Diploma in Liberal Arts
Course information for - 2025 entry
International
- Domestic
- International
- Domestic
- International
Offered at 2 locations
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Melbourne
- Strathfield
- Duration
-
1 year full-time
- CRICOS Code
- 0100749
- Fees (first year)*
- $28728
- Start dates
- February 2025, July 2025, February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027
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 the natural 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 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 Non-Award Certificate in Liberal Arts.
Careers
The Diploma in Liberal Arts prepares students for a diverse range of careers in areas such as:
- government
- industry
- journalism
- creative arts
- education
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Diploma in Liberal Arts, a student must complete 80 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Exit Points
Students completing the requirements for the Certificate in Liberal Arts may exit with that award.
Additional course information
A student who subsequently gains entry to the Bachelor of Arts may receive academic credit for relevant units (depending on pathway chosen) completed successfully in the Certificate or 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 2025 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.
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.
English language requirements
Overall score: 6.0. Individual score of 5.5 in all tests.
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 into a Bachelor level degree.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $3591
- Average first year fee: $28728
- Estimate total cost: $28728
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.
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.
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.
How to apply
International applicants
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.
Staff Profile
Dr Sudeep Stephen
Lecturer (Mathematics), School of Arts and Humanities (NSW)
Dr. Sudeep Stephen is a lecturer in mathematics at ACU’s Strathfield campus in Sydney. He completed his PhD in 2018 at the University of Newcastle, specialising in combinatorics and theoretical computer science. He has published extensively in academic journals and conference proceedings.
In 2019, Dr. Stephen was awarded the Australian Mathematical Society’s Lift-Off Fellowship. Prior to joining ACU, he worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the National University of Singapore and later as a lecturer at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Since joining ACU, Dr. Sudeep has coordinated the Bachelor of Arts, Diploma, and Certificate of Liberal Arts programs at the Strathfield campus.