Frequently asked questions - Diploma in Languages

1. Why do the Diploma in Languages?

You’ll gain exposure to international perspectives and learn a language other than English, helping you broaden your employment opportunities when you graduate. You’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded students and learn from language experts from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

2. Do I study the Diploma in Languages subject in the same session as my other subjects?

Yes, the Diploma in Languages is generally studied concurrently with the subjects in your ‘other’ degree, though please note that it is possible you may have subjects that clash with the Language and Culture subject, so it is important you check your timetable when enrolling and make appropriate arrangements if you see a clash. There are some opportunities for overseas or virtual overseas study in the Summer and/or July session.

3. Am I eligible for the Diploma in Languages?

If you are an Undergraduate or Postgraduate student at UTS or other Australian university, or have already completed a bachelor’s degree, you are eligible to apply for a place in the Diploma in Languages.

Students with prior knowledge of their nominated language sit a level assessment to ensure continuity of learning.

Students with no prior knowledge of their nominated language can apply provided they meet one of the following criteria:

• An ATAR of 80+ or have previously studied the nominated language at HSC or IB level;
• A WAM (based on 12cp) of 65 or more from UTS or another Australian university;
• Have completed a bachelor’s degree from an Australian or equivalent international university.  

If you need some advice on your situation, please contact the Student Centre.

4. I’m in the X year of my degree. Can I still enrol in the Diploma in Languages?

Yes, applications for the Diploma will be accepted from continuing students who have at least one subject left to complete. After you graduate from your other course you are able to continue to complete your Diploma subjects.

5. Can I study the Diploma if I’ve never studied a language before?

Yes, but as the beginner subjects are only run in Autumn students with no prior language knowledge in their chosen language must commence in the Autumn session.

6. What languages am I able to study?

Choose one of: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.

7. Can I study more than one language?

To develop functional proficiency, you must complete your studies in a single language.

8. How long does it take to complete the Diploma?

Language and Culture subjects at UTS are designed to be taken in sequence. Because of this, the Diploma in Languages typically takes three years to complete, with one language and culture subject completed per session. Depending on the options selected, including from the available International Intensive Electives, the overall length of the Diploma may be shortened to two years.

9. I have some previous knowledge of a language. Can I start at a higher level of that language?

All students with prior experience of the language they intend to study complete an initial questionnaire and, where warranted, complete a level assessment to determine the appropriate level from which to continue their language learning.

10. I’ve studied language at another University. How much of that study can be credited to my Diploma in Languages?

You can apply to have up to 32cp (4 subjects worth) of learning credited to the Diploma in Languages. For recognition of prior learning to be granted it must have occurred within the last 7 years, be of a similar level and quality of the comparable UTS subjects and you must sit a challenge test (the level assessment) to ensure your proficiency is current and you can continue your learning.

For example, you may apply for RPL for Chinese 1 and 2 after studying Introductory Chinese at another university. To commence the Diploma in level 3 with credit for these two subjects, you must sit a level assessment to demonstrate that you still have the background and skill needed to start in level 3. The level assessment may show that you’ve forgotten a lot of what you’ve learned. In that case, you may receive credit for Chinese 1 but need to redo Chinese 2. If you have maintained your proficiency at a level equivalent to Level 2, you will receive credit for those two subjects and can commence your studies in Level 3.

11. I’ve completed some language subjects as part of another UTS course and want to keep studying language through the Diploma. Do I need to do another 48cp to qualify for the Diploma?