Program Overview

Diploma of Arts

The Diploma of Arts offers students diverse specialist and interdisciplinary thematic knowledge in a variety of areas, including Media Studies, Literature and Creative Writing, Society and Digital Culture, Australian Indigenous Knowledges, Languages, Linguistics and Culture, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Justice Studies, Peace and Truth-Telling.

Duration

• 1 year full-time
• 2 years part-time

Intake

• Semester 1
• Semester 2
• Summer Semester

Locations

• Danala - Education and Community Precinct
• Online (not available)

Entry Requirements

Admission Criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

• Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60.
• Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
• Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
• Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
• Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
• Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
• Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
• Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course.

English Language Requirements

• DOMESTIC STUDENTS: To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
• INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

Course Structure

A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.

• Core Units: 20cp
  • IAS101 Indigenous Australia
  • CRA101 The Creative North
• Specialist Electives: 20cp
  • Selected from the list of available units detailed below.
• General Electives: 40cp
  • Selected from undergraduate units offered by the University.

Career Opportunities

Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in a wide range of fields, including government and statutory authorities, policy advisory, diplomacy, communications, media, consultancy, and creative endeavors.

Fees

• Commonwealth Supported Places: Available to students who meet one of the following residency requirements.
• International Tuition Fees: The annual tuition fee for full-time study in 2026 is AUD $29,800.00.

Why Study Arts at CDU?

• Future-proof your career when you study arts with us.
• Learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world.
• Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
• Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives.
• Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you.

Course Details

• Inherent Requirements: There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
• Australian Qualification Framework: This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5.
• Student Profile: There are no statistics available for this course.
• Additional Information: Can offers be deferred? Yes. Award: Diploma of Arts. Faculty/College: Faculty of Arts and Society. Sector: HE. Area of study: Arts, Languages and Linguistics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Creative and Performing Arts, Indigenous Knowledges, Communications and Design.