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Diploma of Creative Arts and Health (A1C)

Overview (2027)

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

"I have always been interested in mental health and know how much the creative arts benefit my own health. I have found the online delivery of the Creative Arts & Health course to be managed very well. There are activities to keep students connected and to encourage participation."

Read Linda's story here.

Linda Crispin
Diploma of Creative Arts and Health student

Engagement with the creative arts can bring joy, restore self-confidence, improve mental and physical wellbeing and contribute to improving the quality of life for everyone.

An ageing population and rising levels of depression and anxiety in youth, the elderly, and people living in rural areas are significant challenges for Tasmania, Australia and internationally. Research is demonstrating ways in which music, visual arts, theatre and other creative arts can contribute to addressing these challenges.

The Diploma of Creative Arts and Health offers you an interdisciplinary study experience that is unique. You will gain knowledge of innovative uses of creative arts in a range of community and health-care settings, while developing an understanding of the effects of the arts on brain and body in the social and cultural context.  There are opportunities to explore your own creativity and learn about international best practice for ethical and effective implementation of arts programmes in both community and healthcare settings.

If you are interested in how the power of creative arts can be used to promote wellbeing and better health in a range of community and healthcare settings - then this course is for you!

Pay for uni later with a HELP loan

Costs should never get in the way of university. If you’re an eligible domestic student, you can take advantage of an interest-free loan from the Government, which means you can pay your tuition fees later. This is called a HELP loan. There are a few different options, but the most common are called HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP.

To apply for a HELP loan, you need to submit an application. You will receive instructions on how to do that after you accept your course offer. Find out more at When to pay your fees.

  • 1 Identify and analyse social, cultural and ethical impacts of the creative arts as a means to improve health and wellbeing in local, cross-cultural and/or global contexts.
  • 2 Communicate effectively by written, oral and technology supported modes to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • 3 Define and solve problems applying knowledge and skills as a basis for planning and decision making to inform the use of the creative arts to promote health and wellbeing
  • 4 Demonstrate initiative, by applying knowledge and skills to identify the ways in which social responsibility, accountability, ethical conduct and resilience can be used in creative arts projects to improve health and wellbeing, whether working independently or with others.

Become a Student Ambassador

Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.

Though the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

Sustainability Placement Experience

Gain experience in real-world sustainability through the Sustainability Placement Experience. In this unique program, you’ll apply your skills and university learning to dynamic, industry and community led projects that tackle real sustainability challenges. Open to students from any discipline with available electives, this placement offers the chance to connect your studies with meaningful, practical outcomes that make a difference.

Work Integrated Learning

Tasmania is a place filled with creativity, industry, nature, and adventure. Because we’re the only university in the state, you get close access to the industry leaders, artists, and deep thinkers who are shaping our island. That means learning alongside the very best so you can hone your job skills for a successful career.

Whatever you’re passionate about, we’ll give you a hands-on education and an unforgettable adventure with our work integrated learning opportunities. https://www.utas.edu.au/study/work-integrated-learning

Career outcomes

The Diploma in Creative Arts and Health provides valuable skills and health insights for a range of professional and personal contexts. If you’re already working in the health or community sectors or caring for an individual it will introduce you to interventions employing arts-based activities, including music, theatre, dance and visual arts.

This is an excellent opportunity to further your career in welfare, recreation and community arts as employment projections are upwards trending and set to grow by 29.3% by 2034*.

* ABS Labour Force Survey, National Skills Commission trend data May 2024 and projections to 2034

It is also an ideal pathway if you're looking to expand your creative arts practice, provide therapeutic arts support to others or interested in the way the arts can support your own wellbeing and personal growth.

Course structure

The Diploma of Creative Arts and Health requires the completion of 100 credit points comprising:

  • between 25 and 50 credit points of Introductory units
  • 25 credit points of Intermediate units
  • between 25 and 50 credit points of Advanced units

The Diploma of Creative Arts and Health can be completed in one year, full-time, however, we recommend that students who have not recently completed university-level study complete the course part-time, studying the two core Introductory level units before progressing to Intermediate and Advanced level units.

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study.

Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

For all other majors, please refer to Alternative entry pathways below.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; or
  • Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

Special consideration

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
  • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher

If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

Course Specific Requirements

This course does not have any course specific requirements.

Undergraduate Certificate of Creative Arts and Health may articulate into the Diploma of Creative Arts and Health.

If you do not meet the General Entrance Requirements or course-specific requirements, there are alternate entry pathways to the Diploma of Creative Arts and Health:

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $9,984.59

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $20,948 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 20,948 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.