Why study with us?
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences ranked 23rd in the world in the 2019 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our graduates are ranked 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely during 2022 if they are unable to undertake face-to-face study. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely. For the latest updates on course availability, visit the COVID-19 information page.
About this course
The Diploma of Language Studies is a flexible pathway program designed to offer you the opportunity to study language either alongside your undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or after you have completed undergraduate studies.
You can choose from 15 languages offered by the School of Languages and Cultures (please note, Latin and Ancient Greek are offered by the School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry). This diploma will ensure that you are confident with language skills and have a strong understanding of the culture and societies in which that language is spoken.
Depends on your qualification, citizenship status
You apply directly to the University via the online application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
Closing dates
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
Candidates of the Diploma of Language Studies may undertake units of study to a value of 48 credit points. A typical unit of study has a value of 6 credit points. The Diploma can be completed in three ways:
Units of study are to be chosen from any of the subject areas listed below, which may include an optional major or minor:
Students commencing the Diploma of Language Studies can select from one of two options: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Semester 1 admission is for students who wish to study a diploma in any language offered by the University of Sydney, including beginners.
Semester 2 admission is for students who wish to study a diploma in any language offered by the University, but may only be available for students who have prior learning in a language if your department does not offer beginner classes in Semester 2. For session offerings, please refer to the table of units of study for the relevant pathway in the desired language within the Arts and Social Sciences (Undergraduate) Handbook.
Under normal progression, a full-time student completes prescribed units of study from 18-24 credit points per semester. Part-time students may undertake prescribed units of study up to the value of 12 credit points per semester. You are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for your units of study.
No prior knowledge of the language you wish to study is necessary.
The Faculty offers classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. If you have prior experience with the language you are studying you can be assessed by the relevant department and placed in the appropriate level class.
To be eligible for admission, you must either:
If you’ve already completed university-level or equivalent subjects, you may be able to apply for credit for previous study.
Where possible the School of Languages and Cultures strongly encourages students to spend a semester (or at least a summer break) in a native speaking country of their language of study where they can study the language and experience the country's culture first hand.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Diploma of Language Studies depend on the area of study undertaken. A diploma is often a springboard to a postgraduate degree or a way of focusing your study in a particular area by doing a short course.
