Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Guaranteed ATAR: 72.55

Entry is based on recent secondary, higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience. 

Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence. English language requirements must also be met. 

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 12 units (72 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • International
View more fees information
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student sits on sofa studying on laptop

Have you traced your family tree and been bitten by the history bug? You’re not alone. With so many online resources now available, interest in local and family research has exploded. So why not turn your hard-earned research skills into a formal qualification with an Advanced Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History.

When you study this course you will have the opportunity to acquire the specific skills and knowledge required to investigate, interpret and present histories to a professional standard, utilise different sources and media, and engage a variety of different audiences.

When you successfully complete the advanced diploma you will receive credit towards higher qualifications, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice, if you wish to pursue further studies.

Why study the Advanced Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History with UNE?

You will receive a solid foundation in the origins, current state, and future of history as one of the oldest academic and popular disciplines. You will examine the foundations of history in the ancient world; the development of medieval and early-modern conceptions of history; and history in its many modern forms. You will learn about the evolution of local, family and applied history and have the opportunity to develop skills required to investigate and interpret heritage sites, memorials, material culture, museums and oral history interviews and have the opportunity to undertake work experience as a professional historian.

What makes our course different?

  • Flexibility - The course can be studied on campus or completely online, at home in your own time.
  • Credit for further study - Get advanced standing into a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice on successful completion.
  • We’re highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.

Core units

  • ARPA104 Archaeology: Principles and Practices
  • HINQ100 What is History?
  • HINQ101 The Historian
  • HIST150 Colonial Australia
  • HIST151 Modern Australia
  • WRIT101 The Craft of Academic Writing

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.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

This course is not currently available for this mode of study.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.

To meet the entry requirements for this course you must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: Advanced Standing is not granted for units taken to meet entry requirements, except for approved articulations, or units completed in TRACKS or the Pathways Enabling Course. A maximum of 36 credit points of Advanced Standing can be granted for units completed at UNE or another institution.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Select the option that best describes your experience.

You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.

Guaranteed ATAR
72.55

If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):

  • Undergraduate Certificates
  • Diplomas
  • Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
  • Bachelor degrees
  • Postgraduate degrees

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.

You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:

  • Level and type of qualification (Certificate IV or above)
  • Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
  • Complete or incomplete.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.

You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:

Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements

Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course

TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS

Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

Please note: Advanced Standing is not granted for units taken to meet entry requirements, except for approved articulations, or units completed in TRACKS or the Pathways Enabling Course. A maximum of 36 credit points of Advanced Standing can be granted for units completed at UNE or another institution.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 72 credit points with 36 credit points at 100-level and 36 credit points at 200 or 300-level.

36 credit points

Complete the following units:
Complete the following units:
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
International
$28,762*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$15,838*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs. If applicable, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) Student Contribution Fees are indicative from 2023. The 2024 CSP rates are still being finalised by the Government and we will update the information as soon as we have more details.

What are the course fee payment options?

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

The Advanced Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History will open doors to a range of career opportunities, including:

  • cultural and heritage tourism
  • family and history organisations
  • family history and genealogy
  • history and heritage consultancies
  • local government planning and heritage.
Other career information

Our local, family and applied history courses are well established and well recognised in providing skills and experience suited to paid and volunteer work in a range of areas.

Course outcomes

The course recognises that there is a wide range of people from differing educational backgrounds who are interested in the pursuit of local, family and applied history as a cultural study in its own right, as a means of promoting community service or as a professional qualification. The popularity of family history on the internet and in television programs is a testament to this interest. This course caters for these students. It recognises their interests and wealth of experience, and aims to build on these in order to enhance their professional skills and the work opportunities available to them as qualified historians.
  1. identify and interpret a variety of historical sources and demonstrate an understanding of diverse historical approaches;
  2. communicate detailed historical investigation and ideas with depth in a variety of written, oral and multi-media forms;
  3. understand and apply historical imagination, creativity, intellectual curiosity and critical thinking in the investigation, interpretation and presentation of local, family and applied history;
  4. demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and social responsibilities of historians to the communities with whom they work and to the discipline of history more broadly; and
  5. identify the variety of ways in which local, family and applied history is practised in community, professional and academic settings.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will demonstrate a body of knowledge and experience in history as a discipline, and a firm understanding of key principles, concepts and methods. This will include an appreciation of the processes through which historical knowledge has evolved. They will also understand the need to adopt transnational and multicultural approaches to the understanding of historical issues. Knowledge of history will be taught through unit materials, online discussions, guided readings and directed learning activities. It will be assessed through different forms of assessment appropriate to the area of local, family or applied history being studied.

Communication Skills

Graduates will have skills that enable them to synthesise and communicate the ideas and information acquired from a variety of sources and from investigating a range of historical issues and problems. Students will be taught these skills through written and oral feedback on assessment tasks and through online and in class discussions and activities. They will practise these skills through their assignments and discussions. They will be assessed on their writing style, clarity of expression, development of ideas, referencing and ability to communicate the results of their study in a variety of written, oral and multi-media formats.

Problem Solving

Graduates will have a sound understanding of key problem-solving strategies used in history and will be able to apply these skills to develop their own responses to particular problems in different environments, topics and issues. The teaching, practise and assessment of these skills will occur primarily through online discussions and through written and multi-media assessment tasks.

Information Literacy

Graduates will have research skills in locating, collecting, referencing and evaluating relevant data, including the skills to assess the utility of information, identify the most useful sources and critically examine the evidence they offer. This involves them becoming familiar with a variety of media and learning how to document and interpret it.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will demonstrate the ability to understand and balance different professional and social responsibilities. These include their professional responsibilities as researchers to provide balanced and accurate investigation; their social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'; and their ethical responsibilities towards the members of the communities and families whose histories they are researching and presenting. Their awareness of these responsibilities will be assessed and taught through the activities assigned for assessment and through discussions in online postings.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will have the skills to continue to investigate, evaluate, discuss and present historical issues. In particular, they will understand historical imagination, intellectual curiosity and critical thinking as central tenets of good historical practice.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will develop skills in independent study, in particular through autonomously researching and executing their assessment tasks. Graduates will also have an understanding of local, family and applied history as a collaborative enterprise. It involves working with and for communities, families, government and private organisations. This involves combining an understanding of social responsibility with the skills of teamwork. With this in mind, throughout the course students will practise working collaboratively and networking effectively to solve problems and present results. This is achieved through the online discussions and the sharing of information and findings. In this environment students are required to take the initiative as well as assert their own values and opinions while respecting the values and contributions of others.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Find out more about studying on campus

Stay connected

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Why study with us?

Narrative Therapist and Adjunct History Lecturer smiles to camera with hands on hips

As an adjunct lecturer, history serves as the ultimate teacher and provides unending lessons in human progression or decline - and how these lessons can inform us today.

Nicole Conner, Narrative Therapist, Adjunct History Lecturer, Eastern College, Wantirna

Why study with us?

UNE student speaks at lecturn

UNE provides excellent learning experiences, and a wide range of social and personal services. It is a perfect place to experience diverse culture, seasons and lifestyle.

Deki Wangmo, UNE graduate

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024
Trimester 311 October 202421 October 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.