Diploma in Languages

at University of Melbourne

Undergraduate students can commence the diploma in their first year or second year of their respective bachelors degrees.
 

• Students enrolling in the diploma concurrently with a bachelors degree from first year will complete 100 points of study in addition to their bachelors degree program. Students choosing this option will be able to complete 400 points in total.

• Students enrolling in the diploma concurrently with a bachelors 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 choosing this option will be able to complete 350 points in total.

• Students enrolling in the diploma at third year, having completed 25 points of level 1 and 25 points at level 2 in their bachelors degree, will complete the remaining 100 points of the diploma. Students choosing this option will be able to complete 350 points in total.
   

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 are required to take the further 25 points (2 subjects) within their bachelors program pending on capacity and course requirements.
 

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.

Specialisations
 

• Ancient Greek

  100 pts
   

• The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in Ancient Greek while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

  Ancient Greek has been taught at the University of Melbourne since its very foundation, and has been a core element of higher education for many centuries. The overall objective of the Classics program is to introduce students to key literary texts from classical antiquity (including history, drama, oratory, philosophy, epic, and lyric poetry), and to enable students to discover the many important contributions which reading ancient texts in the original languages can make to understanding both the ancient world and the Western tradition. A knowledge of Ancient Greek is also very useful for research and training in such related disciplines as biochemistry, medicine, the history and philosophy of science, archaeology, Biblical studies, history, philosophy, art history, English literary studies, and music.
   

  The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in Ancient Greek while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

• Arabic Studies

  100 pts
   

• The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in Arabic Studies while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

  The Arabic Studies Program offers an integrated way of studying Arabic language and aspects of Arab culture. Beyond studying the language itself, students also have the opportunity to acquire a significant amount of knowledge about the nature of living, seeing, acting and interacting in the 'Arab way'. With the development of students' language proficiency, there will be a growing emphasis on reflection on, as well as critical awareness and discussion of, issues related to Arabic literature and the realms of history, Arab culture and religion in the Arab World.
   

  Arabic language subjects are organised in a progressive sequence (of units) from Arabic 1 through to Arabic 10. Entry points are determined by the student’s background in the language, placement testing, prerequisites, or at the discretion of the Arabic Studies program. Students normally progress through the subjects in consecutive order. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers, subject to appropriate prior experience and approval from the head of the Arabic Studies program.
   

• Chinese Studies

  100 pts
   

• The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in Chinese Studies while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

  Chinese language subjects are organised in a progressive sequence (of units) from Chinese 1 through to Chinese 10. Entry and exit points are determined by the student’s background in the language, placement testing, prerequisites, or at the discretion of the Chinese Studies program. Students normally progress through the subjects in consecutive order. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers, subject to appropriate prior experience and approval from the head of the Chinese Studies program.
   

• French Studies

  100 pts
   

• The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in French Studies while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne. The Diploma consists of a three-year sequence of first-, second- and third-year language study and may add up to one year to the duration of the student’s degree course.
   

  French Studies
   

  The core subjects in French are organised in a progressive sequence from French 1 through to French 7. Entry and exit points are determined by the French Studies Program based on the student’s background in the language, placement testing or prerequisites. Students normally progress through the subjects in consecutive order. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers, subject to appropriate prior experience and approval from the head of the French program. Accelerated progression is possible on advice from the French Program.
   

• German Studies

  100 pts
   

• The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in language study while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

  German Studies
  
  German has more than 100 million native speakers and is the third most popular foreign language world-wide. Knowledge of German opens up the rich culture of German-speaking Europe as well as its history, philosophy, literature, music and scientific traditions. The German Studies Program has a proud history of more than half a century at the University of Melbourne and provides students with the opportunity to complete part of their studies overseas through scholarships and exchange programs.
   

  German language subjects are organised in a progressive sequence of units from German 1 through to German 10, which has four entry points (German 1, 3, 5 and 7). Placement in the correct entry point is determined by the German Studies Program, based on the results of the online placement test. All students who enrol in German at the University of Melbourne for the first time need to undertake the placement test.
   

  Thereafter students normally progress through the sequence in consecutive order. Accelerated progression is possible with the permission of the course convenor. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers.
   

