Course information for - 2027 entry
International
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 2 locations
  • Melbourne
  • Strathfield

Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
0100749
Fees (first year)*
$36624
Start dates
February 2027, July 2027, February 2028, July 2028, February 2029, July 2029

Overview

The Diploma in Liberal Arts provides students from diverse backgrounds with a flexible one-year introduction to tertiary studies. You will have the opportunity to explore ideas and topics from a wide range of disciplines across the humanities and the arts, and social sciences. Designed to help students develop an agile mind and think critically about the world around them, this course will equip you with in-depth foundational skills and knowledge in a series of units selected from the Schedule of Unit Offerings for the Bachelor of Arts degree subject to campus availability.

In today’s constantly changing economic landscape, the Diploma in Liberal Arts degree will prepare you for a wide choice of careers in areas such as government, industry, business, the creative arts and with further study, education.

This Diploma-level course is offered to domestic and international students and normally takes one year of full-time study or equivalent part-time study. The Diploma is an award at AQF level 5 – Diploma level. A student who successfully completes four or more units in the Diploma in Liberal Arts may be awarded the Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts.

Careers

The Diploma in Liberal Arts prepares students for a diverse range of careers in areas such as:

  • local, state and Commonwealth public service, government and public sector
  • industry and administration
  • non-government organisations



Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Specified units - Arts unitHUMA114Scandals and Deception: Navigating Controversy10 cp

  • 100-level unit

    10 cp

  • 100-level unit

    10 cp
  • 10 cp

Commencing Semester 2

Graduate statement

Insight

As a Diploma in Liberal Arts graduate, you possess insight into some of the great social and cultural debates faced by humanity in different eras and contexts. This awareness is based on a variety of approaches to knowing and learning inclusive of Indigenous knowledges, reflexive practice, applied critical approaches, and empirical evidence. This diploma initiates your professional role in social and cultural aspects of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences by applying the insight gained across numerous possible disciplinary settings, thereby actively working towards greater knowledge, skills in reading, writing communication and research. The knowledge and skills may lead you to further study or into the workforce. As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As a Diploma in Liberal Arts graduate, you have empathy with the challenges and obstacles to human flourishing and also the thinkers, change-makers and creators who have contributed deeply to societies around the world. Depending on the subjects you choose to study you may explore ancient or modern historical experiences, social and environmental sustainability, political, business or economic conundrums, creative and cultural contributions, great thinkers and religions, or social justice issues through criminology, youth work or human rights.You will have the opportunity to explore the ways in which these challenges are intimately related to human dignity and socially and environmentally marginalised communities. This empathy is grounded in the specific learnings and applications of a variety of approaches to the arts, humanities and social sciences including the ancient ways of Indigenous care for country and community , engagement with analysing problems, listening to diverse voices, as well as seeking out and using evidence. As a graduate empathy is translated into action through application in a variety of professional roles contributing to affecting lasting change.As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have the opportunity to experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures.

Imagination

As a Diploma in Liberal Arts graduate, you utilise imagination to develop approaches to defining and achieving socially and culturally informed, evidence based approaches across a wide range of possible areas in the arts, humanities and social sciences. You use a range of technologies to facilitate engagement with information, case studies, histories, and voices. You use critical and creative thinking to enhance engagement with, and practice of, key techniques in understanding the lives of others, analysing social and cultural trends, using evidence to build an argument, communicate clearly and consider the needs of different stakeholders. You appreciate the role of these skills to actively translate imagination into action in societies and cultures . You implement evidence-based approaches to completing taks to enable informed decision-making across a range of institutional and organisational foci within culturally respectful and community-sensitive frameworks. As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As a Diploma in Liberal Arts graduate you actively apply skills, knowledges, and empathy to positively impact human dignity, contributing meaningfully to the common good. Your empathy, skills, and knowledge in fields in the arts, humanities and social sciences are impactful through strategic and innovative methods of application in relevant professional settings. Impact is also established as a graduate, through effective communication that raises awareness about, and develops empathy for, social and cultural sustainability in the world around you. As a graduate, your impact is ultimately to protect and preserve social, cultural, and creative aspects of healthy communities. As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Diploma - AQF Level 5

Exit Points

Students completing the requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts may exit with that award.

Additional course information

A student who subsequently gains entry to the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Creative Arts, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Human Rights, Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability, Bachelor of Youth Work may receive academic credit for relevant units (depending on pathway chosen) completed successfully in the Diploma in Liberal Arts.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed:

1. Equivalent of year 12 level with the ACU minimum eligibility rank for Diploma programs; 

OR

2. Entry via an alternative pathway as approved by ACU.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

View transparency admission information

International applicants

If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.

Find the equivalent qualification for your country

You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements.

See the language requirements

If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):

an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)

an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Find out further information on TAC admission

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Further study

Diploma in Liberal Arts graduates may be eligible to progress their studies in a Bachelor of Arts. International students must meet the ACU English Language Proficiency requirements as defined by the Admission rules to be eligible for consideration for a Bachelor's level degree.

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $4578
  • Average first year fee: $36624
  • Estimate total cost: $36624

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay other non‑tuition costs. Further information on non‑tuition fees is available on our Fees and Scholarships page.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships

How to apply

International applicants

Apply directly to ACU

Apply now

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

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