University Of Canterbury Diploma in Languages

If you are interested in learning or developing further skills in languages and would like to develop cultural competencies in these areas, a language diploma could be for you.



This is a great option for students who are studying alongside another degree programme, as you can study up to two languages at the same time and graduate with an additional qualification.

Entry requirements

Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.

Students with English as an additional language are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

For information on the enrolment process, please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.

How do I plan my diploma?

The Diploma in Languages (DipLang) is made up of a minimum total of 120 points of courses, with at least 75 points above 100-level, chosen from Bachelor of Arts language subjects:

  • At least 60 points must be in language courses above 100-level.
  • Up to 30 points can be from non-language courses, if only studying one language.

The Diploma can be completed part-time within 6 years. Full-time study in the Diploma is unlikely to be an option for all students. Contact the College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata Student Advisors for more information.

Credit can be transferred to the Bachelor of Arts (and some other degrees) provided you have not already graduated with the Diploma.

Subjects and courses

DipLang courses can be selected from a variety of language and non-language courses examining culture.

The Diploma requires 120 points of courses in total, with at least 75 points above 100-level. 60 points must be in language studies above 100-level, and up to 30 points can be from non-language studies, such as in culture or history (if studying one language only).

Students can choose to specialise in up to two languages:

  • Latin
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Te Reo Māori
  • Ancient Greek
  • Chinese
  • French
  • German
  • Japanese

Further study

The Diploma in Languages can be used as a stepping stone to a Bachelor of Arts.



UC offers a number of degrees for further study in your chosen language:

  • Bachelor of Arts with Honours
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Arts
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
  • Master of Arts
  • Master of Arts (Thesis)
  • Master of Applied Translation and Interpreting
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Career Opportunities

Study in languages and culture offers a variety of career opportunities, especially overseas. Graduates may find work in industries such as government, tourism, teaching, foreign trade, media, journalism, and diplomacy. Fluency in multiple languages is a highly employable trait in several occupations.

UC Graduates will also be equipped with cultural awareness, advanced communication, and critical analysis skills.

Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.

Tuition Fees

See Tuition Fee Structure for more information

Domestic

YEARPOINTSINFOFEES (NZD)
2020120Banded Fee – total tuition fee dependent on course selection$6,213

International

YEARPOINTSINFOFEES (NZD)
2020120Special (Set) Programme Fee$27,000
2021120Special (Set) Programme Fee$28,000

Contact us

For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Diploma in Languages.

For study planning help, contact the UC Liaison Office | Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC (new students) or a College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata Student Advisor (advancing students).

For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see the College of Arts | Te Rāngai Toi Tangata.



For more general information, email [email protected] or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).