Diploma in Languages

The Diploma in Languages (D-Lang) provides students with the opportunity to undertake a full program of language study while completing an undergraduate or selected graduate coursework or RHD program at the University of Melbourne.

The Diploma in Languages consists of a three-year sequence of language study which may add up to one year for undergraduate students and up to two years for graduate coursework and RHD students to the duration of the student’s course. This will be dependent upon the structure of your course and advice should be sought from your Faculty prior to enrolling. In fast track mode both the bachelor degree and diploma may be completed in three and a half or three years. The duration to complete for graduate coursework and higher degree student varies according to specific course structure. Students enrolled in the D-Lang take their language subjects alongside subjects in their course in an integrated progression of study. Students are able to enter the language at different entry points, depending on their proficiency. All languages have a sequenced and articulated path of study commencing at entry point 1 (beginners), entry point 3 or entry point 5 (post VCE) and continuing through to at least proficiency level 6 (advanced). Some languages also offer more advanced entry points (see each language area for further information).

The Diploma may only be awarded on the completion of the concurrent degree course. This means that graduation from the Diploma will only occur at the same time as graduation from the concurrent course.

Students wishing to qualify for entry to the BA (Honours) should note that Diploma graduates must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree to be eligible to apply for the BA (Honours), otherwise they may apply to enter the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced).

For undergraduate students only: the final 50 points of the Diploma in Languages is HECS-exempt.

Student enrolled as domestic students in a Graduate Coursework or Research Higher Degree course will have access to Commonwealth supported places in the Diploma in Languages. International Graduate Coursework and RHD students will attract International undergraduate fees for the Diploma in Languages.

On completion of the Diploma in Languages, students should:

• have acquired a mastery of both oral/aural and writing/reading skills comparable to that of a student majoring in a language discipline;
• have gained a basic understanding of selected aspects of the culture (or cultures) and of the society (or societies) associated with the language;
• communicate effectively in a variety of oral and written formats, and, in the case of those students undertaking a language major, read, write, listen and speak another language with fluency and appreciate its cultural contexts.

All students are required to complete 100 points in the program, the equivalent of a major, through the following progression sequence. The Language program is based on proficiency so each student must meet the requirements of each level before they can proceed to the next level:

• 25 points (2 subjects) of level 1
• 37.50 points (3 subjects) of level 2
• 37.50 points (3 subjects) of level 3

Please Note: Undergraduate students completing Chinese entry point 1 (beginners) require 125 points of study, therefore it is not possible to complete the equivalent of a Chinese major through the D-Lang, students may therefore be required to take the further 25 points (2 subjects) within their bachelor’s program pending on capacity and course requirements.

Specialisations

Specialisations are available in:

Undergraduate students can commence the Diploma in their first year or second year of their respective Bachelor degrees. Simlarly, Graduate courswork and RhD students may, with co-ordiantor approval, commence at any point of their studies.

Students completing the diploma need to ensure that they complete a sequence of language study plus any required elective subjects in the language at the appropriate level.

• Students enrolling in the Diploma concurrently with a Bachelor degree from first year will complete 100 points of study in addition to their Bachelor degree program.
• Students enrolling in the Diploma concurrently with a Bachelor degree from second year, having completed 25 points of language at Level 1 will complete a further 75 points of language study within the diploma.
• Students that enrol in the diploma at third year, having completed 25 points of level 1 and 25 points at level 2 in their Bachelor degree will complete the remaining 100 points of the diploma. Students choosing this option will be able to complete 350 points in total.
• Students enrolled in a Graduate Coursework or RHD program will contact their course co-ordinator or supervisor to discuss their specific course progression.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that s/he meets the requirements of the Diploma by enrolling in the correct number of subjects at the appropriate year level.

Please note that depending on the nature of your degree program and language specialisation the combination of core and breadth subjects taken within your concurrent degree and diploma may vary slightly from the articulation entry points that are outlined below.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have:

• concurrent enrolment in a University of Melbourne undergraduate degree or an approved graduate coursework or research higher degree program.

Meeting this requirement does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance.

Quotas may apply for individual language streams.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants will satisfy the University’s English language requirements for the Diploma by meeting the English language requirements for the undergraduate, graduate coursework or research higher degree in which they are enrolled concurrently.

Note.

• Students are permitted to enter the diploma at the start of any semester before the completion of the companion undergraduate, graduate or RHD program.
• Undergraduate students are encouraged to complete one year of study before applying for the Diploma in Languages and should complete the appropriate language subjects in the first year of their degree.
• For undergraduate students, up to 50 points of advanced standing into the Diploma in Languages may be granted Once a subject has been successfully completed, credit points for the subject cannot be moved between the degree and the diploma to allow additional subjects to be taken in the degree.
• The Diploma in Languages cannot be awarded until all requirements of both the diploma and the undergraduate degree (or graduate coursework or research higher degree program) have been met.

For application and further admission information for the Diploma please visit the following website: http://arts.unimelb.edu.au/arts-student-centre/options/diploma-languages

The inherent academic requirements for study in the Diploma of Langauges are:

• the ability to attend classes and actively engage in both independent and group learning;
• the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and interdisciplinary information;
• the ability to explain and evaluate complex concepts, theories and issues at work in a variety of texts;
• the ability to clearly communicate a knowledge and application of language principles and practices during assessment tasks.

Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. They must take full responsibility for their own participation and learning and adhere to the expectations outlined in the Student Charter.

Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative environments and must therefore demonstrate a wide range of interpersonal skills which consider the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in the BA.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take all reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities. Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact Disability Liaison. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability; however, students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

Honours

High-achieving Diploma graduates may apply for entry to the Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours). The Honours program comprises a research project as well as specialist subjects. For more information on entry to Honours, see the Arts Honours webpage.

Coursework Masters

If you wish to continue your professional studies at postgraduate level, the studies you undertake in your major can provide a direct pathway to coursework masters degrees in a wide range of areas. Entry is based on academic merit and in most cases requires completion of a Bachelor degree or equivalent. For more information on entry into a coursework masters degree see the University graduate programs webpages.

Research Higher Degrees

If you wish to undertake advanced research and explore particular study areas in more depth, there will be opportunities to proceed to a range of Research Higher Degrees at masters and doctoral level, usually upon completion of an Honours degree. For more information about research higher degree study in Arts and the entry requirements, see the Arts Graduate Research Programs webpages and the Melbourne School of Graduate Research.

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