Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences

2022 course information for Domestic Students
2022 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Thu, 23 March

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
45
Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
1 year full-time
Location
Gold Coast, Lismore, Online
Gold Coast, Lismore
Start date
March, July
February, June
Course code
2125300
Course abbreviation
DipArts&SS
Credit points
96
Equivalent units
8
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

Looking for a career in the humanities and a pathway to a Bachelor Degree in arts, media, social sciences, welfare, social work or education? 

The one-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences gives you the opportunity to develop academic skills while focusing on either education, arts, community welfare, social work or digital media through the choice of a specialisation.  

Successful completion of the Diploma will guarantee you entry and up to eight units of credit towards a Southern Cross University Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Digital Media, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Early Childhood EducationBachelor of Social Work or the Bachelor of Community Welfare.

The Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences is offered through SCU College, where we understand that learners have diverse experiences and ways of learning. The College connects you to your peers and supports your study success through additional workshops to assist with academic and study skills.

This course includes professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education settings, schools, and community sites. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements website, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning days must be completed, and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Looking for a career in the humanities and a pathway to a Bachelor Degree in arts, media, social sciences, welfare, social work or education? 

The one-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences gives you the opportunity to develop academic skills while focusing on either education, arts, community welfare, social work or digital media through the choice of a specialisation.  

Successful completion of the Diploma will guarantee you entry and up to eight units of credit towards a Southern Cross University Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Digital Media, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Early Childhood EducationBachelor of Social Work or the Bachelor of Community Welfare.

The Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences is offered through SCU College, where we understand that learners have diverse experiences and ways of learning. The College connects you to your peers and supports your study success through additional workshops to assist with academic and study skills.

This course includes professional experience learning via placement in early childhood education settings, schools, and community sites. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Education Professional Experience Requirements website, must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning days must be completed, and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

Applicants for admission to candidature to the Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences must have an assessable entry qualification from a country where English is the main language and where the medium of instruction for that qualification was English, or have completed an International English Language Test (or comparable test scores) with:

  • a minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score of 5.0 in each subtest (or comparable test scores), except for writing with a minimum score of 5.5.

Education Specialisation 

A pathway into the Bachelors of Arts/Bachelor of Education degrees is available for students with an English language score comparable to Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score of 7.0, with no band less than 6.5. Graduates of the course in the Education Specialisation who have an Academic IELTS 7.5, with no band less than 7.0, qualify for direct entry into the Bachelor of Education degree at Southern Cross University. Up to 8 units of advanced standing is included in this pathway.

Community Welfare Specialisation:

Applicants for admission to the Community Welfare Specialisation must have achieved an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test score equal to or above IELTS 6.0, with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent). Graduates of the course in the Community Welfare Specialisation qualify for direct entry into the Bachelor of Community Welfare and Bachelor of Social Work at Southern Cross University. Up to 8 units of advanced standing is included in this pathway.

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score5.5
Reading5.0
Writing5.5
Listening5.0
Speaking5.0

About the course

Students complete core units and choose a specialisation in one of the following areas:

  • Arts
  • Community Welfare*
  • Digital Media
  • Education.

 *Students seeking a pathway into Social Work should complete the Community Welfare specialisation.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3$28,000 ($3,500 per unit)102590B
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3$28,000 ($3,500 per unit)102590B

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus eget nisi id lectus condimentum porta. Nunc consectetur ipsum vitae tincidunt tincidunt.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Gold Coast
Lismore
Online

International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast
Lismore
View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences, students must complete the equivalent of 8 core units (96 credit points), comprising:


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Specialisations

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Core Units
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1003Education and Philosophy: Playing with Thought
MATH1001Foundation Mathematics
CRTV1001Creativity and the Arts
CLST1002HSIE: The Universe Next Door
EDUC1006Interdisciplinary Studies: Crossing the Line
HLTH1002PDHPE: Mind, Body and Soul
SCIN1006Science and Technology: All Things Matter

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Core Units
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
CLST1004Critical Thinking for Digital Times
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
CLST1005Unruly Subjects: Citizenship
WRIT1003Written Communication
CLST2004Gender, Sexuality and Culture
HIST1001Making History

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Core Units
POLT1001Australian Politics
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
WRIT1003Written Communication
SOCI1002Understanding Community
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
SOCI1005Social Policy
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Core Units
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
WELF1002Community Development
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
WRIT1003Written Communication
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
POLT1001Australian Politics

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Core Units
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
WRIT1003Written Communication
MDIA1001Media Studies
MDIA1004Journalism in the Digital Age
MDIA1003Digital Media Practices
MDIA2006Film Studies
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change


Course progressions

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.

Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Students must enrol in the core College units in their first session of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline AND MATH1001 -  Foundation Mathematics
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
Term5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Session1
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
MATH1001Foundation Mathematics
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3,5
Term3,5
Anti-requisitesCannot be taken if already completed or enrolling in MATH1003 - Quantitative Methods with Economics
SCIN1006Science and Technology: All Things Matter
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
N/A
Anti-requisitesSCIN1003 - Foundations: Science and Technology
EDUC1006Interdisciplinary Studies: Crossing the Line
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
Pre-requisites24 credit points in 3007002 - Bachelor of Education OR 3007003 - Bachelor of Early Childhood Education; OR admitted in 1209001 - Master of Teaching OR 2125300 - Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences
Enrolment informationStudents will be required to undertake an online Professional Experience Laboratory equivalent to 5 days of observations.
CLST1002HSIE: The Universe Next Door
Term3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3,5
Term3,5
CRTV1001Creativity and the Arts
Term4,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4,5
Term4,5
Anti-requisitesEDU00415 - Creative Arts Education I: Foundations
Enrolment informationFor online students an optional onsite workshop is available.
HLTH1002PDHPE: Mind, Body and Soul
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Anti-requisitesEDU00417 - Personal Development, Health and Physical Education I: Foundations
EDUC1003Education and Philosophy: Playing with Thought
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1,5
Term1,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Students must enrol in the core College unit in their first session of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
Term5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Session1
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
WRIT1003Written Communication
Term1,3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
N/A
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
N/A
Anti-requisitesAAD71103 - Design Fundamentals ART00630 - Design ART10094 - Digital Art and Design I
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
CLST1005Unruly Subjects: Citizenship

Not currently available

HIST1001Making History
Term1,3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
Term3
Enrolment information Access to a network and computer
CLST1004Critical Thinking for Digital Times
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
CLST2004Gender, Sexuality and Culture
Term5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Online
Term5
Term5

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Students must enrol in the core College unit in their first session of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
Term5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Session1
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
WRIT1003Written Communication
Term1,3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
N/A
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
N/A
Anti-requisitesAAD71103 - Design Fundamentals ART00630 - Design ART10094 - Digital Art and Design I
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
SOCI1005Social Policy
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
SOCI1002Understanding Community
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3
N/A
POLT1001Australian Politics
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Students must enrol in the core College unit in their first session of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
Term5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Session1
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
WRIT1003Written Communication
Term1,3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
N/A
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
N/A
Anti-requisitesAAD71103 - Design Fundamentals ART00630 - Design ART10094 - Digital Art and Design I
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
WELF1001Introduction to Social Welfare
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
POLT1001Australian Politics
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
WELF1002Community Development
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
WELF1003Counselling Theory and Practice
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
Enrolment informationAll students are required to meet compulsory participation requirements to pass the unit. Gold Coast students must attend weekly on-campus tutorials. Online students must attend a 3 day on-campus residential (8.30 am to 4.30 pm Friday to Sunday inclusive) at either the Coffs Harbour (week 2), Gold Coast (week 3) or Lismore (week 4) campus. A record of attendance will be kept at all tutorials and residentials.

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Students must enrol in the core College unit in their first session of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
Online
Session1,2,3
Term1,3,5
Term5
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Session1
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Session1,2,3
Session1,2,3
WRIT1003Written Communication
Term1,3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
N/A
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
N/A
Anti-requisitesAAD71103 - Design Fundamentals ART00630 - Design ART10094 - Digital Art and Design I
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
MDIA2006Film Studies
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
MDIA1001Media Studies
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
MDIA1003Digital Media Practices
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
MDIA1004Journalism in the Digital Age
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3
N/A



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Learning outcomes

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcome

Exercise critical judgment and creative thinking to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined education, arts, community welfare, social science, and digital media settings.

Exercise critical judgment and creative thinking to identify problems and contribute to their solutions in defined education, arts, community welfare, social science, and digital media settings.

Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined education, arts, community welfare, social science, and digital media settings.

Apply theoretical, technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts within the fields of education, arts, community welfare, social science, and digital media.

Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work in defined education, arts, community welfare, social science, and digital media contexts.

Communicate information, concepts, and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined education, arts, community welfare, social science, and digital media contexts.

Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined education, arts, community welfare, social science, and digital media contexts.


Assessment methods

Assessment tasks vary from unit to unit and can include essays, reports, audio or video presentations, class participation, individual and group work, online quizzes, case analyses, and examinations. Assessment items are in accordance with learning outcomes and designed to ensure that all the graduate attributes are assessed throughout the course. The performance criteria, grading standards and due dates for assessment tasks are included in each Unit Information Guide. Students receive timely feedback on their assessment submissions.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Career opportunities

Graduates are well prepared for entry-level roles in a range of industries including administrative support and advocacy; professional services in education; positions in advertising, media and communications such as a social media intern or media officer; in arts and cultural organisations; as community workers, support or project workers; in local government in admin roles; or as sales assistants.

Graduates can further their studies at the Bachelor level. Successful completion of the Diploma will guarantee you entry and up to eight units of credit towards a Southern Cross University Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Digital MediaBachelor of EducationBachelor of Early Childhood EducationBachelor of Social Work or the Bachelor of Community Welfare.

Career outcomes for all these Bachelor degrees are diverse - from teaching to social work, media and cultural industries. See each degree for more details.

Professional placement

If you are considering this course as a pathway into the Bachelor of EducationBachelor of Early Childhood EducationBachelor of Social Work or the Bachelor of Community Welfare, please be aware these courses include professional placement with associated pre-requisites. Please check the course you are interested in for details.

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students

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International future
students

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Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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