded on the completion of your primary degree.

 17.1. Course objectives

At the completion of the Diploma, students should:

• demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of a selected field of study in the humanities or social sciences;

• be able to access and appreciate national and international debates in their area of study;

• demonstrate an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;

• be able to apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within a particular area of study.

 17.2. Eligibility

The Diploma in Arts is only available to students who are currently enrolled in a degree course at the University of Melbourne. It must be completed alongside your degree studies and can only be awarded on the completion of your degree.

Selection to the Diploma is based upon academic merit. Students generally need to meet the Arts clearly-in rank ENTER (91.65 in 1999) to be eligible for selection.

Combined degree students are not usually eligible for the Diploma; however, your application will be considered if you are a high achieving student.

Entry to the Diploma requires the approval of both the Faculty of Arts and the student's home Faculty, and the endorsement of the relevant department.

 17.3. Course structure

The Diploma usually consists of a three year sequence of study, and adds one year to the duration of your main degree course. You will complete 25 points of First Year, 25 points of Second Year and 50 points of Third Year studies in Arts-approved area of study (see below). If you have already completed studies in your chosen area of study, you may be permitted to complete 100 points of study at Second/Third Year instead of the above structure.

The Diploma will specify the area of study you have completed: for example, Diploma in Arts (Classical Studies).

 17.4. Areas of study available

The Diploma assumes no previous study of a discipline. Students must complete a three year sequence from one of the following Arts-approved areas of study:

• Anthropology

• Applied Linguistics

• Archaeology

• Arts History

• Australian Studies

• Cinema Studies

• Classical Studies

• Criminology

• Cultural Studies

• English

• Environmental Studies

• Geography

• History

• History and Philosophy of Science

• Jewish Studies

• Linguistics

• Philosophy

• Political Science

• Sociology

• Women's Studies

 17.5. Leave of absence

It is not possible to defer commencement of the Diploma; students not intending to commence study in 2000 should apply for selection in a later year. Students who have completed at least one subject (12.5 points) may be permitted to take up to one year's leave of absence. Students who require time away from their studies but who have not completed a subject should discontinue their course and re-apply once they are able to continue.

 17.6. Study progress

The Faculty of Arts is concerned about the progress of its students and monitors progress with the intention of providing assistance to those students who may need it. If you are concerned about your study, contact the Faculty for advice. If you fail a subject in the Diploma you will be asked to see either a Faculty course adviser, or the Faculty Progress Committee. Students who attend the Committee may be asked to apply for leave of absence or to discontinue their course. In some cases, the Committee may recommend that a student be suspended from the course. See What if I fail a significant part of my studies?.

 17.7. Credit for previous study

Credit may be granted to Diploma students at the time of first enrolment for tertiary studies taken within the last 10 years. The Faculty offers credit to a maximum of 25 points at First Year and 25 points at Second Year towards the Diploma for equivalent study not counted towards another qualification.

Students who have completed Community Access Program subjects may be awarded credit up to a maximum of 25 points at First Year and 25 points at Second Year.

Students who have completed subjects through accelerated learning programs concurrently with their VCE may be awarded credit up to a maximum of 25 points at First Year.

Students who are not eligible for credit, but who have completed work considered to be the equivalent of a subject may be granted an exemption from that subject and enrol in the next year level of the area of study. However, the student must still complete 100 points of study to be eligible for the award of the Diploma.

 17.8. Applications

There is only one enrolment period for the Diploma of Arts (no mid-year entry). Applications must be received by:

• Re-enrolling students: Friday 3 December 1999

• New students: Friday 4 February 2000

For further information and application forms, please telephone the Faculty of Arts Office on (03) 9344 6395.

Status:                   Official 2000
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