Study Diploma in Arts at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

This degree is only available to Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DDAR

SATAC Code
424621 (Packaged)
426011 (Internal)
426070 (Packaged)
426071 (Packaged)
426073 (Packaged)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Admissions
Student Profile

Entry Scores
2023 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 50.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): C,C,C
TAFE/RTO: N/A
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2022 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 51.95
TAFE/RTO: Cert III
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate III or Certificate IV level
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a University enabling program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission

Applicants who have completed a TAFE/VET award at Diploma level or above, or who have studied at higher education level for more than two years will not be considered for admission to the program.
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Packaged programs are available, Diploma in Arts

with Bachelor of Arts (SATAC code: 424621)
with Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) (SATAC code: 426070)
with Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) (SATAC code: 426071)
with Bachelor of Secondary Education (Honours) (SATAC code: 426073)

Degree overview

Guaranteed entry into more than 40 UniSA degrees upon successful completion of the first year of the diploma.
The second year of the diploma becomes the first year of your linked bachelor’s degree (see linked degrees below).
Your pathway into UniSA with support from UniSA College staff as you build academic skills, knowledge and confidence for university study.
Get the full experience of university and student life with events, entertainment, sports, clubs, volunteering opportunities and more.

Snapshot

The Diploma in Arts is a two-year program that prepares you for university study while setting you up to thrive in a degree in arts, architectural studies, creative industries, education, social work and more.

If you don’t meet the direct entry requirements for the degree you want to study this pathway program may be perfect for you. You’ll build academic skills, university knowledge and confidence in your first year of study while having support from UniSA College staff to then make the transition into your chosen linked bachelor degree*.

Once you've successfully completed the first year of the diploma, you’re guaranteed entry into more than 40 UniSA arts degrees, so your second year of the diploma becomes the first year of your linked bachelor degree.

With just one extra year of study, you’ll graduate with two qualifications, the diploma and bachelor degree.

^{*Some bachelor programs have pre-requisites that must be met. To check what the pre-requisites are, explore the relevant bachelor study page.}

Please note the below Education 'destination degree' program requirements:

Students pursuing an education pathway must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as a prerequisite for their final Professional Experience Placement course within their undergraduate degree.
Undergraduate degrees in education have pre-placement requirements that must be met prior to commencement. For more information, visit unisa.edu.au/eds-requirements
Education students also need to submit a written statement as part of their transition process.

Online study options are available for regional students. Students located near the Whyalla and Mount Gambier Campus are welcome to use the campus facilities and to access the campus study supports. Students should apply to the City West option via SATAC, and then select ‘external’ courses when completing their enrolment. Noting that if the course is offered on campus, students can enrol in the on-campus option. Our Campus Central Teams are available to support students through this process.

Linked degrees

The degrees linked to this diploma are:

UniSA Online linked degrees are:

Flexible study options are available, such as full-time or part-time and online studies, depending on your course selection.

^{*If you already know that you want to study the Bachelor of Arts, you can apply to study the Diploma in Arts, Bachelor of Arts as a packaged four year program.}

What you'll learn

You will get a great start to university life by learning the skills to set you up for success in your bachelor degree, including:

how to write academic assignments
how to reference
effective time management
introductory content courses

In first year, you will complete core courses that develop your critical writing, study, communication, numeracy and research skills. In second year, you will start studying first-year courses from your linked bachelor degree, but you can still rely on UniSA College for extra support.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)				Rule(s): 3
University Studies	EDUC 1075	4.5
Literacy Course 1		4.5	Note(s): 1
Elective 1		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,4
Elective 2		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Literacy Course 2		4.5	Note(s): 1
Elective 3		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,4
Elective 4		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,4
Elective 5		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,4
SECOND YEAR
8 courses from selected discipline area - Enrol under bachelor degree code				Rule(s): 4,5,6

