Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences

2023 course information for Domestic Students
2023 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Wed, 24 May

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, Online
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 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, social science 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, or the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

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.

Looking for a career in the humanities and a pathway to a Bachelor Degree in arts, media 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, social science 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, or the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

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.

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 Bachelor of Education degree 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.

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
  • Digital Media
  • Education
  • Social Science.

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$29,360 ($3,670 per unit)102590B
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3$29,360 ($3,670 per unit)102590B
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3N/AN/A

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

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
Term 3 July 2023
Lismore
Term 3 July 2023
Online
Term 3 July 2023

International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast
Term 3 June 2023
Lismore
Term 3 June 2023
Online
Term 3 June 2023
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 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
Specialisations

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
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
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
WRIT1003Written Communication
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
HIST1001Making History
CLST1004Critical Thinking for Digital Times
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
CLST2004Gender, Sexuality and Culture
POLT1002World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
WRIT1003Written Communication
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Select 4 units (48 credit points) from the following list of option units:
POLT1001Australian Politics
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
SOCI1002Understanding Community
SOCI1005Social Policy
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
CLST1004Critical Thinking for Digital Times
CLST2004Gender, Sexuality and Culture
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
WRIT1003Written Communication
MDIA1004Journalism in the Digital Age
MDIA1003Digital Media Practices
MDIA2006Film Studies
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
ARTD1004Photography and Digital Imaging


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 SCU College units in their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline AND MATH1001 -  Foundation Mathematics
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MATH1001Foundation Mathematics
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3,5
Term3
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
Summer Term
Term1,3
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term1,3
Summer Term
Term1,3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Summer Term
Term1,3
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
Summer Term
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term4
Summer Term
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Summer Term
Term4
Summer Term
CRTV1001Creativity and the Arts
Summer Term
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term4
Summer Term
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Summer Term
Term4
N/A
Anti-requisitesEDU00415 - Creative Arts Education I: Foundations
Enrolment informationFor online students an optional onsite workshop is available.
HLTH1002PDHPE: Mind, Body and Soul
Term3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3,5
N/A
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
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A

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 term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
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
HIST1001Making History
Term1,3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
N/A
Enrolment information Access to a network and computer
POLT1002World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3
N/A
CLST1004Critical Thinking for Digital Times
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
CLST2004Gender, Sexuality and Culture
Term5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Online
Term5
N/A

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 term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
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
Option Units
Option Units
Option Units
Option Units

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Students must enrol in the core SCU College unit in their first term of study: EDUC1001 -  Language and Learning in your Discipline
EDUC1001Language and Learning in your Discipline
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Brisbane - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Hayman Island - Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
MelbourneN/A
Term1,3,5
Melbourne - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term1
PerthN/A
Term1,3,5
SydneyN/A
Term1,3,5
Sydney - The Hotel School
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
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
MDIA1004Journalism in the Digital Age
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
MDIA1003Digital Media Practices
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
ARTD1004Photography and Digital Imaging
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
Anti-requisitesART10275 - Digital Photography I


Unit groups

Option Units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
SOCI1002Understanding Community
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
POLT1001Australian Politics
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
CLST1004Critical Thinking for Digital Times
CLST2004Gender, Sexuality and Culture
COMM1004A Culture of Enquiry

Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

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 judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions within defined settings for one of the following areas of education, arts, social sciences, or digital media

Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of education, arts, social science, or digital media

Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of education, arts, social science, or digital media

Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined contexts for one of the following areas of education, arts, social sciences, or digital media

Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions within defined settings for one of the following areas of education, arts, social sciences, or digital media

Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of education, arts, social science, or digital media

Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work within defined settings for one of the following areas of education, arts, social sciences, or digital media

Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined settings for one of the following areas of education, arts, social sciences, or digital media

Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined contexts for one of the following areas of education, arts, social sciences, or digital media


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.

Graduates can further their studies at the Bachelor level. Successful completion of the Diploma will enable entry and up to eight units of credit towards a Southern Cross University Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Digital MediaBachelor of Education, or the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

Career outcomes for all these Bachelor degrees are diverse - from teaching to 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 Education or Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, please be aware these courses include professional placement with associated pre-requisites. Please check the course you are interested in for details.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

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

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