Diploma of Arts

Key Information

Start Dates

February

June

October 

Duration

8-24 months

Stage 1- 8 to 12 months 

Stage 2 - 8 to 12 months 

Pre-requisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

Campus Location

 UniSA City East

Fees

Stage 1: $14,960

Stage 2: $19,200

SATAC code : 5D6001

Study Mode : On-campus and online options 

Domestic International

Fees

Stage 1: $28,520 ($3,565 per module)

Stage 2: $30,920 ($3,865 per module)

CRICOS code  : 081516A

Study Mode : On-campus

Overview

  • An introduction to contemporary issues in society, culture and communications that impact areas such as human services, creative industries, art and design
  • Learn the foundation concepts that will accelerate your progress into your chosen degree
  • Study with confidence in small class sizes and personalised teaching methods
  • Dedicated academic and personal support services to assist with your success
  • Student leadership opportunities to grow your skills further 

Degree Pathway Options

Progression into second year UniSA

SAIBT GPA requirement Programs  Credit Granted  Course GrantedYears at UniSAUniSA IntakeSATAC Code

SC

Bachelor of Communication and Media

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing & Literature)

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Arts (History and Global Politics)

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Arts (Languages)

36

8

2

Feb

 

SC

Bachelor of Arts (Applied Linguistics)

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Arts (Sociology)

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Arts (Cultural Studies)

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Arts (Law, Policy and Politics)

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Film and Television

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Psychology

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Creative Industries

36

8

2

Feb/Jul

 

SC = Successful Completion 

Progression into first year UniSA

SAIBT GPA requirement Programs Credit Granted  Course GrantedYears at UniSAUniSA
Intake
SATAC Code

4.5

Bachelor of Architectural Studies

4.5

1

3

Feb/Jul

 

4.5

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours)^

0

0

4

Feb

 

4.5

Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours)^

0

0

4

Feb

 

SC

Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies)

18

4

3

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Social Science (Ageing and Disability)

18

4

3

Feb

 

SC

Bachelor of Design (Graphic and Communication Design)

13.5

3

3

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation)

18

4

3

Feb

 

SC

Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation)

18

4

2.5

Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Design (Product Design) (AMA stream)

13.5

3

3

Feb/Jul

 

C

Bachelor of Design (Product Design) (ACO stream)

18

4

3

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Interior Architecture

13.5

3

4

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)

18

4

3

Feb

 

SC

Bachelor of Social Work#

18

4

4

Feb

 

SC

Bachelor of Contemporary Art

18

4

2.5

Feb/Jul

 

SC

Bachelor of Visual Effects

22.5

5

3

Feb/Jul

 

SC = Successful Completion 

For international students only:

# Overall IELTS 6.5/6.5 in all bands required 

^ Overall IELTS 6.5/6.0 in all bands required 

Information for International Students

[1]

For Diploma of Arts & Bachelor of Social Work package:

  • Entry requires IELTS 6.5 with no band lower than 6.5 (or equivalent) upon entry into Diploma.
[2]

For Diploma of Arts & Bachelor Early Childhood Education (Honours) package:

  • Entry requires IELTS 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0 (or equivalent) upon entry into Diploma.
[3]

For Diploma of Arts & Bachelor of Primary Education (Honours) package:

  • Entry requires IELTS 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0 (or equivalent) upon entry into Diploma.

Diploma Structure

All students are required to complete the tertiary preparation module in their first trimester. This module does not count towards the study load or GPA, a non-graded pass is required to proceed.

  •  This module develops language skills for you to communicate confidently, express ideas effectively and gain a sound understanding of the level of language proficiency required to attend an Australian university.

Stage 1

  • In this module students will be provided with an understanding and application of essential study skills, covering independent learning skills and styles, active listening, presentation, and group work skills.

  •  You will be introduced to the use of the Internet, social media and associated technologies in society and business. Through the module, you will utilise Microsoft Office along with online tools for effective communication and discuss the ethical and security issues related to the use of Information Communication Technologies.

  • This module provides you with an introduction to the basic principles of design and their application to various publications. You will use the design process & different software to publish material for both print and electronic media and analyse the messages communicated through different design elements.

  • In this unit you are introduced to the basic principles of communication and its role in society and culture. You will investigate the effects of different forms of verbal and non-verbal communication and describe cultural influences on the communication process.

  • This module will introduce you to the basic principles of critical thinking. It also assists you in developing skills needed for the tertiary study environment, including academic reading, listening, and notetaking, as well as written formats and referencing.

  • This module analyses the use of media in society and its role in cultural life. You will investigate the different factors, which shape cultures today and discuss how the media affects popular culture, interpretations of the world and contributes to cultural identity.

Electives (choose 2)

  • The module provides you with a professional guide to career planning to ensure success in your future working lives. The module includes understanding modern workplaces and practices, the responsibilities of different agents in the work environment, and the acquisition of knowledge and skills related to employment including interviews and applying for jobs. This course aims to bridge understandings and to prepare you for the professional and wider world.

  • This unit provides you with an understanding and application of foundation concepts in the business disciplines of management and leadership, finance, marketing and human resources. You will discuss current trends, opportunities, and issues that impact on contemporary business and learn to use appropriate communication for the business environment.

  • This module will introduce you to the basic concepts of human biology as a foundation for further study in this area. You will develop an understanding of the main body systems and the associated biology, and an awareness and appreciation of the human body in a personal, social, and medical context. Programming This module introduces you to the basic principles of programming and their use in writing simple programs. You will use the systems development life cycle to write programs combining different data types and programming structures and learn techniques to test successful outcomes.

  • This module introduces you to the basic principles of programming and their use in writing simple programs. You will use the systems development lifecycle to write programs combining different data types and programming structures and learn techniques to test successful outcomes.

  • This module introduces you to the mathematical concepts required for further studies, particularly in statistics. You will learn to use fundamental arithmetic and algebra to solve problems, and apply statistical processes and concepts including sampling techniques and different forms of presentation.

In this module you are introduced to the basic concepts of Physics, with a particular focus on motion and heat. You will learn appropriate equations and units for demonstrating different concepts and conduct experiments to analyse and test theories.

Stage 2

  •  This English module is to build on your own language expertise in whichever home language you have & to strengthen your proficiency in academic use of English. 

  • In this module students will be introduced to the fundamental approaches to human communication and to the development, use and role of communication & media technologies in human society. 

  •  You will develop their understanding of linguistic and cultural diversity, including that of Aboriginal and other indigenous peoples, and explore its implications for intercultural communication in the contemporary world. 

  • This module introduces you to a wide range of professional and technical texts, and develops students’ skills in planning, drafting, evaluating& editing both written and visual content. 

  • This module encourages experimentation to create professional multi-faceted print publications, including vector and bitmap artwork, using current industry standard software & technology. Pre-requisite: Design DES001 

  • ·This module introduces you to the fundamental practice-led research and creative design principles, processes, skills, and media production techniques required for use within and across a variety of digital formats. 

  • ·This module introduces fundamental theoretical principles and practise underpinning various forms of public communication. It provides an understanding of the political, economic, social and technological context of organisations’ communication approaches, particularly public relations and advertising. 

  • ·You will be introduced to the history & philosophy of psychology, personality psychology (including theories of personality, methods of assessing personality and individual differences), social psychology (including interpersonal behaviour, attitudes and discourse) and the major theories of human childhood development. 

  • You will explore the underlying existence of consistent rules in the ways that nature, design & the processes of digital media software all operate and will develop an appreciation of how an understanding of these elements can empower and enrich design practice. 

  • This module will explore film and media history as it connects to different storytelling strategies and uses of film styles.

Study Experience

“The stage 1 courses at SAIBT helped build my confidence and work ethic, preparing me better for the demands of my further studies. The campuses are beautiful and lively, with access to a number of useful facilities. The staff are super nice and approachable!”

Ruhi Yaganagi

Career Outcomes

Depending on your chosen UniSA specialisation, your career options can include:

  • Community and social services
  • Policy and research
  • Social justice and advocacy
  • Health, wellbeing and aged care
  • Communications
  • Entrepreneurship 

How to Apply

Applying to study at SAIBT is easy. With applications open all year round, you can complete your applications in 3 simple steps.

Apply easily online or seek assistance through an Education Agent. saibt.sa.edu.au/apply.

More information 

To avoid delays with your application, be sure you collate and submit all the required documents:

• Certified* copies of academic transcripts and graduation certificates

• English language test results (e.g. IELTS or PTE)

• A certified* copy of the personal details page and signature page of your passport.

*A certified copy is a copy of the original document that has been certified by an official such as a SAIBT Education Agent or staff member, justice of the peace, notary public, police officer or examining authority)

You may want or need an Education Agent to assist with your application. To find a SAIBT representative: saibt.sa.edu.au/representatives

You will receive your Letter of Offer within a few days of applying. Read it thoroughly and provide all requested documents outlined in page 2. If your offer is ‘conditional’ it means that you need to submit further documents. Conditions and details of what you need to provide will be articulated on your Letter of Offer.

If your offer is ‘unconditional’ this means that you have provided all the information required to meet each of your conditions of enrolment. Complete and submit Section 2 and Section 4 of your Letter of Offer and include proof of payment via email to SAIBT.Admissions@navitas.com, or upload via Studylink.