Diploma of Chinese
Course summary for local students
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Diploma of Chinese |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)^, Online |
| Campus note | ^Waurn Ponds (Geelong) offering available for continuing students only |
| Length | 3 years part-time |
| CSP annual fee (indicative) - commencing 2026 | $4,739 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Deakin course code | A222 |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5 |
- Course overview
- Fees and charges
- Career opportunities
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Admission criteria
- Academic requirements
- English language proficiency requirements
- Admissions information
- Credit for prior learning - general
- Selection Adjustment
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 enrich your cultural awareness.
Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language globally, and as a continuing ancient civilisation, Chinese culture is boundlessly fascinating. Our Chinese language program equips you with proficiency in spoken and written Chinese, while fostering an understanding of Chinese culture and ways of life.
Through this diploma, you will develop communication skills in Mandarin Chinese, engage in activities covering diverse everyday topics, and solidify your fluency with essential vocabulary and grammar. Moreover, you will explore cultural, historical sociolinguistic and political dimensions of the societies and cultures that make up the Chinese speaking world. These insights provide a competitive advantage in various exciting career paths.
Do you want to develop your language skills to build a global career?
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 also gives you the opportunity to spend six weeks intensively studying the Chinese language and culture
Fees and charges
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 this 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 or estimate your tuition fees.
Career opportunities
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.* With us you can step-into your future with confidence. The Diploma of Chinese equips you with skills in the Chinese language that provides a competitive edge and expand your employment options far beyond Australian shores. There are exciting and challenging positions in countries and regions where Chinese is spoken. Graduates can look forward to career opportunities in areas including, but not limited to:
- the arts
- business or trade
- diplomacy or security
- education
- foreign policy
- health
- international development
- IT or engineering
- sciences.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
*Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2023, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT). The #1 graduate employment is based on overall employment for domestic undergraduates of Victorian universities, 4–6 months after course completion, with an equal overall employment rate with Monash University.
Course Learning Outcomes
| 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
Course rules
To complete the Diploma of Chinese, you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: This course is part-time only.
Course structure
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Chinese major sequence
For students with no prior language study.
Level 1
| AIC181 | Chinese 1A: An Introduction to the Language and Culture |
| AIC182 | Chinese 1B: Consolidating Skills and Knowledge in Cultural Contexts |
Level 2
| AIC281 | Chinese 2A: Communication and Culture in Everyday Chinese Societies |
| AIC282 | Chinese 2B: Culture, Society and Language in Contemporary Chinese Communities |
Level 3
| AIC381 | Chinese 3A: The Four Pillars in Developing Fluency in Chinese |
| AIC382 | Chinese 3B: The Four Pillars in Finding Fluency and Your Voice in Chinese |
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
| AIC281 | Chinese 2A: Communication and Culture in Everyday Chinese Societies |
| AIC282 | Chinese 2B: Culture, Society and Language in Contemporary Chinese Communities |
Level 2
| AIC381 | Chinese 3A: The Four Pillars in Developing Fluency in Chinese (2 credit points) |
| AIC382 | Chinese 3B: The Four Pillars in Finding Fluency and Your Voice in Chinese (2 credit points) |
Post-Year 12 students who are not background speakers must complete this major sequence by undertaking 2 credit points from the following units:
| AIX300 | Popular Culture and Society in Languages |
| AIX301 | Advanced Writing and Translation Skills in Languages |
Chinese major sequence
Advanced level for background speakers only.
Level 1
| AIC283 | Chinese 2C: Chinese in Real Life: Language, Culture and Society in Contemporary Chinese Societies |
| AIC284 | Chinese 2D: Chinese in Real Life: Putting the Language to Work in Contemporary Contexts |
Level 2
| AIC383 | Chinese 3C: Chinese in the Professions - Developing and Enhancing Capacities in a Global Context (2 credit points) |
| AIC384 | Chinese 3D: Chinese in the Professions - Enhancing Capacities in a Global Context (2 credit points) |
Level 3
Advanced speakers must complete this major sequence by undertaking 2 credit points from the following units:
| AIC387 | Advanced Chinese for Business Purposes C |
| AIC389 | Advanced Chinese for Business Purposes D |
Admission criteria
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 or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
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)
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 2025 students (PDF, 812KB) – 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.
Credit for prior learning - general
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 (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Course duration
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Selection Adjustment
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.