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Diploma of Arts
This diploma is a short introduction to university study in the arts.
- How long it takes
- 8 to 12 months
- full time
- Entry ATAR
- From 45.45
- Lowest offered at University of Tasmania, 2022
- How you can study
- Online or on campus
- Taught by
- 9 providers
- 6 states and territories
Is this course right for you?
What the Diploma of Arts asks of you, and what you might want to check first.
It helps to have
- an interest in learning about arts and culture
- curiosity about different ways of seeing the world
- a willingness to read, discuss and share ideas
- good time management for study and creative work
Before you start
Each provider sets its own entry requirements, so check the ones you are considering.
Diploma or Associate Degree?
The Associate Degree in Arts is at a higher level than the Diploma of Arts. The Diploma of Arts focuses on foundational knowledge and skills in arts disciplines, while the Associate Degree includes more advanced study.
See the courseWhere this course can take you
The study that can follow this course.
If you study further
A bachelor degree in psychology
A step towards work as a, median pay $114,600.
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, and “In demand” means the job is on the national shortage list.
Where you can study this course
There are 9 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.
- Website for University of Tasmania (opens in a new tab)
University of Tasmania
Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, TAS
4.2from 775 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 45.45 lowest
- (45.45 median, 2022)
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- (full or part time)
- Website for La Trobe University (opens in a new tab)
La Trobe University
5 campuses, VIC
4.3from 1,101 Google reviews
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- (full or part time)
- Next intake
- Feb 2027
What students like
- Lecturers are friendly and supportive
What to weigh up
- Admin and support can be slow to respond
- Some find courses light on practical content
- Course page for Bond University (opens in a new tab)
Bond University
Gold Coast, QLD
4.4from 303 Google reviews
- How you study
- On campus
- (full or part time)
- Next intake
- Jan 2027
- Fee
- $36,800 in total
- (Full fee)
What students like
- Staff are friendly, caring and helpful
- Small class sizes give personalised attention
What to weigh up
- Fees are on the higher side
- Admissions can be slow to sort out
Charles Darwin University
4 campuses, NT
4.2from 619 Google reviews
- ATAR
- 52.95 lowest
- (61.9 median, 2026)
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- (full or part time)
- Next intake
- Mar 2027
- Website for University of Southern Queensland (opens in a new tab)
University of Southern Queensland
Springfield, Toowoomba, QLD
4.1from 504 Google reviews
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- (full or part time)
- Next intake
- Feb 2027
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Website for CQUniversity (opens in a new tab)
CQUniversity
Rockhampton, QLD
4.1from 999 Google reviews
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- (full or part time)
What students like
- Staff are friendly and supportive
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Enquiries can go unanswered
- Website for Monash College (opens in a new tab)
Monash College
Clayton, VIC
3.8from 149 Google reviews
- How you study
- On campus
- (full or part time)
What students like
- Staff are friendly and helpful
What to weigh up
- Admin can be slow to respond
- Teaching quality and feedback can vary
Sydney Institute of Business and Technology
City, NSW
- How you study
- On campus
- (full or part time)
- Fee
- $23,600 in total
- (Full fee)
What you’ll learn
The main topics covered in the Diploma of Arts.
- Culture and society
- Communication
- Writing and critical thinking
- Human services and creative fields
- Study skills for university
Questions to ask before you enrol
Providers run this course differently, so the answers change from one to the next.
- When is the next intake, and how many are there each year?
- What is the total cost, including materials, checks and any placement costs?
- Can I study part time or online, and how does that change the length?
- Do the units count towards a higher qualification if I go on to study further?
Questions people ask
Do I need experience or other qualifications first?
Entry requirements are set by each provider, so check with the provider you choose.
How is it different from the Associate Degree in Arts?
The Associate Degree in Arts is at a higher level than the Diploma of Arts. The Diploma of Arts focuses on foundational knowledge and skills in arts disciplines, while the Associate Degree includes more advanced study.
How is it different from the Bachelor of Arts?
The Bachelor of Arts is at a higher level than the Diploma of Arts. The Diploma of Arts focuses on foundational knowledge and skills in arts disciplines, while the Bachelor degree includes more advanced study.