A woman sits at a desk writing in a notebook with a pen

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Lismore, Online

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    DipArts&SS

  • Course code

    2125300

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

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

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    February, June

  • Duration

    1 year full-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Lismore, Online

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

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

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.

Bachelor of Social Science with Honours Alumnus Jane Welsh

“I want to live a life with purpose, doing things that align with my values. If I can create a career that intersects with that I think it’s the recipe for success.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

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 (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

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

GA2: Creativity

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

GA3: Ethical practice

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

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

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

GA5: Lifelong learning

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

GA6: Communication and social skills

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

GA7: Cultural competence

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

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.

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

  • Arts
  • Digital Media
  • Education
  • Social Science.

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

Career Outcomes

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.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

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

Course requirements

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

  • 1 specialisation in Education or Arts or Social Science or Digital Media (96 credit points).

Other things to consider

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more

Going straight from school to a degree is one way to start uni, but it’s not the only way.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you just left school, Southern Cross University offer two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

Learn more


Course structure

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.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

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
12
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
12
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
12
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
12
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
12
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
12
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
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3,5
Term3,5
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3,5
N/A
EDUC1003Education and Philosophy: Playing with Thought
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

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
12
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
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
N/A
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
Term4
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term4
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
HIST1001Making History
Term1,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
N/A
POLT1002World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3
N/A
CLST1004Critical Thinking for Digital Times
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
CLST2004Gender, Sexuality and Culture
Term5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Online
Term5
N/A

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

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
12
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
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
N/A
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
Term4
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term4
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
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
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
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
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

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

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
12
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
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,3
N/A
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,4
Term4
Papua New Guinea - IBSU Port MoresbyN/A
Term4
CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
MDIA2006Film Studies
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
MDIA1004Journalism in the Digital Age
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
MDIA1003Digital Media Practices
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
ARTD1004Photography and Digital Imaging
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coomera
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A


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

Why Arts and Humanities at SCU

Industry partnerships

Our industry partnerships build experience and networking opportunities

5-star rating

Overall experience, skills development and full-time employment in Humanities and Social Sciences

(GUG 2023)

Flexible study options

Choose a major to suit your interests and a study pattern to suit your lifestyle

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate (your first degree), postgraduate, Indigenous Australian students as well as international students. There are also scholarships available to help you study overseas for a short period as an international exchange student. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

Preparing to apply

  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Gold Coast

Lismore

Online

Choose where you want to study

International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast

Lismore

Online

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway