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Diploma in Languages

Overview

Add a Diploma in Languages to your degree and open up a world of opportunities.

The Diploma in Languages is a way of adding value to any bachelor's degree. This program enables you to benefit from the advantages that knowledge of another language can bring in a global economy, as well as earning you an additional academic qualification.

Languages are a passion for many UQ students, and the concurrent diploma will suit you if you’ve studied a language at high school and want to increase your proficiency, or if it’s your first time learning a second language.

Proficiency in a second language will open up both professional and personal opportunities for you. Whether you are studying architecture, speech pathology, pharmacy or engineering, you can also study any of the languages offered at UQ to enhance your international employability. If you are studying ancient history or archaeology, you may find Latin and Ancient Greek beneficial to your program.

You'll enrol in the Diploma in Languages concurrently with another UQ program. You'll choose from languages including Ancient Greek, Chinese, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Latin and Spanish as majors, or you can choose to study two languages as minors, including Russian.

Location
St Lucia
Duration
2 Years part-time (only available as part-time study)
Start Semester
Semester 1 (24 Feb, 2025), Semester 2 (28 Jul, 2025)
Program Code
1602
AQF
Level 5

Program highlights

Program highlights

  • Enhance your international employability and develop language and cultural skills to set you up for a global career.
  • UQ is home to one of Australia's leading language schools providing outstanding teaching and research of major world languages and cultures.
  • Study the diploma alongside your UQ degree and choose from one of ten languages, as well as Chinese Translation and Interpreting.

1 in Queensland for modern languages

QS World University Rankings 2024

77 in the world for English language and literature

QS World University Rankings 2024

Watch Diploma in Languages UQ on YouTube.

Majors

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

  • Ancient Greek
  • Ancient Greek
  • Chinese
  • Chinese

How you'll learn

Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.

  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Overseas study
  • Workshops

What you'll study

Career possibilities

Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

  • International business translator/interpreter
  • Foreign language analyst
  • Corporate travel consultant
  • Diplomatic officer
  • Language teacher
  • International language tutor
  • Language program manager
  • Travel translator/interpreter

Entry requirements

Prerequisites

To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
  • admission to a University of Queensland undergraduate degree program, or the integrated Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Master of Engineering (BE(Hons)/ME) program; and
  • eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Arts program.

Prerequisites

To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
  • admission to a University of Queensland undergraduate degree program, or the integrated Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Master of Engineering (BE(Hons)/ME) program; and
  • eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Arts program.

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Diploma in Languages are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Who you'll study with

Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2024:

Applicant backgroundNumber of studentsPercentage of all students

(A) Higher education study

N/PN/P

(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

<5<5

(C) Work and life experience

00%
(D) Recent secondary education
  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
00%
  • Admitted where ATAR and additional criteria were considered
00%
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
00%

International students

00%

Total

28100%

"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.

Majors and minors

Majors

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Develop your reading and writing skills in one of the oldest languages in the world.

The language and literature of Greece continue to have a profound impact on western culture. The study of ancient language is immensely valuable for appreciating the culture and sophistication of Graeco-Roman antiquity and its lasting influence on the modern world.

This major is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.

View

Learning Chinese opens a window to understanding China's culture and way of life, and how the nation now plays an increasingly active role in world affairs.

Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.

There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.

View

Understand how Chinese culture influences the meaning of written and spoken texts, and how to take culture into consideration when translating or interpreting.

You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.

Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.

This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.

View

Immerse yourself in French language and culture.

Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.

Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.

The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, then the French Advanced major is for you.

View

The French language is one of the most widely spoken and fastest growing languages in the world today, with 76 million native speakers and 235 million who use it daily.

By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.

You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.

The French Advanced major is designed for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, then the French major is for you.

View

Learn about German language, history and culture, and gain an overview of significant events, trends, places and people in German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe.

Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.

View

Get to know one of Australia's closest neighbours in this major covering Indonesian history, politics, culture, society, and its official language, Bahasa Indonesia.

As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.

This major is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.

View

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture.

Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.

Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.

The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.

View

Study a key world language used in social, cultural and economic pursuits, research, and diplomacy in the world.

Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.

The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese major is for you.

View

Come to understand different ways of thinking about and appreciating Korea's diverse history and rich cultural traditions.

You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.

Many students also study courses in fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.

View

Further your reading and writing skills in one of the oldest languages in the world.

Classical Latin has traditionally held a central position in Western education, and remains important for the study not only of the Graeco-Roman world, but also of the languages, ideas and literatures (including English) of societies that grew out of the classical world.

Latin language and literature lasted into the 19th and 20th centuries for treatises of fundamental importance in science, medicine, diplomacy and law.

This major is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.

View

Become fluent in a language spoken by 400 million people worldwide.

Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.

Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.

Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.

View

Minors

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Develop your reading and writing skills in one of the oldest languages in the world.

The language and literature of Greece continue to have a profound impact on western culture. The study of ancient language is immensely valuable for appreciating the culture and sophistication of Graeco-Roman antiquity and its lasting influence on the modern world.

