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Entry requirements and pathways
Recent school leavers
ATAR requirements (compulsory)
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
60.45 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes
View the ATAR distribution report for the Diploma in Languages [PDF, 216.2 KB].
Prerequisite
VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Selection criteria
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reason for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent)
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or
- do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.
Refer to the La Trobe University STAT page page for further information.
SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme)
Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS). Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, a SEAS application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to La Trobe University SEAS information and the La Trobe University website
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a VTAC Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have: not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program. Refer to the La Trobe University Prerequisites page for further information.
This course may use the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Selection rank adjustments
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Aspire Programs
Our Aspire Early Entry Program provides you with an early conditional offer into your chosen course at La Trobe.
At La Trobe, there’s more than one way into uni. We have multiple streams to choose from so if you’ve given back to your community, achieved good results in Year 11 or taken extra university studies, you could take the stress out of Year 12 exams with an early conditional offer into your dream course.
Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry
The Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry program uses your performance in year 11 to secure you an early conditional offer into a range of courses at La Trobe. Once you have secured your place at La Trobe you can take advantage of our other Aspire pathways to unlock access to our most prestigious courses.
Get started
Aspire Early University Study
The Aspire Early University Study program rewards Year 12 students who’ve done additional studies at La Trobe with an early conditional offer into their dream course. The Early University Study stream has two options to help get your university goals back on track.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Pathways
There are currently no alternative Pathway courses for this course.
Use the Pathways Tool to discover other courses with pathway options available.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Diploma in Languages, students must complete a total of 120 credit points across 3 years.
The Diploma of Language can be taken as a stand alone degree which can be completed over three years part time or concurrently with another degree which usually will require four years of study.
If you have taken language subjects as electives and decide you would like to complete the full language sequence, and you don't have capacity in your Bachelors degree, you can opt in to the Diploma of Languages at any time and receive credit for the Language subjects you have already completed.
If you are enrolling in the Diploma of Language concurrently with another degree, you will usually use the elective spaces in the degree to accommodate the language subjects at each year level. Elective subjects can be completed later in the sequence of your enrolment.
Year 1 requires the completion of 30 credit points including:
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
Year 2 requires the completion of 30 credit points including:
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
Year 3 requires the completion of 60 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Major
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| WOMINJEKA LA TROBE: INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LITERACY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION | ABS0WOM | 1 | 0 |
Course majors
A major is a sequence of related subjects studied in your course. To attain a major, this sequence must add up to 120 credit points. In some courses, you need to complete at least one major from your course's discipline to attain your degree.
Open access majors
If there is room in your degree for more than one major, you may wish to complete an open access major from another discipline area.
La Trobe open access majors and minors offer an opportunity to customise your degree with cross-discipline studies and work integrated learning.
View our open access majors
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Diploma in Languages course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Year 1
After completing 1 year of full-time study
You can exit with a Diploma in Languages
Course intended learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the target language, and of the culture and societies where the language is spoken
- Demonstrate effective, flexible and creative approaches to language acquisition as an independent learner of the language
- Demonstrate an ability to work both collaboratively and individually on projects
- Demonstrate the capacity to critically perceive the world from perspectives other than one's own
- Demonstrate the capacity to communicate and interact with others according to the norms of a particular culture
- Achieve the level of proficiency in the target language required for entry to the Diploma of Education (LOTE)
Diploma in Languages career opportunities
Specialist language skills can benefit careers in a range of fields, including health, government, communications, international business, marketing, media and social services.
When studied in conjunction with other degrees, the diploma can help prepare you for roles such as:
- Translator or interpreter
- Bridge languages and cultures through spoken language interpretation or written translation.
- Cultural diversity manager
- Support diverse communities and organisations by using your specialist knowledge to guide and influence people.
- Foreign correspondent journalist
- Deliver critical news for local audiences while stationed in a foreign country.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for domestic students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
Indicative based on 2023 fees
$6,707 (CSP) per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
The estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
To get a more accurate estimation, you can use the fee calculator to calculate your course fees and study load (EFTSL: Equivalent full-time study load)
How your fees are calculated
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. This estimated cost is provided as a guide only – the actual cost will vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- the time it takes to do your course based on your study load (full-time/part-time)
- approved credit for prior learning
If part-time study is permitted, your annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of subjects taken per semester.
Fee help
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (the student contribution), is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual subjects, not the overall course.
Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
HECS-Help Loan
HECS-HELP is the Australian Government’s Higher Education Loan Program. It enables you to borrow the amount of your student contribution and then pay that loan back once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level. A HECS-HELP loan is not means tested.
HECS-HELP is available to eligible Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders who are enrolled in a CSP. As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Before you apply
If you are applying for multiple courses you will need to apply through UAC or VTAC (Semester 1 only). If you are applying for one course, you may be able to apply direct.
Applying for a Bachelor's degree
Current Year 12 students living in Victoria
Applications now open
If you’re a Year 12 student from Victoria, you’ll lodge an application via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Current Year 12 students living in NSW
Find out how
If you’re a Year 12 student from New South Wales, you’ll lodge an application via UAC. Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Diploma in Languages |
|---|---|
| VTAC code | 2100312531 (CSP) |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2023 start dates Semester 1 (March 2024), Semester 2 (July 2024) |
| Duration | 3 years part-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora) |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Majors | |
| Prerequisite | English (Please refer to admission requirements for details) |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2023 fees Estimated cost per year if studying full time $6,707 (CSP) per 120 credit points.Actual fees may vary depending on subject choice; Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
ATAR requirements
* based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
Lowest selection rank 60.45
Estimate your ATAR
ATAR calculator*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students).
About the Diploma in Languages
La Trobe's Diploma in Languages lets you study a language alongside your primary degree or as standalone qualification. Whether you're looking to improve your language proficiency or learn an entirely new language, the diploma is the perfect opportunity to build sought-after skills for your future career.
Choose from a wide range of languages, including: Chinese, French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. You'll also select an entry point that matches your language proficiency, such as beginner, intermediate, advanced and extension studies.
From there, you'll immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of your chosen language. Gain insight into its evolution and application as you develop your written, spoken and comprehension skills.
Studying a second language can support a range of exciting careers with an international focus, including international trade, diplomacy or working with multinational companies. Locally, it can also benefit many important health, government and service-based roles that require engagement with multicultural communities.
Graduate with the language skills to compliment your career ambitions.
You'll learn:
- Spoken and written language
- Learn how to communicate confidently in your chosen language, from conversing with native language speakers to reading and writing text.
- Language structure and rules
- Build a strong understanding of the rules and structure of your chosen language, including grammar, pronunciation and meaning.
- Cultural and societal knowledge
- Explore the culture and societies relating to your chosen language, from history and politics to literature and films.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 5 - Diploma.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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