Postgraduate Diploma in Arts

Please note that PD-ARTS Postgraduate Diploma in Arts will no longer be accepting new applications as of the 1st January 2015, the program from 2015 will be offered as GDA-ARTS Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced). Please refer to the correct handbook entry for program information for commencing students from 2015.

The Postgraduate Diploma allows you to undertake a minor research subject and coursework subjects in a specialist field of study at an advanced level. This course is equivalent to an Arts Honours program if the thesis component is taken. It serves as prerequisite entry to a Masters by Research or PhD for those who have not completed a four-year Arts (Honours) degree in the relevant area.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts:

• is an advanced level of study designed to allow students to specialise their knowledge across one area of study;
• provides students with the scope to refine their analytical skills and research techniques;
• provides the opportunity to specialise with strong foundation for the future progression to higher degree research in Arts at the Masters or PhD level;
• improves the scope of employment options and professional advancement.

Total 100 points in one area of specialisation.

Refer to each specialisation for the requirements.

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

Specialisations

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:

• an undergraduate degree with a major cognate to the specialisation with a grade average of H2B (70%) in the major, or equivalent

or

• a Graduate Diploma in Arts in an area cognate to the specialisation with a grade average of H2B (70%) over the graduate diploma, or equivalent.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Admission Process

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Students who complete this course may be eligible for entry into:

• Masters by Coursework
• Master of Arts (Research)
• PhD

Students who complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts should:

• be able to demonstrate an advanced level of study specialist knowledge across one area of study;
• have refined their analytical skills and research techniques;
• have a strong foundation for the future progression to higher degree research in Arts at the Masters or PhD level;
• have improved the scope of employment options and professional advancement.

Postgraduate Diploma in Arts graduates will acquire transferable generic skills in the following areas:

• research
• critical thinking and analysis
• thinking in theoretical terms
• thinking creatively
• understanding of social, ethical and cultural context
• communicating knowledge intelligibly and economically
• written communication
• public speaking
• attention to detail
• time management and planning
• teamwork