This minor is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.

View

Learning Chinese opens a window to understanding China's culture and way of life, and how the nation now plays an increasingly active role in world affairs.

Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.

There are separate minors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.

View

Understand how Chinese culture influences the meaning of written and spoken texts, and how to take culture into consideration when translating or interpreting.

You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.

Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.

This minor is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.

View

Immerse yourself in French language and culture.

Courses in this minor cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.

Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.

By studying French as a minor you will reach B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, allowing you to communicate on a broad range of subjects. 

The French minor is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study (i.e. year 12 French or equivalent), then the French Advanced minor is for you.

View

The French language is one of the most widely spoken and fastest growing languages in the world today, with 76 million native speakers and 235 million who use it daily.

By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.

You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.

The French Advanced minor is designed for students who have completed substantial French study (i.e. grade 12 French or equivalent). If you have no previous knowledge of French, then the French major is for you.

View

Learn about German language, history and culture, and gain an overview of significant events, trends, places and people in German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe.

Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.

View

Get to know one of Australia's closest neighbours in this minor covering Indonesian history, politics, culture, society, and its official language, Bahasa Indonesia.

As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.

This minor is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.

View

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture.

Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.

Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.

The Japanese minor is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced minor is for you.

View

Study a key world language used in social, cultural and economic pursuits, research, and diplomacy in the world.

Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.

The Japanese Advanced minor is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese minor is for you.

View

Come to understand different ways of thinking about and appreciating Korea's diverse history and rich cultural traditions.

You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.

Many students also study courses in fields where their minor in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.

View

Further your reading and writing skills in one of the oldest languages in the world.

Classical Latin has traditionally held a central position in Western education, and remains important for the study not only of the Graeco-Roman world, but also of the languages, ideas and literatures (including English) of societies that grew out of the classical world.

Latin language and literature lasted into the 19th and 20th centuries for treatises of fundamental importance in science, medicine, diplomacy and law.

This minor is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.

View

Understand the place of Russia in the modern world and learn how the Russian state and society have evolved over centuries.

With almost 258 million speakers worldwide, Russian is a truly international language and a window into one of the world's great cultures.

Courses in this minor cover introductory language skills, grammatical concepts and structures as well as translating and interpreting studies. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of Russian.

Graduates have used their Russian language skills to enhance their employability in fields such as science, politics, agriculture, aerospace engineering and information technology.

View

Become fluent in a language spoken by 400 million people worldwide.

Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.

Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.

Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.

View

Majors

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Develop your reading and writing skills in one of the oldest languages in the world.

The language and literature of Greece continue to have a profound impact on western culture. The study of ancient language is immensely valuable for appreciating the culture and sophistication of Graeco-Roman antiquity and its lasting influence on the modern world.

This major is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.

View

Learning Chinese opens a window to understanding China's culture and way of life, and how the nation now plays an increasingly active role in world affairs.

Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.

There are separate majors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.

View

Understand how Chinese culture influences the meaning of written and spoken texts, and how to take culture into consideration when translating or interpreting.

You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.

Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.

This major is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.

View

Immerse yourself in French language and culture.

Courses in this major cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.

Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.

The French major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study, then the French Advanced major is for you.

View

The French language is one of the most widely spoken and fastest growing languages in the world today, with 76 million native speakers and 235 million who use it daily.

By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.

You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.

The French Advanced major is designed for students who have completed substantial French study. If you have no previous knowledge of French, then the French major is for you.

View

Learn about German language, history and culture, and gain an overview of significant events, trends, places and people in German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe.

Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.

View

Get to know one of Australia's closest neighbours in this major covering Indonesian history, politics, culture, society, and its official language, Bahasa Indonesia.

As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.

This major is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.

View

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture.

Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.

Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.

The Japanese major is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced major is for you.

View

Study a key world language used in social, cultural and economic pursuits, research, and diplomacy in the world.

Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.

The Japanese Advanced major is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese major is for you.

View

Come to understand different ways of thinking about and appreciating Korea's diverse history and rich cultural traditions.

You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.

Many students also study courses in fields where their major in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.

View

Further your reading and writing skills in one of the oldest languages in the world.

Classical Latin has traditionally held a central position in Western education, and remains important for the study not only of the Graeco-Roman world, but also of the languages, ideas and literatures (including English) of societies that grew out of the classical world.

Latin language and literature lasted into the 19th and 20th centuries for treatises of fundamental importance in science, medicine, diplomacy and law.

This major is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.

View

Become fluent in a language spoken by 400 million people worldwide.

Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.

Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.

Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.

View

Minors

Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:

Develop your reading and writing skills in one of the oldest languages in the world.

The language and literature of Greece continue to have a profound impact on western culture. The study of ancient language is immensely valuable for appreciating the culture and sophistication of Graeco-Roman antiquity and its lasting influence on the modern world.

This minor is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.

View

Learning Chinese opens a window to understanding China's culture and way of life, and how the nation now plays an increasingly active role in world affairs.

