Undergraduate Courses
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Diploma in Languages

The course information on this page is for new students commencing their degree in 2016 only. 

Students should follow the rules and requirements for the year that they commenced their course. The online course information for years prior to 2016 are available from the Archives link in the menu.

Students should also review current subject availabilities via the Subject Descriptions link in the menu.

Testamur Title of Degree:

Diploma in Languages

Abbreviation:

DipinLang

UOW Course Code:

1002

CRICOS Code:

N/A

Total Credit Points:

48

Duration:

Students are required to complete sequential language subjects over a minimum of 6 semesters depending on level of entry. Please refer to the specific language in the handbook for subjects and session availability.

Home Faculty:

Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts

Intake Session(s):

Autumn; Spring only after consultation

Delivery Mode:

On-campus

Delivery Campus:

Wollongong

Additional Information:

Course Finder

Overview

The Diploma in Languages allows students from any Faculty in the University to study a language to prepare them to work in a multicultural and globalised economy. Students can choose to study one of the following languages: Chinese (Mandarin), French, Italian, Japanese or Spanish. In-country study or study abroad can be included in the award. The Diploma is generally studied concurrently with a Bachelor degree. For example, a student enrolled in Engineering would study three Engineering subjects and one language subject each semester. At the completion of their studies at the University of Wollongong they will graduate with two awards, their Bachelor degree and the Diploma in Languages.  The Diploma in Languages is not available to international applicants.

Languages can be studied from beginners' level to advanced. Students with HSC qualifications (or equivalent) in a language will normally commence their studies at 200 level in the language they wish to study. Students with native speaker competency will normally commence their studies at 300 level, while native speaker students of Chinese (Mandarin) will normally enrol in the Chinese (Mandarin) for Character Background Students. Students who are unsure of the level of competency should consult the appropriate Subject Co-ordinator of the language they wish to study.

The Diploma can be taken as a stand-alone award by members of the community.

Entry Requirements

Academic requirements and English requirements are available from the Course Finder.

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Diploma in Languages students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the language and grammar of a foreign language.
  2. Communicate in both spoken and written forms of a foreign language at the level of an independent user.
  3. Comprehend spoken and written forms of a foreign language at the level of an independent user.
  4. Critically analyse historical and socio-cultural forces that have shaped the people and the chosen language of study.

For learning outcomes specific to the chosen language of study, please see the entries below. 

Course Structure

To qualify for the award of the Diploma in Languages students must complete at least 48 credit points from subjects listed for: 

Students will predominantly study language acquisition subjects and may include study abroad as part of an exchange or study abroad program. Other subjects may be included with the permission of the Language and Linguistics Discipline leader. Please note that a number of 200 and 300 level subjects have “First offered 2017” or “First offered 2018” recorded in the session of offer. This note means that these 200 and 300 level subjects have been reviewed and that the first time these new versions may be offered is 2017 for 200 level or 2018 for 300 level. However, some subjects are not on offer every year, therefore it is possible that the new 200 level version of the subject may therefore be run in 2018 or later, rather than 2017. Similarly for the new 300 level versions of subjects. 

Subjects can be counted only in one degree. That is, subjects counted towards the Diploma cannot be counted towards another degree.

Students who complete the Diploma will receive a testamur, however graduation ceremonies will not be held specifically for the Diploma.  Students that have completed the Diploma concurrently with a Bachelors Degree will have the Diploma listed in their Bachelors degree subject transcript upon graduating. 

Chinese (Mandarin) for Character Background Students

Mandarin is spoken by more than 1.5 billion people in the world and is one of the six official languages of the UN. China has a 5000 year history and culture, boasts the fastest-growing economy in the world and is widely regarded as the potentially biggest global market in the twenty-first century.

Chinese (Mandarin) for Character Background Students is for students who have an education background in Chinese language. It provides a course of study which allows students to specialise in Chinese language and culture.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Chinese (Mandarin) for Character Background Students program in the Diploma in Languages students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of Mandarin language and grammar from the comparative linguistic perspective.
  2. Effectively communicate in a wide range of genres in Mandarin, including academic essay writing at undergraduate level.
  3. Comprehend Classical Chinese texts with the assistance of annotations.
  4. Critically analyse and evaluate Chinese heritage, modern Chinese history and contemporary China.
  5. Effectively translate texts from English into Chinese.

Program of Study

Students must complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below.

Students will complete a minimum of 8 subjects. These subjects will predominantly be language acquisition subjects and may include study abroad as part of an exchange or study abroad program. Other subjects (including study abroad and exchange) may be included with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Students commencing at beginner level must complete all core subjects and two subjects from the list of electives. Other subjects (including study abroad and exchange) may be included with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

A student who commences university Mandarin at upper level (with permission of the program) must complete all 200 and 300 level core subjects, all elective subjects plus one other subject with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Core:
MAND161 Chinese (Mandarin) for Character Background Students (CBS) 1 6 Autumn
MAND162 Chinese (Mandarin) for Character Background Students (CBS) 2 6 Spring
MAND271 Intermediate Chinese 1 for Character Background Students (CBS) 6 Autumn First offered 2017
MAND272 Intermediate Chinese 2 for Character Background Students (CBS) 6 Spring First offered 2017
MAND371 Advanced Chinese 1 for Character Background Students (CBS) 6 Autumn First offered 2018
MAND372 Advanced Chinese 2 for Character Background Students (CBS) 6 Spring First offered 2018
Electives:
ELL 110 Language in Social Life 6 Spring
ELL 230 Communication Across Cultures 6 Autumn First offered 2017
HIST293 A History of Modern China 6 Spring First offered 2017  

Other Subjects (including study abroad and exchange):

Students entering at 200 level must take ONE other subject. This should be chosen through discussion with the Languages and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

 

Chinese (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Background Students

Mandarin is spoken by more than 1.5 billion people in the world and is one of the six official languages of the UN. China has a 5000 year history and culture, boasts the fastest-growing economy in the world and is widely regarded as the potentially biggest global market in the twenty-first century.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Chinese (Mandarin) for Non-Chinese Background Students program in the Diploma in Languages will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the Mandarin language and grammar
  2. Comprehend spoken and written Chinese equivalent to Level 3 in the Chinese Language Proficiency Scales for Speakers of Other Languages (CLPS) and B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
  3. Communicate in both spoken and written Chinese equivalent to Level 3 in the CLPS and B1 level in the CEFR.
  4. Critically analyse and evaluate historical events and socio-cultural forces that have shaped modern China, its people and language. 

Program of Study

Students must complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below.

Students will complete a minimum of 8 subjects. These subjects will predominantly be language acquisition subjects and may include study abroad as part of an exchange or study abroad program. Other subjects (including study abroad and exchange) may be included with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Students commencing at beginner level must complete all core subjects and at least two subjects from the list of electives. Other subjects (including study abroad and exchange) may be included with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

A student who studied Mandarin to HSC level and was commencing university Mandarin at upper level (with permission of the program) must complete all 200 and 300 level core subjects, all elective subjects plus one other subject with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Core
MAND151 Chinese (Mandarin) for Beginners 1 6 Autumn
MAND152 Chinese (Mandarin) for Beginners 2 6 Spring
MAND231 Intermediate Chinese 1 for Non-Chinese Background Students (NCB) 6 Autumn First offered 2017
MAND232 Intermediate Chinese 2 for Non-Chinese Background Students (NCB) 6 Spring First offered 2017
MAND331

Advanced Chinese 1 for Non-Chinese Background Students (NCB)

6 Autumn First offered 2018
MAND332 Advanced Chinese 2 for Non-Chinese Background Students (NCB) 6 Spring First offered 2018
Electives:
ELL 110 Language in Social Life 6 Spring
ELL 230 Communication Across Cultures 6 Autumn First offered 2017
HIST293 A History of Modern China 6 Spring First offered 2017

Other Subjects (including study abroad and exchange):

Students entering at 200 level must take ONE other subject. This should be chosen through discussion with the Languages and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

 

French

Students will study the French language and also study French society and culture, including Francophone cultures outside France.

