Get a taste of university life as you study side-by-side with Bachelor's degree students
Applications now open
Pursue your interests while building a career aligned to your skills and passions with La Trobe’s Diploma of Arts.
- Specialise in interest areas such as criminology, global studies, and media and communication, or select from a range of electives – from politics and languages to environmental studies and public health – to uncover your unique talents.
- Get a taste of university life as you study side-by-side with Bachelor's degree students.
- Start your pathway into our Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Archaeology, Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics, Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, Bachelor of Media and Communication or the Bachelor of Visual Arts.
Entry requirements and pathways
Recent school leavers
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
This course may use the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
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.
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 Early Offer Program
At La Trobe, there’s more than one way into uni. The Aspire Early Offer Program gives Year 12 students the option to secure an early conditional offer to La Trobe.
With Aspire, you’ll have the option to gain an offer into a wide range of course options across our campuses. No matter if you’re studying in Melbourne, regionally in Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton, or online – Aspire can set you up with an early offer into your dream course at uni.
We have three streams to choose from, so if you've given back to your community, did well in Year 11, or have a strong drive to make a future impact, then you can secure a spot in your dream course before finishing Year 12.
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
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 of Arts 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 of Arts
Course intended learning outcomes
- Discover, discuss, and develop introductory knowledge of at least one discipline or interdisciplinary area in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Apply creative and analytical skills to recognise problems in a selected social and cultural context.
- Communicate effectively, showing developing ethical, professional and cultural awareness.
- Begin to demonstrate flexibility and resourcefulness to act as critically engaged global citizens.
Diploma of Arts career opportunities
After graduation, you could choose to pursue further study or to work in entry-level positions across a wide range of industries.
Possible roles include:
- Administration assistant
- Support an organisation by monitoring phones and emails, scheduling meetings and performing basic administration tasks.
- Events assistant
- Help coordinate events by liaising with venues and supporting promotional activities.
- Social media assistant
- Help to create, edit and manage social media campaigns on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
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 (2026):
Indicative based on 2025 fees
$15,534 (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.
Please note that additional costs are incurred from Essential requirements and additional costs.
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
Book a 1:1 consultation
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.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Archaeology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Arts
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Bachelor of Global Studies
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Media and Communication
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Visual Arts
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Graduate Certificate of Archaeology
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Graduate Diploma of Archaeology
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Archaeology
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
Overview
Key facts
| Award | Diploma of Arts |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2025 start dates Semester 1 (March 2026), Semester 2 (July 2026) |
| Duration | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Online |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Prerequisite | English (Please refer to admission requirements for details) |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2025 fees Estimated cost per year if studying full time $15,534 (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 2025 ATAR profile
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
Lowest selection rank 40.6
Online
Lowest selection rank 42.5
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 of Arts
Start your university adventure with La Trobe's Diploma of Arts. Choose your own future – we're here to help you achieve your dreams.
Get straight into your passions when you choose a stream and undertake the first year of the humanities and social sciences degree of your choice. Choose from criminology, global studies, media and communication, and more. Or choose from a wide range of electives – from politics and languages to environmental studies and public health – and study all the topics you're passionate about.
Once you've graduated, you could transfer into one of our most varied and flexible degrees – the Bachelor of Arts – or choose from a range of specialised programs including, Bachelor of Archaeology, Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics, Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, the Bachelor of Media and Communication and the Bachelor of Visual Arts.
No matter which path you choose, you'll learn from world-class academics and leading researchers, and you'll build skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration – highly sought-after skills that are vital in today's workforce.
Get a taste of university life as you study side-by-side Bachelor's degree students. What's more, we'll be with you every step of the way. Receive tailored advice from a dedicated Student Adviser and you can connect with discipline-based peer mentors. We'll help you enrol, choose your subjects and navigate university systems and requirements. You can also access La Trobe's Careers Service to help you shape your future.
You'll learn:
- Critical thinking
- Delve into complex problems. Experts say critical thinking will be a highly valued skill in the workforce of tomorrow.[1]
- Emotional intelligence
- Understand what drives our decisions. Learn how to connect to others with emotion and intelligence.
- Creativity
- Learn how to see new possibilities and turn them into reality.
- Communication
- Learn how to connect, communicate and collaborate with your university peers and future colleagues.
[1] Forbes, 2019, The 10 Vital Skills You Will Need For The Future Of Work ; PwC, 2020, 10 skills you need for future employment
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.
Other courses you may like
COURSE
Bachelor of Archaeology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Arts
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Online
COURSE
Bachelor of Global Studies
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Media and Communication
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Visual Arts
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Bendigo
COURSE
Graduate Certificate of Archaeology
0.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent0.5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Graduate Diploma of Archaeology
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Master of Archaeology
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent2 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)