Build international awareness and boost your employability by studying Chinese alongside courses in business, education, tourism, engineering, information technology or politics.

There are separate minors for native speakers of Mandarin and other Chinese dialects.

View

Understand how Chinese culture influences the meaning of written and spoken texts, and how to take culture into consideration when translating or interpreting.

You'll also learn about key issues in translation and interpreting ethics.

Gain the foundations to build a future career as an interpreter or a translator in diplomacy, law, education, business, politics, health, education and academia.

This minor is designed for students who are native Chinese speakers.

View

Immerse yourself in French language and culture.

Courses in this minor cover language skills and offer knowledge about some of the major historical, social, literary and philosophical movements in the Francophone world.

Many graduates use their language competency to enhance their employability in fields such as business, education, tourism and politics.

By studying French as a minor you will reach B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, allowing you to communicate on a broad range of subjects. 

The French minor is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of French. If you have completed substantial French study (i.e. year 12 French or equivalent), then the French Advanced minor is for you.

View

The French language is one of the most widely spoken and fastest growing languages in the world today, with 76 million native speakers and 235 million who use it daily.

By studying French Advanced you will reach an 'Independent User' B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference, allowing you to communicate in detail on a broad range of subjects, express opinions and debate choices.

You will also acquire detailed knowledge of French-speaking cultures.

The French Advanced minor is designed for students who have completed substantial French study (i.e. grade 12 French or equivalent). If you have no previous knowledge of French, then the French major is for you.

View

Learn about German language, history and culture, and gain an overview of significant events, trends, places and people in German-speaking countries at the heart of modern Europe.

Developing competence in speaking, reading and writing German can expand your career options in fields such as business, engineering and law.

View

Get to know one of Australia's closest neighbours in this minor covering Indonesian history, politics, culture, society, and its official language, Bahasa Indonesia.

As Indonesia plays a bigger role in our region, Bahasa Indonesia has been identified as one of the crucial language skills needed for future Australian growth.

This minor is beneficial for careers in business, tourism, law, mining and other fields.

View

Broaden the scope of your personal, social and professional networks when you learn about Japanese language and culture.

Learn how Japanese is a key world language used to facilitate economic pursuits, research and government interaction. Discover the different levels of politeness and contextually appropriate expressions used in Japan.

Many students study Japanese alongside courses like business, education and tourism to expand their career opportunities in these fields.

The Japanese minor is designed for students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you have completed substantial Japanese study, then the Japanese Advanced minor is for you.

View

Study a key world language used in social, cultural and economic pursuits, research, and diplomacy in the world.

Graduates with Japanese linguistic skills and cultural knowledge have been engaged in diverse sectors, including business, international relations, law, education, media, engineering and interpreting/translation.

The Japanese Advanced minor is for students who have completed substantial Japanese study. If you have no previous knowledge of Japanese, then the Japanese minor is for you.

View

Come to understand different ways of thinking about and appreciating Korea's diverse history and rich cultural traditions.

You'll complete Korean language speaking and writing courses, and learn about Korean culture, including films, TV, internet culture and music.

Many students also study courses in fields where their minor in Korean can a prove a future career asset, like business, education and tourism.

View

Further your reading and writing skills in one of the oldest languages in the world.

Classical Latin has traditionally held a central position in Western education, and remains important for the study not only of the Graeco-Roman world, but also of the languages, ideas and literatures (including English) of societies that grew out of the classical world.

Latin language and literature lasted into the 19th and 20th centuries for treatises of fundamental importance in science, medicine, diplomacy and law.

This minor is ideal for students studying a dual program, as it will enhance studies in law, science or languages.

View

Understand the place of Russia in the modern world and learn how the Russian state and society have evolved over centuries.

With almost 258 million speakers worldwide, Russian is a truly international language and a window into one of the world's great cultures.

Courses in this minor cover introductory language skills, grammatical concepts and structures as well as translating and interpreting studies. You don’t need to have any prior knowledge of Russian.

Graduates have used their Russian language skills to enhance their employability in fields such as science, politics, agriculture, aerospace engineering and information technology.

View

Become fluent in a language spoken by 400 million people worldwide.

Study courses in Latin American thinking and cultures, and imaginations of Latin America in the 20th century.

Learn how Spanish has become the official language for major international bodies like the United Nations and World Bank.

Mastering a world language like Spanish will enhance your future career opportunities if you're also studying other fields, including business, education or engineering.

View

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative annual fee

Approximate yearly cost of tuition (8 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

$4,812

2024

Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.

$4,812

2025

Learn more about undergraduate fees

Government assistance

Financial aid

As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Learn more about financial aid

HECS-HELP

Domestic places in the Diploma in Languages are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.

Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.

HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.

Learn more about HECS-HELP

Centrelink support

Scholarships

You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:

How to apply

Important dates

If you’re studying Year 12 in Australiago to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program. 

If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is: 

To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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