17. Diploma in Modern Languages

The Diploma in Modern Languages (DML) enables students to gain a diploma in language study 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 language study and adds one year to the duration of your degree course. You take language subjects alongside your degree subjects in an integrated sequence. The diploma will only be awarded on the completion of your degree course.

Students wishing to undertake an honours program following completion of the DML should note that they are required to complete a major (125 points) before being eligible for honours - and therefore will need to complete an additional two subjects within their degree. These students will also need a BA degree to be eligible for the BA (Honours), otherwise they may apply to enter the postgraduate diploma.

17.1. Course objectives

At the completion of the diploma, students should:

have acquired a mastery of both oral/aural and writing/reading skills comparable to that of a student majoring in a language discipline;
have gained a basic understanding of selected aspects of the culture (or cultures) and of the society (or societies) associated with the language.

17.2. Eligibility

The Diploma in Modern Languages is only available to students who are currently enrolled in a bachelors 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 (90.85 in 2002) to be eligible for selection.

For combined degree students and students from faculties other than arts, entry to the diploma requires the approval of both the Faculty of Arts and the other faculty.

17.3. DML course requirements

The diploma usually consists of a three-year sequence of study in one language (totalling a minimum of 100 points). The language subjects will be taken concurrently with an undergraduate degree in an integrated sequence and will normally add one year to the duration of a student's degree course.

Students should note that the points requirement for the DML (100 points) is not equivalent to a language major (125 points). Students wishing to take extra subjects to complete a major may do so, but must note that they will incur HECS or course fees accordingly.

17.3.1. Language level

The diploma will be available to students with no prior knowledge of a language as well as to those who have completed several years of study (for instance, as part of the VCE).

Your stream enrolment depends on your previous language experience and is determined by the relevant department. Refer to the individual language entries in this Handbook for detailed information about available streams of study and procedures for stream enrolment.

17.3.2. DML languages

The following languages and levels are expected to be available for DML study in 2003:

Arabic (beginners and post-VCE), Arabic studies
Chinese (beginners, non-dialect speakers with VCE Chinese, and background speakers), Chinese studies
French (beginners, intermediate and post-VCE), French
German (beginners, intermediate and post-VCE), German
Hebrew (beginners and post-VCE), Hebrew studies
Indonesian (beginners and post-VCE), Indonesian studies
Italian (beginners, intermediate and post-VCE), Italian
Japanese (beginners, post-VCE, and more advanced standing), Japanese studies
Russian (beginners and post-VCE), Diploma in Modern Languages (Russian)
Swedish (beginners), Swedish

17.3.3. Summer intensive beginners subjects

In the cases of French, German, Italian and Spanish, summer intensive beginners subjects may be available from the Horwood Language Centre, and may be undertaken as part of the diploma. Each intensive subject is the equivalent of a full year of language study (37.5 points) at first-year level and candidates may continue directly to second-year language study, subject to academic performance. Students should see the Intensive languages entry in this Handbook for subject details.

17.3.4. Overseas language study

Students undertaking the diploma may in some circumstances undertake language study abroad for credit of up to 37.5 points toward their course. An application for credit must be made prior to proceeding overseas. Interested students should consult their subject coordinator or Arts Outgoing Exchange at the Faculty of Arts Office. See also Studying languages overseas.

17.3.5. Leave of absence

It is not possible to defer commencement of the diploma; students not intending to commence study in 2003 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 of 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.

17.3.6. 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 Student 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?.

17.3.7. 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 up to a maximum of 50 points towards the diploma for equivalent language study not counted towards another qualification.

Students who have completed language subjects through the Community Access Program may be awarded credit up to a maximum of 50 points.

Students who have completed subjects through accelerated learning programs concurrently with their VCE may be awarded credit up to a maximum of 37.5 points.

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

17.3.8. Applications

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

re-enrolling students: Friday 29 November 2002
new students: Friday 14 February 2003

For further information and application forms, please telephone the Faculty of Arts office on +61 3 8344 5235.

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