Explore the Spanish language with overseas study
Top 1% of universities worldwide*
Graduate job ready with practical language experience
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 information
Whether you’re brushing up or starting from scratch with a whole new language, Deakin’s Diploma of Spanish is a great complement to your studies in any discipline, plus you’ll gain a global perspective and boost your employability.
Do you want to develop your language skills to build a global career?
Learning a language is not only fun, it gives you insight into different cultures, develops your adaptability and communication skills, and makes you more employable.
Spanish is a major international language with more than 400 million speakers on five continents. It’s the national language of more than 20 countries and the third most widely spoken language in the world (after Mandarin and English).
Through this diploma, you'll learn communication skills in Spanish and develop an understanding of the Spanish 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 Spanish speaking world.
An optional In-Country Language Program gives you the opportunity to spend time overseas studying language and culture. This will enable you to converse, read and write about more complex topics and to discuss ideas and information.
In-Country Study
The In-Country Language Program gives you the opportunity to spend time overseas studying language and culture. Students build upon their knowledge of grammar and develop further proficiency in Spanish at the high beginner/low intermediate level.
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.
Read MoreCourse structure
To qualify for the award of Diploma of Spanish, a student must successfully complete;
- 8 credit points from the specified list of units below and;
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
Spanish major sequence for students with no prior language study.
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
The Spanish major sequence for students who have completed Spanish at level 12 or equivalent (non-background speakers) begins at second level and consists of the following units:
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Core
Key information
2020 course information
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Cloud Campus
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 - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on their performance in a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with pre-requisite units 3 and 4; a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 20 in English other than EAL.
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience will be based on their performance in:
- attainment of a Certificate IV or other qualification at a higher AQF level OR
- current enrolment in a Bachelor degree OR
- successful completion of relevant study at an accredited higher education institution equivalent to at least two Deakin University units OR
- other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent including relevant work or life experience
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.
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
How to apply
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Applicant Portal. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, visit the how to apply page.
Please complete the Register your interest form to receive further information about our direct application opportunities.
Contact information
Arts and Education Student Services and Enrolment Enquiries
Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Burwood (Melbourne)
Tel 03 9246 8100
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Cloud (online)
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
Deakin runs on trimesters, what dates do they each start?
Find out more about our key dates
Am I eligible for a scholarship with this course?
Find our more about scholarships at Deakin
Can I claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
Where can I study with Deakin?
Why choose Deakin
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 Spanish will equip you with skills in the Spanish language that will give you a competitive edge, and expand your employment options far beyond Australian shores to exciting and challenging positions in Latin America and Spain.
This qualification will allow you to work in areas such as:
- business or trade
- diplomacy or security
- education
- foreign policy
- health
- international development
- IT or engineering
- sciences
- the arts.
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 | Acquire theoretical, technical knowledge of the language system (pronunciation, grammar, syntax, and sociolinguistic practices) in Spanish and apply this knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake paraprofessional work and as a pathway for further learning |
| Communication | Communicate effectively and naturally in a range of daily and professional/academic contexts both orally and in writing using appropriate grammar, syntax, pronunciation and sociolinguistic practices in the language of study |
| Digital literacy | Use online technologies and new media for communication and immersion in authentic material in the language of study as well as for autonomous language study |
| Critical thinking | Analyse and evaluate information relating to and expressed in the language of study to support effective and natural language use |
| Problem solving | Use individual initiative to identify linguistic and sociolinguistic problems and apply knowledge of the systems of the language of study to develop personal strategies for solving problems in communication and cultural interpretation |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, and commitment to enhancing mastery of the language of study |
| Teamwork | Work and study collaboratively with other language students and also native speakers of the language of study |
| Global citizenship | Understand and analyse issues related to the societies that use the language of study in the domestic, regional, and global context |
| Approved by Faculty Board May 2014 | |
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*ARWU Rankings 2018
^Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2018 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) 2018