• Hebrew

  100 pts
   

• The Hebrew language program is offered from beginners to advanced levels and places great emphasis on its culture, tradition and development as the language of the Bible and the language of modern Israel. Hebrew is one of the oldest languages in the world, and has had an enormous impact on Western culture. The study of language is complemented by subjects that explore Jewish culture, literature and society. Through the study of modern authors and poets, these subjects aim to provide students with knowledge of the language in contemporary contexts and to equip them with skills to undertake critical literary analysis in both Hebrew and English.
   

• Indonesian Studies

  100 pts
   

• The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in Indonesian language while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne. The Diploma is a three-year sequence of first, second- and third-year language study and may add up to one year to the duration of the student’s degree course. Three steams are offered: Beginners, Post VCE and Advanced (e.g., students with an Indonesian speaking background).
   

  The Diploma in Indonesian Studies comprises coursework designed to build students' knowledge and skills in understanding and analysing Indonesian language and society.
   

  Indonesian language subjects are organised in a progressive sequence (of units) from Indonesian 1 through to Indonesian 6. Entry and exit points are determined by the student’s background in the language, placement testing, prerequisites, or at the discretion of the Indonesian Studies program. Students normally progress through the subjects in consecutive order. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers, subject to appropriate prior experience and approval from the convenor of the Indonesian Studies program.
   

• Italian Studies

  100 pts
   

• The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in Italian Studies while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

  Italian Studies
   

  Italian is one of the world’s most important languages strongly influencing languages and cultures around the world. A knowledge of Italian opens up access to a wide range of areas, including history, art, music, as well as to other languages, such as French and Spanish. I The overall objective of the Italian Studies program is to teach students to process information from a wide variety of materials in Italian, both written and spoken, and to produce accounts and discussions of that information in a variety of forms. In subjects at all levels, you will be guided towards undertaking independent research projects into areas including language, literature, politics, cinema, theatre, travel writing, food and wine, immigration and identity.
   

  Italian language subjects are organised in a progressive sequence (of units) from Italian 1 through to Italian 7 and beyond. Entry and exit points are determined by the student’s background in the language, placement testing if required, prerequisites, or at the discretion of the Italian Studies Program. Students normally progress through the subjects in consecutive order. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers, subject to appropriate prior experience and approval from the head of the Italian Studies program. Accelerated progression is possible on advice from the Italian Studies Program.
   

• Japanese Studies

  100 pts
   

• The Japanese Studies program at the Asia Institute is one of the largest Japanese programs in Australia. The language subjects (taught at a range of levels, from beginner to advanced) are designed to maximize acquisition of the language and to develop communication skills in various types of texts, interactional contexts and strategic aspects of meaning making. The curriculum also allows students to develop a broad understanding of cultural, social and historical aspects of Japan. Our language and culture integrated curriculum helps students understand the complexity and diversity of the society, and challenge stereotypes. Teaching staff create a meeting place where students from a variety of cultural backgrounds can explore intercultural language activities to promote intercultural as well as communicative competence.
   

  The Diploma in Languages (Japanese Studies) enables students to gain a diploma in language study while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

  Diploma graduates with the equivalent of a BA language major must have completed a BA degree to be eligible to apply for the BA (Honours), otherwise they may apply to enter the postgraduate diploma.
   

  Japanese language subjects are organised in a progressive sequence (of units) from Japanese 1 through to Japanese 8. Entry and exit points are determined by the student’s background in the language, placement testing, prerequisites, or at the discretion of the Japanese Studies program. Students normally progress through the subjects in consecutive order. Mid-year entry is also available subject to approval from the convenor of the Japanese Studies program.
   

• Latin

  100 pts
   

• The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in Latin while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

  Latin has been taught at the University of Melbourne since its very foundation, and has been a core element of higher education for many centuries. The overall objective of the Classics program is to introduce students to key literary texts from classical antiquity (including history, drama, oratory, philosophy, epic, and lyric poetry), and to enable students to discover the many important contributions which reading ancient texts in the original languages can make to understanding both the ancient world and the Western tradition. A knowledge of Latin is also very useful for research and training in such related disciplines as biochemistry, medicine, the history and philosophy of science, archaeology, Biblical studies, history, philosophy, art history, Romance language studies, English literary studies, and music.
   

  The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in Latin while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

• Russian Studies

  100 pts
   

• The Diploma in Languages provides students with the opportunity to gain a Diploma in Russian Studies while completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne.
   