In our language and culture subjects we use a range of authentic resources and teaching methods to equip students with a high level of proficiency in the written and spoken French language. Student learning outcomes are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the French program in the Diploma in Languages students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the French language and grammar
  2. Communicate in both spoken and written French at B2 Level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
  3. Comprehend spoken and written French at B2 level in the CEFR
  4. Critically analyse and evaluate historical events and socio-cultural forces that have shaped modern France, its people and language 

Program of Study

Students must complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below.

Students will complete a minimum of 8 subjects. These subjects will predominantly be language acquisition subjects and may include study abroad in a French speaking country as part of an exchange program or study abroad program with a partner University. Other subjects (including study abroad and exchange) may be included with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Students commencing at beginner level must complete all core subjects plus one subject from the list of electives.

A student who studied French to HSC level and was commencing university French at 200 level (with permission of the program) must complete all 200 and 300 level core subjects, both elective subjects plus one other subject with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Core:
FREN151 French for Beginners 1 6 Autumn
FREN152 French for Beginners 2 6 Spring
FREN241 Intermediate French 1 6 Autumn First offered 2017
FREN242 Intermediate French 2 6 Spring First offered 2017
FREN230 The making of France and the French Nation 6 Autumn First offered 2017
FREN341 Advanced French 1 6 Autumn First offered 2018
FREN342 Advanced French 2 6 Spring First offered 2018
Electives:
FREN330 France in the Twenty-first century 6 Spring First offered 2018
LANG335 Literature and Society in Renaissance Europe 6 Spring First offered 2018

Other Subjects (including study abroad and exchange):

Students entering at 200 level must take ONE other subject. This should be chosen through discussion with the Languages and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

 

Italian

Electing Italian provides a course of study which allows any student, regardless of their background in the discipline, to specialise in Italian.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Italian program in the Diploma in Languages students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the Italian language and grammar
  2. Communicate in both spoken and written Italian at B2 Level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
  3. Comprehend spoken and written Italian at B2 level in the CEFR
  4. Critically analyse and evaluate historical events and socio-cultural forces that have shaped modern Italy, its people and language 

Program of Study

Students must complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below.

Students will complete a minimum of 8 subjects. These subjects will predominantly be language acquisition subjects and may include study abroad in an Italian speaking country as part of an exchange program or study abroad program with a partner University. Other subjects (including study abroad and exchange) may be included with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Students commencing at beginner level must complete all core subjects and one subject from the list of electives. Other subjects (including study abroad and exchange) may be included with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader

A student who studied Italian to HSC level and was commencing university Italian at 200 level (with permission of the program) must complete all 200 and 300 level core subjects, both elective subjects plus one other subject (including study abroad and exchange) with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Core:
ITAL151 Italian for Beginners 1 6 Autumn
ITAL152 Italian for Beginners 2 6 Spring
ITAL241 Intermediate Italian 1

6

Autumn First offered 2017
ITAL242 Intermediate Italian 2 6 Spring First offered 2017
ITAL230 Italy: Past and Present 6 First offered 2017
ITAL341 Advanced Italian 1 6 Autumn First offered 2018
ITAL342 Advanced Italian 2 6 Spring First offered 2018
Electives:
ITAL330 Advanced Studies in Italian 6 Spring First offered 2018
LANG335 Literature and Society in Renaissance Europe 6 Spring First offered 2018

Other Subjects (including study abroad and exchange):

Students entering at 200 level must take ONE other subject. This should be chosen through discussion with the Languages and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

 

Japanese

The study of Japanese focuses on developing the linguistic skills necessary to understand Japanese ways of life, and how the past affects the present. It also aims to facilitate intercultural understanding and competence for the increasingly globalised world and workplace.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Japanese program in the Diploma in Languages students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the Japanese language and grammar.
  2. Comprehend spoken and written Japanese to at least B1 Level in the Japan Foundation's (JF) Japanese Language Educational Standard.
  3. Communicate in both spoken and written Japanese to at least B1 Level in the JF’s Japanese Language Educational Standard.
  4. Critically analyse and evaluate historical events and socio-cultural forces that have shaped modern Japan, its people and language. 

Program of Study

Students must complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below.

Students will complete a minimum of 8 subjects. These subjects will predominantly be language acquisition subjects and may include study abroad in Japan as part of an exchange program or study abroad program with a partner University. Other subjects (including study abroad and exchange) may be included with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Students commencing at beginner level must complete all core subjects, and one elective subject from the subjects listed.

A student who studied Japanese to HSC level and was commencing university Japanese at 200 level (with permission of the program) must complete both 200 level core subjects, all five core 300 level subjects and one elective subject from the subjects listed. 

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Core:
JAPA141 Beginner Japanese 1 6 Autumn
JAPA142 Beginner Japanese 2 6 Spring
JAPA241 Intermediate Japanese 1 6 Autumn First offered 2017
JAPA242 Intermediate Japanese 2 6 Spring First offered 2017
JAPA320 Advanced Readings in Japanese 6 Autumn First offered 2018
One of the following:
JAPA341 Advanced Japanese 1 6 Autumn First offered 2018
JAPA343 Advanced Japanese 3 6 Autumn First offered 2018
One of the following:
JAPA342 Advanced Japanese 2 6 Spring First offered 2018
JAPA344 Advanced Japanese 4 6 Spring First offered 2018
Electives:
JAPA220 The Making of a Globalised Japan 6 Spring First offered 2017

Other Subjects (including study abroad and exchange):

Students entering at 200 level must take ONE other subject. This should be chosen through discussion with the Languages and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

 

Spanish

Spanish is spoken by more than 400 million people worldwide in 22 countries. The main goal of the study of Spanish is to develop students' communications skills in the Spanish language and their understanding of the cultures of Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin America.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Spanish program in the Diploma in Languages students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the Spanish language and grammar
  2. Communicate in both spoken and written Spanish at B2 Level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
  3. Comprehend spoken and written Spanish at B2 level in the CEFR
  4. Critically analyse and evaluate historical events and socio-cultural forces that have shaped the Hispanic world, its people and the Spanish language 

Program of Study

Students must complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below.

Students will complete a minimum of 8 subjects. These subjects will predominantly be language acquisition subjects and may include study abroad in a Spanish speaking country as part of an exchange program or study abroad program with a partner University. Other subjects (including study abroad and exchange) may be included with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Students commencing at beginner level must complete all core subjects and one elective subject.

A student who studied Spanish to HSC level and was commencing university Spanish at 200 level (with permission of the program) must complete all 200 and 300 level core subjects, both elective subjects plus one other subject with the permission of the Languages and Linguistics Discipline leader.

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points Session(s)
Core:
SPAN151 Spanish for Beginners 1 6 Autumn
SPAN152 Spanish for Beginners 2 6 Spring
SPAN241 Intermediate Spanish 1 6 Autumn First offered 2017
SPAN242 Intermediate Spanish 2 6 Spring First offered 2017
SPAN230 The Hispanic World 6 Autumn First offered 2017
SPAN341 Advanced Spanish 1 6 Autumn First offered 2018
SPAN342 Advanced Spanish 2 6 Spring First offered 2018
Electives:
SPAN330 Advanced Studies in Spanish 6 Spring First offered 2018
LANG335 Literature and Society in Renaissance Europe 6 Spring First offered 2018 

Other Subjects (including study abroad and exchange):

Students entering at 200 level must take ONE other subject. This should be chosen through discussion with the Languages and Linguistics Discipline Leader.

 

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 13 July, 2016