Diploma of Arts

The Diploma of Arts at Sheridan Institute of Higher Education is a one-year qualification for students who want a grounding in the arts and social sciences before moving into a bachelor degree, or who need a recognised diploma to enter the workforce. You study units across areas such as psychology, sociology, history and communication, learning how people and societies work and how to write and argue clearly about them. The diploma sits at level 5 on the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree but above a certificate IV.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas of this kind run over two semesters full-time, or part-time over a longer period. You complete a set of units of study, each worth a fixed number of credit points, and you need to pass the required total to graduate. Assessment is usually a mix of essays, reports, tutorial participation, presentations and exams, with no final thesis at diploma level. Some institutions build in a work-integrated learning unit or a community project, and Sheridan may offer this, check the official course page for the current unit list and any placement requirement. Credit from the diploma can often be counted towards a related bachelor degree, so ask about pathways before you enrol.

What you actually learn

You learn to read research critically, write academic essays, present an argument, and understand the main ideas in psychology and the social sciences. Tutorials and group work build the communication skills employers ask for. By the end you should be able to research a topic, weigh evidence, and explain your conclusions in writing and in person. These are the skills that transfer into further study or into entry-level roles in community services, administration and support work.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who did not get the ATAR they wanted, mature-age students returning to study, and international students who need an Australian qualification before applying for a bachelor degree. It also suits people already working in community or support roles who want a formal credential. International applicants need to meet the English requirement published by Sheridan, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for coursework at this level, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, a Student visa holder can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 093565D. Confirm all details, including the current unit list and English requirements, on the official Sheridan page or the CRICOS listing before you apply.

• Community services support worker
• Administration officer in government, education or health
• Case work assistant in welfare or family services
• Program or project support officer in the not-for-profit sector
• Research assistant in social research or market research
• Entry-level roles in aged care, disability services or youth work

Graduates often use the diploma as a pathway into a bachelor degree in arts, psychology, social work or education, which opens up professional roles in teaching, counselling, social work and public policy. Australian employers in the community services, education, government and health sectors hire diploma-qualified staff for support and administrative positions. Check whether your intended role requires a specific degree or registration before you choose your pathway.