Diploma in Language Studies

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This degree is for domestic students only

International

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Master your language of choice, expand your global perspective through rich cultural immersion and develop cross-cultural communication skills for a career without borders. The UNSW Diploma in Language Studies grows your proficiency in a second language. Unlock a deep cultural understanding of the nations that use your chosen language.

Commencing Terms: Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration: 1-3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus: Kensington
Codes: Program code 3417; CRICOS code -

ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank: N/A
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $8,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $8,000*
2025 Indicative first year full fee: $45,000*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree: $46,000*

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6 language options

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Overview

The UNSW Diploma in Language Studies is a flexible program typically completed over six terms in one to three years.

Are you inspired by the study of language, culture and international relations? Embarking on a Diploma in Language Studies grows your proficiency in a second language. You'll unlock a deep cultural understanding of the nations communicating in your chosen language.

This immersive program develops strong listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. You'll have the opportunity to fully immerse in your chosen language with a global exchange program available at a range of UNSW's worldwide partner universities.

Combined with a degree or prior study, the Diploma in Language Studies provides the language skills, cross-cultural understanding and global perspective to prepare you for an international career.

Key features

Choose from six global languages
UNSW's School of Humanities and Languages offers Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish and German. Passionate, experienced educators will provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills to help you understand your language of choice and apply it in real-world experiences.

Tailored to your skill level
Whether beginning or advanced, our language courses meet you at your level. Beginner courses focus on language skills and grammar using a communicative approach. Advanced-level courses develop your skills and build in-depth contextual knowledge through studying popular culture, history, linguistics and literature.

Create your unique combination
Combine this course with your current or recently completed UNSW bachelor's degree to broaden your skillset and employability. Course durations vary depending on which language and level you choose. However, you can typically complete the program across six terms.

Why study languages at UNSW?

State-of-the-art translation and interpretation facilities
Immersive learning includes international exchange opportunities
Complement your degree's professional development opportunities
A supportive, diverse, and inclusive community
Access to world-class alumni connections

Program Code

3417

Campus

Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

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Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank ¹

N/A

2024 A levels ²

N/A

2024 IB Diploma ³

N/A

2024 Lowest ATAR ⁴

N/A

To be eligible to enrol in this diploma program, you must already hold a tertiary degree or be currently studying a UNSW degree. Please note, credit transfer isn't available for this program. If you've already studied languages, you start this diploma at a higher level than a beginner.

UNSW Prep Program

If you want to study at UNSW but faced challenges in year 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the UNSW ACCESS Scheme, but you don't meet the cut-off for degree entry, consider UNSW Prep.

UNSW Prep is a one-year (18 months for Engineering) pathway to a UNSW degree place. You'll study subjects that allow you to develop your academic skills, including maths skills if needed, so that you can achieve your best results. You also study degree level courses from week one, to give you a realistic introduction to university level study. If you do well in these courses you can earn course credit towards your degree.

Learn more

The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.

The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

International direct entry

I studied in:

Qualifications	Direct entry requirement
International ATAR	N/A
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA	N/A
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)	N/A All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1.
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)	N/A Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)	N/A Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

What will I study?

Study areas

With a flexible program to equip you for a career without borders, you'll grow your proficiency in your chosen language and develop a deep understanding of the culture and society that speaks your desired language.

Spoken by more than one billion people worldwide, the Chinese language opens doors to various fields, including business, diplomacy, education, tourism and media.

Throughout this course, you will develop your spoken and written language skills and broaden your understanding of China, with a focus on its societal, cultural and historical characteristics.

With the option to choose between Chinese Studies (CHINA1) or Advanced Chinese Studies (CHINB1), you can commence at your appropriate level and follow a program aligned with your current proficiency.
An official language of the United Nations, the French language provides a gateway to understanding the history and culture of one of the most influential countries in Europe.

Combined with studying French art, society and popular culture, this specialisation will help you master the traditional language of diplomacy. Our program will equip you with the language and cross-cultural communication skills to pursue a rewarding career in anything from tourism and media to international relations and business.

Choose between French Studies (FRENA1) and Advanced French Studies (FRENE1) to align with your current level of proficiency.
Many people have a cultural affinity with Japan, and understandably so. Japanese music, anime, fashion and food are fascinating. But Japan is also one of Australia's closest strategic business, economic and political partners.

Developing your language skills and furthering your understanding of Japan's historical and contemporary position on the world stage will prepare you for an exciting career here in Australia or abroad.

Choose from Japanese Studies (JAPNA1) or Advanced Japanese Studies (JAPNE1) and unlock global exchange opportunities at 21 partner universities in Japan.
South Korea is a rapidly growing presence on the world stage, with a high-tech globalised economy, booming tourism industry and widely celebrated pop culture scene. Developing your Korean language competency and widening your understanding of this dynamic country will open up a world of opportunities.

Our program provides deep immersion in Korean history and culture, with regular interactions in Korean to build practical conversational skills. You can also study abroad at one of South Korea's leading universities, such as Seoul National, Korea and Yonsei.

Depending on your current level of proficiency, you will choose from Korean Studies (KORED1) or Advanced Korean Studies (KOREE1).
As the most widely spoken native language in Europe, understanding German can unlock various career paths in Australia and abroad. Our German language program explores German-speaking countries' social, historical and cultural developments in contemporary European and international contexts.

Our immersive and practical approach sharpens your spoken and written language skills and effective communication in this fascinating language. You will have the opportunity to put your skills to the test through a global exchange experience in Germany, supported by a range of scholarships from the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD).

Our German language program is suitable for people who are new to German or have intermediate skills and knowledge.
Spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide and the official language of 23 countries, Spanish unlocks many professional opportunities.

Our program allows you to develop a strong competency in Spanish, in both written and spoken forms. You will also gain a rich understanding of the Spanish-speaking world through its literature, film, art and history.

With global exchange opportunities in Spain and Latin America, you will have the chance to fully immerse in Spanish and graduate with the skills to support a career in diplomacy, media, education, business and more.

Our Spanish language program is suitable for people who are new to Spanish or have intermediate skills and knowledge.

Program structure

The Diploma in Language Studies is intended to complement all UNSW degrees. This flexible program adapts to your timetable and skill level. You'll typically complete eight individual courses within the diploma.

Beginners at the introductory level can expect to study six courses on language, and two courses on context and culture. At intermediate, advanced and professional levels, the skills and cultural context study options vary depending on the language. Visit the handbook for detailed information.

Full program structure

If you’d like further information about this program and its learning outcomes, visit the student handbook.

Go to the handbook

Future careers

The UNSW ethos encompasses community purpose, academic rigour and technical abilities. These values prepare you for a rewarding career with industry connections, in-depth knowledge, and practical skills.

When combined with further education, a Diploma in Language Studies can enhance your cultural understanding and overall employability, particularly if your chosen career requires international travel or relocation. Communication with people from different backgrounds and working through communication barriers are highly valued skills for any industry. They are particularly desirable in the following professions.

Potential careers

International relations adviser
Diplomat
Journalist or reporter
Translator
Economist
Tourism professional
Global market analyst
Business consultant
Academic or educator
NGO representative

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.

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Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online, opens in a new window service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

Ready to start your application?

Apply now

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$8,000*

2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree

$8,000*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee

$45,000*

2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$46,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

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Diploma in Language Studies