Diploma in Languages

Elevate your skill set

Our Diploma in Languages is set up so you can study a language alongside your primary degree. The language courses are sequential – each course builds on the knowledge gained in the previous one - so your language studies spread across three years. You’ll gain an additional qualification and add a language to your résumé.

Our diploma is open to domestic students from other universities. We also welcome Australian or New Zealand citizens—or permanent Australian visa holders—who’ve already completed an undergraduate degree.

What will you do?

We offer the following languages at both beginner and advanced levels:

  • Chinese Studies
  • French Studies
  • German Studies
  • Indonesian Studies
  • Italian Studies
  • Japanese Studies
  • Modern Greek Studies
  • Spanish Studies.

Note: it’s not possible to study Indonesian Studies, Italian Studies or Modern Greek Studies as part of a Diploma in Languages on its own. These languages (taught by Flinders University staff at our North Terrace campus) are only available if you’re studying a University of Adelaide degree at the same time. They’re not open to graduates or students from other universities.

Where could it take you?

Learning another language opens doors in a changing world. From social work to international business, a Diploma in Languages provides greater insight and a competitive edge.


  • Study a language alongside your primary degree
  • Take your career global with an additional language
  • University consistently ranked in the top 1% worldwide

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Admissions information

SATAC Code www.satac.edu.au
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Higher Education Study Applicants for admission to the Diploma in Languages must: a). Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree or combined degree program at the University of Adelaide; b). Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or combined degree program at another recognised tertiary institution; or c). Have been awarded, or be eligible for the award of, an undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution.
Other Entry Pathways

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Commonwealth-supported place: $5,790

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

The benefits to be gained from adding a language skill to your chosen field of study are substantial. Some of the practical and cultural benefits include enhanced employment prospects and the possibility of working or studying in your chosen field overseas (at post-graduate level or as part of an undergraduate exchange program).

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Interpreter / Translator;  Linguist;  Public Servant;  Foreign Affairs;  Humanitarian / Aid Worker;  Language Recovery Program Officer;  Communications Officer;  Community Development Officer;  Community Outreach Worker;  Personal / Research Officer (Local MP) ...

Degree Structure

Students reduce the study load in their Bachelor degree each year to accommodate the three year language sequence. Their studies toward their degree extend over an extra year to ensure it fits and they meet all criteria. This means, for example, that students may graduate with a Bachelor of Economics, Science or Arts, and a Diploma in Languages, in 4 years of full-time study. Students may graduate from the Diploma in Languages at the same time as, or after, graduating from their concurrent degree.

For a postgraduate study plan incorporating the Diploma in Languages please contact the Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics for more information.

Indonesian Studies, Italian Studies and Modern Greek Studies are taught by Flinders University staff at the University of Adelaide North Terrace campus. It is not possible to study these languages as part of the Diploma in Languages on its own. These languages are only available to students studying a degree concurrently at the University of Adelaide and are not available to graduates or students from other universities.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Areas of Specialisation

Languages currently offered are:

  • Chinese Studies
  • French Studies
  • German Studies
  • Indonesian Studies
  • Italian Studies
  • Japanese Studies
  • Modern Greek Studies
  • Spanish Studies
Indonesian Studies, Italian Studies and Modern Greek Studies are taught by Flinders University staff at the University of Adelaide North Terrace campus. It is not possible to study these languages as part of the Diploma in Languages on its own. These languages are only available to students studying a degree concurrently at the University of Adelaide and are not available to graduates or students from other universities.

Testimonial

Undertaking opportunities offered by the University such as study tours, internships and starting a club, my life perspective has also been broadened.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 10 Oct 2023