Get a unique edge in the global job market
Top 1% of universities worldwide*
Learn the most widely spoken language in the world
Key facts
3 years part-time
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Whether you are brushing up or starting from scratch with a whole new language, Deakin's Diploma of Chinese is designed to sharpen your language skills and deepen your cultural understanding.
By studying Chinese (Mandarin) alongside your degree, you'll gain the linguistic skills, as well as the essential cultural, historical and social perspectives that will give you a leading edge in a range of exciting careers.
Through this diploma, you'll learn communication skills in Mandarin Chinese and develop an understanding of Chinese culture and ways of life. Gain fluency by taking part in activities across a range of topics focusing on grammar, lexicons, vocabulary and sentence structure. You'll also learn about cultural, historical sociolinguistic and political dimensions of the societies and cultures that make up the Chinese speaking world.
Do you want to develop your language skills to build a global career?
Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language globally, and as a continuing ancient civilisation, Chinese culture is boundlessly fascinating. Our Chinese language program allows you to gain proficiency in spoken and written Chinese, and provides an understanding of Chinese culture and ways of life.
Increase your understanding and career opportunities by taking complementary units related to China and Asia in:
- history
- international relations
- language and culture studies
- An optional Chinese in-country language program gives you the opportunity to spend six weeks intensively studying the Chinese language and culture.
In-country study*
The in-country language program is available to students completing the Diploma of Chinese via study abroad. The program is a unique part of language study and an excellent way of accelerating completion of the diploma.
As a second or third-year or advanced-level student, you can spend six weeks studying language and culture in its own environment. You'll be able to converse, read and write about more complex topics and build upon your knowledge of grammar.
For more information about the in-country language program please refer to the work-integrated learning website or contact the WIL team: artsed-wil@deakin.edu.au.
*Overseas study programs to be confirmed, subject to government travel restrictions.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Diploma of Chinese
- Year
2024 course information
- Deakin code
- A222
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Diploma of Chinese, a student must successfully complete;
- 8 credit points from the specified list of units below and;
- Academic Integrity Module DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Chinese major sequence
For students with no prior language study.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Chinese major sequence
For students who have completed Chinese at Year 12 or equivalent (non-background speakers) begins at second level and consists of the following units:
Level 1
Level 2
Post-Year 12 students who are not background speakers must complete this major sequence by undertaking 2 credit points from the following units:
Chinese major sequence
Advanced level for background speakers only.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Advanced speakers must complete this major sequence by undertaking 2 credit points from the following units:
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- current enrolment in a bachelor degree or higher
- successful completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
- completion of a certificate IV in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of diploma in a related discipline
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 open in August.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
To learn more about what a language diploma at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
The Diploma of Chinese will equip you with skills in the Chinese language that will give you a competitive edge and expand your employment options far beyond Australian shores to exciting and challenging positions in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Adding an international aspect to your degree can open doors to better career opportunities in:
- the arts
- business or trade
- diplomacy or security
- education
- foreign policy
- health
- international development
- IT or engineering
- sciences.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Critically analyse language systems (pronunciation, grammar, syntax, and sociolinguistic practices) and culture, and apply these to the language of study |
| Communication | Communicate effectively in the language of study in a range of contexts using appropriate grammar, syntax, pronunciation and sociolinguistic practices in the language of study |
| Digital literacy | Evaluate online technologies and new media for engagement with authentic material in the language of study, as well as for autonomous language study |
| Critical thinking | Critically evaluate information relating to and expressed in the language of study including analysing relevant socio-cultural contexts |
| Problem solving | Identify linguistic and sociolinguistic problems and apply knowledge of the systems of the language of study to propose solutions |
| Self-management | Apply a range of short- and long-term strategies in order to maintain and progress engagement with the language of study |
| Teamwork | Collaborate with others to address challenges in specific cultural and linguistic contexts |
| Global citizenship | Using the language of study, analyse issues in diverse global contexts |
| Approved by Faculty Board November 2021 | |
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Footnotes
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