Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Entry is based on recent secondary, higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.
View full entry requirements- 1 year part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
The UNE Undergraduate Certificate in Arts provides you with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare for further study and more career choices, with a focus on your chosen area of interest.
With the freedom to assemble your course from a curated set of units, you’ll be supported to develop your critical thinking, research capabilities and perspectives through individual study, work-integrated learning and guided project activities.
Study this course if you want to explore a topic in greater depth, pave the way for further study options or stand out in the eyes of employers.
You will learn in a highly flexible environment with access to UNE’s supportive lecturers, student advisors and course coordinator to help you achieve your goals.
Why study the Undergraduate Certificate in Arts with UNE?
The course is ideal if you’re interested in learning skills that can be applied to your career while earning credit towards an undergraduate degree.
Building upon your prior knowledge and life experiences, it will prepare you for successful further study and diversify your skillset to create more career choices. In addition to customising your study area to match your interests, you will build new connections with your chosen industry.
What makes our course different?
With guidance from UNE’s supportive lecturers, student advisors and course coordinator, the course opens doors into any industry or field you choose. It will help you carve out a lifetime of possibilities in an evolving employment landscape.
The course comes with opportunities to:
- Gain foundational skills in communication, ethical conduct, independence and collaboration, IT literacy, research capabilities and lifelong learning — all valuable for your career or further study.
- Undertake place-based learning that integrates with broader national and international perspectives.
- Gain recognition for work-based learning through industry placements.
- Develop your holistic thinking and cross-disciplinary skills through a capstone unit which ties your knowledge and interests together through a guided special project.
- Benefit from tailored learning opportunities if you’re seeking a shorter course to support your personalised learning journey and career.
- Prepare for a smooth transition into many other UNE courses upon completion, with units credited towards other diplomas and degrees.
- Balance your life while completing part-time study at times that work for you.
UNE is Australia’s oldest regional university and a pioneer in the delivery of distance education. Students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support year on year, so no matter whether you choose to study online or on campus, you are in good hands.
With 8 majors to choose from, you can narrow your focus to pursue a passion or broaden your prospects – the freedom is yours when you study with us.
- Aboriginal Knowledges
- Creative Industries
- Environmental Humanities
- Languages and Linguistics
- Music
- Planning and Sustainability
- Society and Politics
- Working with History.
The course is offered online from UNE’s Armidale campus, in partnership with other UNE campuses and Study Centres. It is offered for part-time online study only.
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 form a community of adults who share the same challenges and priorities. They 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 your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
Not Applicable
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.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
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.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
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.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
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.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
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:
- 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.
- If you are applying through Mature Age Special Entry, you will need to include a completed Mature Age Special Entry form in your online application. Learn more about Mature Age Special Entry.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
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.
> 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 24 credit points.
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Demonstrate Your Professional Preparation (DYPP100) – 6 credit points
- Foundations of Academic Research (HASS100) – 6 credit points
- Controversies: Foundations of Critical Social Analysis (HASS101) – 6 credit points
- Communication for Business (MM105) – 6 credit points
- Speaking in Public (THEA134) – 6 credit points
- The Craft of Academic Writing (WRIT101) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete the following unit:- Special Project in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS102) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete one of the following majors:12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Indigenous Perspectives across Creative Industries (INK101) – 6 credit points
- Aboriginal Resilience and the Arts (OORA100) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Indigenous Australia (PAIS104) – 6 credit points
- Global Indigenous Experiences (PAIS105) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Screen Media (COMM101) – 6 credit points
- Creative Industries (COMM103) – 6 credit points
- Indigenous Perspectives across Creative Industries (INK101) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Marketing (MM110) – 6 credit points
- Digital Music and Media Fundamentals (MUSI160) – 6 credit points
- Performance From Ritual to Realism (THEA110) – 6 credit points
- Pitches and Partners (THEA360) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
- Storytelling and Genre Writing (WRIT102) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Food Security and Environmental Scarcity (ECON121) – 6 credit points
- Australian Aboriginal Sustainability Systems (ENSC220) – 6 credit points
- Earth Surface Systems (GEPL106) – 6 credit points
- Earth in Crisis? (GEPL111) – 6 credit points
- Where in the World? Australia's Human Geography (GEPL112) – 6 credit points
- Environmental Peace (PEAC102) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Approaches to Literature and Society (ENGL102) – 6 credit points
