The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts) requires two semesters of full-time, or its equivalent in part-time, study. It entails a structured programme of postgraduate coursework and, in some instances, a piece of supervised research that counts for one or two of the required papers. The normal admission requirement is a completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in the major subject(s) of the proposed programme.
The Diploma can be awarded in any of the subjects listed below, although a candidate may be permitted to study combinations of these. The primary aim of the study programme is to expose a candidate to advanced knowledge and skills in the major subject of the Bachelor's degree.
Graduates are employed in administration, business, education, government, industry and journalism where their advanced knowledge of an academic area, ability to solve problems, research and writing skills are valued. It is also a recognised qualification for admission as a candidate for the Master of Arts (Thesis) (MA(Thesis)) and, if a dissertation is included, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Subjects (PGDipArts)
Admission to the Programme
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).
Every applicant shall
either have been admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts majoring in the subject or subjects of study proposed;
or have been admitted with the status of one who is entitled to proceed to the diploma;
or have a qualification acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and produce evidence satisfactory to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of ability to proceed to the diploma.
Subjects of Study
The diploma may be awarded in any one of the subjects, or in an approved combination of the subjects listed in the PGDipArts Schedule. With the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities), the diploma may be awarded in a subject not listed in the schedule to a student who has withdrawn from a programme for a master's degree.
Structure of the Programme
Every programme of study shall consist of approved 400- or 500- level papers worth 120 points in a subject listed in the PGDipArts Schedule or as prescribed for a taught masters degree that the candidate is exiting from.
With the permission of the Heads of Schools or Programmes concerned, a candidate may substitute a paper of another subject for one of the subject-specific papers. When such permission is granted, prerequisite and corequisite requirements laid down in the Prescriptions may be waived.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).
Duration of the Programme
The programme may be taken by full-time candidates in one year, or by part-time candidates over more than one year. Any paper in which a candidate is enrolled in any year shall be examined in that year.
Level of Award of the Diploma
The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Diploma in a Second Subject
A student who has obtained the diploma in one subject may become a candidate for the diploma in any other subject.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Note: The due date for applications for first enrolment in the programme is 10 December. Late applications will be considered.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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