Diploma in Arts

This course is designed to provide students with basic skills and knowledge in a range of disciplinary studies in the humanities, arts and social sciences.

The Diploma in Arts examines historic, environmental, social, behavioural and cultural features of humanity, allowing students to analyse, reflect upon and anticipate patterns of human conduct.

Students will develop creative, critical and analytical skills to assist with future employment or to pursue further study.

Course Aims

The Diploma in Arts provides students with a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies from across the University, with a basic focus on aspects of human culture and achievement.The course aims to provide students with: (i) an introductory knowledge in their chosen areas of study;(ii) the ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired; (iii) the ability to communicate effectively in a range of ways; (iv) creative, critical and analytical skills;(v) the ability to work both independently and collaboratively; (vi) the skills to connect across geographical, disciplinary, social and cultural boundaries; (vii) an understanding of the value of ethical behaviour; and(viii) the foundational skills demanded by employers in a global jobs market.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate general knowledge in their chosen areas of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences and be able to apply that knowledge; demonstrate a basic understanding of theories, factual content, research procedures and ethical practice in their areas of study; exhibit lifelong learning skills and employment skills including the ability to analyse, evaluate and communicate ideas, as well as solve problems with a degree of intellectual independence in their fields of study; act as informed participants within a community of scholars; and display communication skills and, in the case of students taking language units, read, write and speak another language at an introductory level and have some appreciation of its cultural context.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will possess knowldege relevant to their fields of study, and have an introductory understanding of key principles, practices and boundaries of the disciplines they study. They will also understand the need to adopt a global perspective to the understanding of issues in these fields. Communication Skills Graduates will have skills that enable them to communicate the ideas and information acquired from their areas of study, including, where applicable, the possession of these skills in languages other than English. Graduates will recognise the importance of continuing to develop their communication skills, and to be able to use appropriate communication technologies. Problem Solving Graduates will have an understanding of key problem solving strategies in their fields of study and be able to apply these skills. Information Literacy Graduates will have skills in how to recognise relevant information and to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access and use information. They will be able to critically evaluate the sources, values and validity of information, and to interpret it. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates will understand and practice ethical behaviour, as well as be open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world, and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment. Lifelong Learning Graduates will have the skills to continue to investigate, evaluate issues and further their learning. The development of intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills will enable students to be able to research, write about and discuss a range of issues. These skills are transferable and essential lifelong skills. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will develop skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.