Diploma in Languages

Our Diploma in Languages is set up so you can study a language alongside your primary degree.

The language courses are sequential – each course builds on the knowledge gained in the previous one - so your language studies spread across three years.

You’ll gain an additional qualification and add a language to your résumé.Our diploma is open to domestic students from other universities.

We also welcome Australian or New Zealand citizens—or permanent Australian visa holders—who’ve already completed an undergraduate degree.

Students reduce the study load in their Bachelor degree each year to accommodate the three year language sequence. Their studies toward their degree extend over an extra year to ensure it fits and they meet all criteria. This means, for example, that students may graduate with a Bachelor of Economics, Science or Arts, and a Diploma in Languages, in 4 years of full-time study. Students may graduate from the Diploma in Languages at the same time as, or after, graduating from their concurrent degree. For a postgraduate study plan incorporating the Diploma in Languages please contact the Faculty of Arts for more information.Indonesian Studies, Italian Studies and Modern Greek Studies are taught by Flinders University staff at the University of Adelaide North Terrace campus. It is not possible to study these languages as part of the Diploma in Languages on its own. These languages are only available to students studying a degree concurrently at the University of Adelaide and are not available to graduates or students from other universities.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Diploma in Languages

Areas of Specialisation

Languages currently offered are: Chinese Studies French Studies German Studies Indonesian Studies Italian Studies Japanese Studies Modern Greek Studies Spanish Studies Indonesian Studies, Italian Studies and Modern Greek Studies are taught by Flinders University staff at the University of Adelaide North Terrace campus. It is not possible to study these languages as part of the Diploma in Languages on its own. These languages are only available to students studying a degree concurrently at the University of Adelaide and are not available to graduates or students from other universities.

Example Study Plan

Study plans are available on the Faculty of Arts website.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

The benefits to be gained from adding a language skill to your chosen field of study are substantial. Some of the practical and cultural benefits include enhanced employment prospects and the possibility of working or studying in your chosen field overseas (at post-graduate level or as part of an undergraduate exchange program).

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

Adelaide Graduate Attributes

1. Deep discipline knowledge
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Career and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Interpreter / Translator, Linguist, Public Servant, Foreign Affairs, Humanitarian / Aid Worker, Language Recovery Program Officer, Communications Officer, Community Development Officer, Community Outreach Worker, Personal / Research Officer (Local MP), Consultant, Cultural Heritage Officer, Diplomatic corps, ESL Teacher, TESOL Teacher, Tour Guide, Tourism