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Literacy Courses - 2 courses will be recommended via the Enrolment Planning Tool. Students who complete LANG 1002 as Literacy Course 1 may negotiate their course for Literacy Course 2.
English Language Studies	LANG 46	4.5
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1002	4.5
Communication for Academic Purposes	COMM 1068	4.5
Please select first year electives from the list:
Communication for Academic Purposes	COMM 1068	4.5
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia	LANG 1002	4.5
Individual and Group Skills	COMM 1040	4.5
Introduction to Global Issues and Identities	HUMS 1048	4.5
Introductory Physics	PHYS 5	4.5
Future Ideas: Information and the Internet	LIBR 1008	4.5
Applied Computer Practices	COMP 26	4.5
Foundation Mathematics 1: Algebra and Trigonometry	MATH 46	4.5
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia	HUMS 1052	4.5
Science for Tertiary Learning	NASC 18	4.5
Maths Fundamentals	MATH 48	4.5
Foundations of Professional Practice	BUSS 1061	4.5
Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media	INFS 1022	4.5
Introductory Quantitative Skills	MATH 1072	4.5
Introductory Economics and Finance	ECON 1009	4.5
Introduction to Human Behaviour	BUSS 1063	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to successfully complete all 72 units to attain the Diploma and transfer to the second year of the related undergraduate degree.

2. Students are required to complete the Diploma within 4 years to be guaranteed entry into a degree program at UniSA.

3. Commencing students may have their initial enrolments withdrawn if they fail to engage with their studies (Enrolment policy A48 section 4.5)

4. Students must successfully complete 8 courses in first year prior to enrolling in second year.

5. Prior to commencing second year, students will be transferred to their selected bachelor program. Enrolments must be made under this program code.

6. Discipline courses vary depending on selected bachelor program pathway. Refer to the appropriate program information page.

Notes

1. Literacy Course 1 and Literacy Course 2 are to be selected from the Literacy Elective list in conjunction with advice given upon completion of the Enrolment Planning Tool.

2. Students must complete two Arts electives in the same Arts area (including languages). Students should discuss options with the undergraduate Program Director to ensure they will comply with program requirements when transitioning to the full degree program.

3. Students undertaking the Communication and Media or Media Arts strands have the option to substitute an arts elective for an introductory media elective. Students should discuss options with the undergraduate Program Director.

4. First year electives should be selected from the list above. Students must discuss course choices with the UniSA College Program Director to ensure they comply with program requirements when transitioning to the full degree program.

5. Students pursuing an education pathway must meet the required standard in the national Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) as a prerequisite for their final Professional Experience Placement course within their undergraduate degree.

6. Undergraduate degrees in education have pre-placement requirements that must be met prior to commencement. For more information, visit unisa.edu.au/eds-requirements

Study hours

Your study schedule will be divided into contact hours (the time you spend doing lectures and tutorials) and independent study, including your personal research and assignment work. Study hours depend on the courses you choose and the amount of additional work you put in. Generally, full-time study is equivalent to 40 hours per week.

Assessment

Your assessments can include:

research papers
tests (in person and online)
assignments
take home examinations
group assignments
participation and attendance
examinations
presentations

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Diploma in Arts

Our programs prepare you for university study by building your academic skills and prerequisite knowledge. You will experience life as a UniSA student and have access to the full range of support services that the University provides. By successfully completing the Diploma in Arts you will have the opportunity to transfer into a related UniSA bachelor degree.

Online study

Studying externally (online) gives you the flexibility to study where and when you want, at your own pace. All courses offered through UniSA College can be studied online. You can choose your study mode when you enrol. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 digital environment, you can also:

access your lectures online, plus study and course resources
submit your assignments and get feedback
use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

How to apply

To apply to study with UniSA College:

go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code^* , then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

*There are two SATAC codes – one for just this diploma, and one for this diploma packaged with the Bachelor of Arts. If you already know that you want to study the Bachelor of Arts, you can make life easier by applying for both at the same time.

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have advanced facilities including modern libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll discover that your journey at UniSA is also about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved.

Depending on your campus, you’ll find student gyms, pools, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you’re keen to explore the social side of university life, there’s movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Student services

You will have full access to our student support services to help you settle in to university life before you begin studying a bachelor degree. We want you to be successful, and if you need help you’ll have it. We provide a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
library services
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
wellbeing resources and advice
accommodation
community health clinics
services offered through our student association, USASA

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

I am a lecturer and Diploma Director at UniSA College. I have a deep concern for issues related to education and justice. This has led me to work in enabling access to education, and it informs my teaching approach.

Dr Natasha Wilson

Program Director

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Dr Natasha Wilson

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

What others are saying

The College taught me everything about Uni – how to reference, how to write an essay and how to do the general stuff you don’t think you need to know going into Uni. After Year 12 I had a lot of self-doubt and lacked confidence, but being in an environment and doing so well gave me the belief that I can actually study and achieve things. It gave me real confidence.

Katherine Burrows

Diploma in Arts