  Russian Studies
   

  Russian is one of the world's major international languages: it is spoken by over 140 million people and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. A knowledge of Russian may increase access to careers in international relations, development studies, business, science and the arts.
   

  The overall objective of the Russian Studies program is to teach students to process information from a wide variety of materials in Russian, both written and spoken, and to produce accounts and discussions of that information in a variety of forms.
   

  The core subjects in Russian language are organised in a progressive sequence from Russian 1 through to Russian 6. Entry and exit points are determined by the Russian Program based on the student’s background in the language, placement testing or prerequisites. Students normally progress through the subjects in consecutive order. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers, subject to appropriate prior experience and approval from the head of the Russian program. Accelerated progression is possible on advice from the Russian Studies Program.
   

• Spanish and Latin American Studies

  100 pts
   

• The Spanish and Latin American studies program at The University of Melbourne offers language options at all levels together with a variety of cultural studies subjects in fields as diverse as literature, cinema, popular culture, food studies and gender studies in Spain and Latin America.
   

  The Spanish and Latin American studies program will provide you with a wide range of opportunities to develop your Spanish language skills while increasing your awareness of Spanish and Latin American cultures through authentic written, spoken and audiovisual materials. You will also cultivate your intercultural competency interacting with the Spanish-speaking communities in Australia and abroad.
   

  Our program offers opportunities to undertake independent research projects with innovative scholars working in areas such as Hispanic food studies, Spanish and Latin American cinema, Latin American popular culture studies and translation. Beyond sound disciplinary skills students will be able to develop and enhance critical workplace skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, clear communication, self-evaluation, mentoring, information literacy, professionalism and digital competency. You will be able to demonstrate your skills through a range of meaningful tasks developed along innovative assessment methods such as object-based learning, curation, process writing and project work in a variety of media (video, podcasts, etc.). A selection of your assessment tasks is housed in an ePortfolio, a valuable platform to showcase workplace skills, language level and intercultural competency achieved during your studies.
   

  The Spanish and Latin American studies program has agreements with universities in Spain and Latin America. They allow students to undertake exchange and study abroad options as part of their Spanish studies.
   

  Spanish language core subjects are organised in a progressive sequence from Spanish 1 to 7. The program also offers a range of Spanish electives in a variety of delivery modes, including our overseas intensives such as Tales of Muslim Spain, and the online winter intensive Realities and Fictions of Argentina. Our innovative elective Languages at Work offers students an additional opportunity to engage with industry collaborators in target-language communities in Australia.
   

  Students may enter at any point, subject to placement testing and/or prerequisites, and normally progress through the sequence in consecutive order. Accelerated progression and mid-year entry are also possible in special cases with the permission of the course convenor. However, mid-year entry is only possible into Spanish 2, 4 and 6. Students also have the opportunity to fast track their studies opting for the summer Intensive Spanish 3 & 4 subject.

PREREQUISITES
 

These are the subjects (with minimum scores) you must have completed to be eligible for entry to this course.
 

English. Three Indian State Board Examinations are accepted as a direct entry pathway: Tamil Nadu Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Higher (Secondary) School Certificate and Karnataka Pre-University Certificate. To calculate a final average, you should determine the average of your best four final-year subjects.
 

ADDITIONAL
 

Applicants apply for a Major in the Bachelor of Music. You will be required to submit more than one audition if you apply for multiple majors or instruments. Please check the requirements for each major as they may differ. AMEB examinations are not a prerequisite for entry to the Bachelor of Music, but multi-year attainment in the AMEB system of repertoire, technical work (scales, arpeggios, etc.) and theory provides a strong preparation for our program.
 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
 

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements, you can satisfy the English language requirements in a number of ways. If you have an English-speaking background or education, you need to check that you meet our requirements here. If you are not from an English-speaking background or education, you need to meet the English Language requirements through IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson Test of English (academic) or Cambridge English (CAE).
 

• TOEFL (internet-based): total score at of least 79 and scores of 21 for writing, 18 for speaking, 13 for reading and 13 for listening. To submit your scores when you apply, use our TOEFL Institution Code: 0974.
   

• IELTS: total score of at least 6.5 in the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no bands less than 6.0.

• Indicative first year fee AUD$36,960
   
• Indicative total course fee AUD$36,960

Being able to speak a second language literally opens the door to the world. A language greatly increases your chances landing work in the international career market. You can work as a diplomat, in government, or as a translator.