OVERVIEW

In an ever-changing world, the study of languages has never been more relevant. Whether you’re looking to future proof your career, make overseas travel more rewarding or just ticking off an item on your bucket list, learning a language can open a whole world of opportunities. The Diploma in Modern Languages enables you to communicate and become proficient in Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese or Spanish, and learn, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the culture. The degree is interactive and immersive, and includes an optional trimester studying in the country of your chosen language.

Why study the Diploma in Modern Languages with UNE?

This popular course enables you to communicate and to become proficient in one language (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese or Spanish) and culture, giving you a competitive advantage in a variety of workplaces, whether in Australia or overseas.

If you are a qualified teacher wanting to add a language as an additional teaching area, and need to commence at beginner level, you should enrol in the Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion). Students enrolling in the course in trimester 2 will be unable to commence study in the language at beginner level.

What makes our course different?

The skills and knowledge you gain in a Diploma of Modern Languages will be further developed and enriched by spending time studying in the country of your chosen language. This may be extended for a second trimester (subject to head of school approval).

• In-country experience broadens your career options, giving you a competitive advantage in today's increasingly multicultural and international workplace environments.
• Choose your study mode – this course can also be studied on-campus or completely online, at home in your own time.

UNE is Australia’s oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education. Students consistently award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support. So, no matter whether you choose to study online or on campus, you are in very good hands.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Course structure

To qualify for the award candidates admitted under Rule (a) must pass units to the value of 48 credit points in one language as identified in the program of study for each language.

To qualify for the award candidates admitted under Rule (b) or Rule (c) must pass units to the value of 24 credit points in one language at 200-level or above; and
(i) (for candidates wishing to qualify in a language as an additional secondary teaching area) complete EDLA385 Languages Teaching I, EDLA386 Languages Teaching II and EDLA315 Teaching in a Bilingual Context: PrEx 20 days; or
(ii) (for candidates wishing to qualify as a primary languages teacher) complete EDLA385 Languages Teaching I and EDLA330 Teaching Languages in the Primary School and EDLA315 Teaching in a Bilingual Context: PrEx 20 days.

This course enables students to become proficient in one language other than English and to demonstrate a depth of knowledge in one culture (Chinese, French, German, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese or Spanish). This gives graduates a competitive advantage in a variety of workplaces, whether in Australia or overseas. It is available as a stand-alone award for students who are currently enrolled in a Bachelor course through UNE.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• demonstrate proficiently and effectively oral/aural and writing/reading skills in a language discipline not including English

• analyse, comment upon and appropriately interpret a variety of target language usages of varying degrees of complexity

• research, plan, design and deliver written and oral presentations in a variety of contexts; and

• demonstrate some depth of knowledge of specific inter-cultural and cross-cultural issues, practices and ethical values.