Program Overview

Diploma of Arts

The Diploma of Arts offers a flexible introduction to university study without the commitment of a full bachelor degree. This program allows students to customise their education to suit their career goals and self-expression by selecting from a diverse range of courses.

Majors in the Diploma of Arts

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (Extended): Create data science solutions, develop skills in data modelling, storage, retrieval, AI, and analyse privacy and ethics issues.
• Anthropology: Explore how understanding human societies and cultures can address social issues like inequality and sustainability, while developing critical thinking and practical skills.
• Archaeology: Study archaeology to uncover human history, from ancient migrations to recent societies, through hands-on training and expert guidance.
• Counselling Practice: Develop counselling skills, emphasize cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practice, and pair studies with interests like HR, physiology, or criminology.
• Creative Writing: Develop creative writing skills, experiment with diverse genres, and connect with vibrant writing communities to produce compelling narratives.
• Criminology and Criminal Justice: Explore the complexities of crime and justice by studying social and psychological factors, forensic psychology, and interdisciplinary criminology and justice studies.
• Digital Media: Explore digital media, master creative tools, and build industry-ready skills through hands-on projects in communication, design, and animation.
• Documentary Production: Learn to craft impactful documentaries, master production skills, and build a professional portfolio guided by industry experts and real-world projects.
• Drama: Develop performance skills through acting, directing, and stagecraft, explore dramatic literature and theatre history, and gain professional experience via internships and projects.
• English Literature: Develop critical arguments, research, and writing skills, explore classic and contemporary literature and prepare for diverse careers with cross-cultural understanding.
• Environment and Sustainability: Study climate science, ecology, and sustainability, develop interdisciplinary skills, and combine majors to pursue diverse environmental and resource management careers.
• First Nations Australia: Explore how Indigenous cultures have shaped Australia, gaining cultural competence and skills to support respectful, informed engagement with First Nations communities.
• History: Explore major global events, sharpen your analytical and research skills, and gain a deeper understanding of how history influences societies, cultures, and contemporary global issues.
• International Relations: Explore global systems, diplomacy, and security while building critical skills to analyse and address today's most pressing international challenges and humanitarian issues.
• Journalism: Master journalism by telling impactful stories, gaining real-world experience, and learning from industry experts across digital, print, and broadcast media.
• Legal Studies: Gain a deep understanding of how Australian law evolved, its societal impacts, and build critical legal thinking, research, and interpretation skills for real-world application.
• Marketing: Capture your audience's attention, communicate your product value, and successfully convert and retain customers.
• Music: Explore music theory, performance, and digital composition while building creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills for a dynamic career in the contemporary music industry.
• Photojournalism: Capture the world through a powerful lens – develop storytelling, photography, and digital media skills to create compelling, ethical, and impactful visual journalism.
• Physiology and Human Movement: Gain a deep understanding of how the human body functions, how movement impacts health, and how to promote wellbeing through safe, inclusive physical activity.
• Politics: Explore how governments function, power is exercised, and policies are shaped, while developing critical thinking and media literacy for today's political landscape.
• Professional Communication and Advertising: Develop industry-ready communication skills to craft persuasive campaigns, engage audiences, manage reputations, and boost your career versatility.
• Professional Photography: Learn professional photography across genres, build a standout portfolio, gain industry experience, and master digital, creative, and business skills.
• Psychology: Study psychology with unique courses in cultural and clinical areas, combine with other fields, and gain critical thinking and communication skills for diverse career paths.
• Social Justice and Enterprise: Study community welfare and social justice by exploring advocacy, human rights, and social change, while building skills in communication, conflict resolution, and critical analysis.
• Software Application Development: Develop software solutions with real-world tools, master programming in Python and C++, and explore cutting-edge web and mobile technologies.
• Visual Arts Curation: Study the art of curation by exploring visual storytelling, cultural practices, and the evolving role of art across industries like media, design, and education.

Career Outcomes

As a graduate, you will have foundational skills in communication, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, opening doors to various career paths. Depending on the courses studied, you may find work in communication and media, anthropology, cultural and social justice areas, writing and publishing, or para-legal practices.

Why Study Arts and Communication at UniSQ?

• Learn from the best: Rated 5/5 stars for skill development and teaching quality in communications.
• Be future ready, today: UniSQ is future-focused, teaching skills that are directly transferrable to today's workplace and jobs of the future.
• Gain a competitive edge: Develop professional communication, analytical, and critical skills to make you stand out in the job market.

What You'll Study

To graduate from the Diploma of Arts, you must successfully complete 8 units of study. The degree structure includes one core course and seven elective courses selected from discipline areas such as Humanities and Social Sciences, Communication and Creative Industries, and Sciences.

Entry Requirements

There are various pathways to entry, including:

• Current or recent year 12 student: Requires an ATAR of 58.00 and assumed knowledge in English (Units 3 & 4, C).
• Applicant with higher education study: Eligible based on previous studies.
• Applicant with Vocational Education and Training: Can use AQF awards for admission.
• Applicant with work experience and life experience: Eligible based on work experience and other adjustment factors.

English Language Requirements

Requires a minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components of the IELTS (Academic).

Fees and Scholarships

• Commonwealth supported: AUD 17,392 (indicative annual fee).
• Student Services and Amenities fees may apply.
• HECS-HELP loan scheme available.
• UniSQ Scholarships available for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need.

How to Apply

Applications can be made through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website. Some applicants may be eligible to apply directly to UniSQ.

Study Dates

Study can commence in Trimester 1, 2, or 3, with application closing dates and orientation start dates varying accordingly.

Special Admission Schemes

Several special admission schemes are available, using adjustment factors to boost ATAR or selection rank, improving chances of getting into the preferred degree.

Preparing to Apply

Check entry requirements, organise supporting documents, and check application closing dates before applying.

Accepting Your Offer

The process to accept an offer varies depending on how you applied to study at UniSQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the Diploma of Arts, including what you can study, entry requirements, career opportunities, financial aid, and flexible study options.