18. Diploma of Arts

The Diploma of 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. 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 degree course.

18.1. 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.

18.2. Eligibility

The Diploma of Arts 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.

18.3. Diploma of Arts course requirements

The diploma usually consists of a three-year sequence of study, and adds one year to the duration of your degree course. You will complete 25 points of first-year, 25 points of second-year and 50 points of third-year studies in an 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.

Students interested in completing an Interdepartmental Program (IDP) that normally commences at second-year level should contact the IDP coordinator for advice on first-year options.

The diploma will specify the area of study you have completed, for example, Diploma of Arts (Development Studies).

Please note that the ancient languages stream of the diploma consists of a four-year sequence of study. For more details, see the area of study entries for Ancient Greek, (Diploma of Arts (Ancient Languages)), and Latin, (Diploma of Arts (Ancient Languages)).

Students should note that the points requirement for the Diploma of Arts (100 points) is not equivalent to an arts major (112.5 points). Students wishing to take an extra subject to complete the equivalent of a full major may do so, but must note that they will incur HECS or course fees accordingly. The completion of a major equivalent in the Diploma of Arts will not make you eligible for the BA (Hons) unless you have also completed a BA degree and you fulfil all other entry requirements for the BA (Hons), see Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

18.3.1. 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:

American studies
Ancient languages:
Ancient Greek (four-year sequence)
Latin (four-year sequence)
Ancient to early modern studies
Anthropology
Art history
Asian studies
Australian studies
Cinema studies
Classics and archaeology
Creative writing
(special entry conditions apply: contact the Department of English for details)
Criminology
Cultural studies
Development
English
English language
Environmental studies
Gender studies
Geography
History
History and philosophy of science
Islamic studies
International studies
Jewish studies
Linguistics and applied linguistics
Philosophy
Political science
Social theory
Sociology

18.3.2. 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 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.

18.3.3. 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 staff at the Faculty of Arts Office for advice. If you fail a subject in the diploma you will be asked to see either a faculty course adviser or the 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?.

18.3.4. 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.

18.3.5. Applications

For commencement in Semester 1 2003, applications must be received by:

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

For mid-year (July 2003) entry:

all applicants: Friday 30 May 2003

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

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