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Key details
Duration
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Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
40Course code
Overview
This course can only be undertaken full-time and must be completed in Semester 1, 2025. You will not be able to enrol in this course after that time.
The Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Arts, Social Sciences and Languages is a 6-month course that offers you the opportunity to upskill or reskill and retrain.
Available 100% online or on campus, the course equips you with a solid grounding in key discipline areas of the arts. It is also a direct pathway into related higher education courses, should you wish to continue studying.
During this course, you will begin to explore elementary concepts in the arts and social sciences, which will provide you with insight into academic work in these fields and a grounding for more advanced studies. This course will support your learning needs and develop your study skills.
On completing the Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Arts, Social Sciences and Languages, you will be eligible to use the credit you've gained towards further study in a:
- Diploma of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts
- Diploma of Indigenous Research
Advanced standing will be granted for some of or all the subjects you successfully complete. If further study is your intention, be sure to check the requirements of your preferred undergraduate degree to determine how many credits you can transfer.
Should you continue your studies with a Diploma of Arts or Bachelor of Arts at CDU, all credits for an Undergraduate Certificate Introduction to Arts, Social Sciences and Languages will be transferred.
Note: On current advice the Undergraduate Certificate must be completed by mid-2025.
Career opportunities
This course will provide you with a foundation in the study of important areas in the arts, social sciences and languages. On completing the course, you'll be eligible to continue your studies at a Diploma or Degree level.
Completing this course will also demonstrate your capacity for tertiary study to potential employers, and make you a more competitive candidate for entry-level administrative roles and promotion.
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
What will I study?
This 40-credit point course consists of two (2) Core Units and two (2) Specialist Elective units chosen from a range of units at an Introductory level. The combination of introductory and first-year degree level subjects is designed to help you develop introductory knowledge in the arts, social sciences and languages, and the necessary skills for successful university studies.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core (2 units) | 20cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (replaces CUC100 from 2024) |
| Specialist Elective (2 units) | 20cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points selected from one of the following specialisations below: Indigenous Research |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (40cp)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (previously CUC100) | CO | ||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (previously CUC100) | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
Specialist Elective Availability
Please note: due to unit availability some specialist areas can only be undertaken part-time.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | Intensive Period (INT) |
| Indigenous Research | |||
| IND170 Indigenous Research: Guiding Principles | IAS124 Contested Knowledges | ||
| Global Humanities | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia IAS131 Colonising Australia | CRA101 The Creative North (replaces IAS102 from 2024) IAS124 Contested Knowledges IAS132 Colonial Rule in South East Asia IAS133 Introduction to International Relations | IAS101 Indigenous Australia | |
| Languages | |||
| INI161 Indonesian Language 1 YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 | INI161 Indonesian Language 1 YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture | HEL161 Greek Language 1 | HEL161 Greek Language 1 (INT-2) CHN161 Chinese Language 1 (INT-4) HEL162 Greek Language 2 (INT-4) CHN162 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 2 (INT-6) HEL162 Greek Language 2 (INT-6) |
| Digital Media | |||
| CRA121 Screen Culture (replaces IAS114 from 2025) CRA126 Figure and Ground: Drawing (replaces IAS173 from 2025) | IAS112 Creative Practice in a Digital Context IAS174 Digital Media and Online Content Design (no longer available from 2025) | ||
| Society and Culture | |||
| IAS121 Critical and Creative Thinking IAS123 Sociological Perspectives | IAS122 Ethics and Happiness (unit title change 2022) IAS124 Contested Knowledges | ||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (previously CUC100) | CO | ||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability (previously CUC100) | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
Specialist Elective Availability
Please note: due to unit availability some specialist areas can only be undertaken part-time.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | Intensive Period (INT) |
| Indigenous Research | |||
| IND170 Indigenous Research: Guiding Principles | IAS124 Contested Knowledges | ||
| Global Humanities | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia IAS131 Colonising Australia | CRA101 The Creative North (replaces IAS102 from 2024) IAS124 Contested Knowledges IAS132 Colonial Rule in South East Asia IAS133 Introduction to International Relations | IAS101 Indigenous Australia | |
| Languages | |||
| INI161 Indonesian Language 1 YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 | INI161 Indonesian Language 1 YOL161 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 YOL162 Yolngu Languages and Culture | HEL161 Greek Language 1 | HEL161 Greek Language 1 (INT-2) CHN161 Chinese Language 1 (INT-4) HEL162 Greek Language 2 (INT-4) CHN162 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 2 (INT-6) HEL162 Greek Language 2 (INT-6) |
| Digital Media | |||
| CRA121 Screen Culture (replaces IAS114 from 2025) CRA126 Figure and Ground: Drawing (replaces IAS173 from 2025) | IAS112 Creative Practice in a Digital Context IAS174 Digital Media and Online Content Design (no longer available from 2025) | ||
| Society and Culture | |||
| IAS121 Critical and Creative Thinking IAS123 Sociological Perspectives | IAS122 Ethics and Happiness (unit title change 2022) IAS124 Contested Knowledges | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent).
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 125 or higher.
- Successful completion of a recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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