- Researching and Applying History (HINQ201) – 6 credit points
- Indigenous Perspectives across Creative Industries (INK101) – 6 credit points
- Cross-Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis (MUSI131) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Philosophy A: The Examined Life (PHIL151) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units: [Note:101 and 102 language units may not be taken concurrently]- Chinese Language 1A (CHIN101) – 6 credit points
- Chinese Language 1B (CHIN102) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Classical Languages (CLLA101) – 6 credit points
- Classical Languages Through Reading (CLLA102) – 6 credit points
- French Language 1A (FREN101) – 6 credit points
- French Language 1B (FREN102) – 6 credit points
- German Language 1A (GRMN101) – 6 credit points
- German Language 1B (GRMN102) – 6 credit points
- Indonesian Language 1A (INDN101) – 6 credit points
- Indonesian Language 1B (INDN102) – 6 credit points
- Italian Language 1A (ITAL101) – 6 credit points
- Italian Language 1B (ITAL102) – 6 credit points
- Japanese Language 1A (JAPN101) – 6 credit points
- Japanese Language 1B (JAPN102) – 6 credit points
- Strategies and Approaches to Language Learning (LANG100) – 6 credit points
- Developing Modern Languages Conversational Skills (LANG103) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Linguistics (LING101) – 6 credit points
- Foundations of Linguistics (LING102) – 6 credit points
- Communicating in Culturally Diverse Contexts (LING150) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Spanish I (SPAN101) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Spanish II (SPAN102) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Cmplete 12 credit points from the following units:- Music Theory and Analysis 1 (MUSI110) – 6 credit points
- Encounters in Music (MUSI111) – 6 credit points
- Cross-Cultural Music Concepts and Analysis (MUSI131) – 6 credit points
- Fundamentals of Creative Music Practice (MUSI140) – 6 credit points
- Digital Music and Media Fundamentals (MUSI160) – 6 credit points
- Professional Practice of Music (MUSI390) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Sustainable Agricultural Systems I (AGSY101) – 6 credit points
- Earth Surface Systems (GEPL106) – 6 credit points
- Earth in Crisis? (GEPL111) – 6 credit points
- Where in the World? Australia's Human Geography (GEPL112) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Plan Making (GEPL122) – 6 credit points
- Planning for Land Use and Built Form (GEPL124) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Crime in Rural Communities (CRIM190) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Politics (PAIS101) – 6 credit points
- Global Indigenous Experiences (PAIS105) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Peace Studies (PEAC100) – 6 credit points
- Introduction to Philosophy A: The Examined Life (PHIL151) – 6 credit points
- Thinking Sociologically (SOCY110) – 6 credit points
- Engaging in My Future (WORK100) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Of Gods, Heroes and Monsters: Foundation Myths of Antiquity (ANCH109) – 6 credit points
- Archaeology: Principles and Practices (ARPA104) – 6 credit points
- Professional Archaeology and Heritage Management (ARPA320) – 6 credit points
- What is History? (HINQ100) – 6 credit points
- The Historian (HINQ101) – 6 credit points
- History and Museums (HIST337) – 6 credit points
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 type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place | $6,661* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
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.
Your career
The knowledge and skills developed from studying the Undergraduate Certificate in Arts are transferable and valuable across a wide range of workplaces and industries, specific to your goals.
Career paths could include roles in areas such as:
- management and business
- public relations
- media communication
- local, state and federal government
- research
- community development
- education
- creative industries
- environmental sustainability
- design and planning
- cultural heritage.
Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Arts may apply for admission to a range of Diploma and Bachelor courses with credit granted for units completed in the Undergraduate Certificate in Arts.
Course outcomes
- identify and discuss fundamental academic skills that support lifelong learning;
- apply knowledge and skills to planning future study and/or work;
- practise communication skills appropriate to professional workplaces and to support further study at undergraduate level; and
- construct a foundation-level knowledge of a selected area of study in the arts, humanities or social sciences.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will have constructed a foundation-level knowledge of a selected field of study in the arts, humanities or social sciences that will support further study at AQF levels 5, 6, and 7 alongside professional applications.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will practice communication skills appropriate to professional work-places that also support further study and lifelong learning.
- Problem Solving
Graduates will be able to apply knowledge and skills to planning future study and/or work.
- Information Literacy
Graduates will identify and communicate relevant information, using appropriate media, tools, and methods.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will have an understanding of academic integrity and will practice ethical behaviour to support lifelong learning and professional work, and engagement with the wider community.
- Lifelong Learning
Graduates will have the skills to identify issues and problems and will be able to research, write about and discuss their observations and solutions.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will have foundational skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively with peers and under the guidance of teachers and professional mentors.
A five-star experience
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
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
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
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
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
UNE being a small university brings with it so many advantages – you aren’t simply a number in the system, it’s a high-quality personal educational experience.
How to apply
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.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 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.
