Diploma of Languages (A1D)

When you study Latin and Greek, you will find an exciting new home in the languages that shaped the fundamentals of western thought in the sciences, philosophy, medicine, and literature. Beautiful and fascinating in their own right, these ancient languages provide you with a deeper understanding of modern culture, specialist technical terminologies and many modern languages through their roots in Latin and Greek. Each week you will experience the intense satisfaction of building your brain into a stronger, better, more agile resource. Understanding the precious cultural resources bound up in even 'dead' languages also exposes you to the politics of vulnerable Indigenous languages, such as the returned and reconstructed island language of Tasmania, palawa kani.

This is a unique course recognised as the most dynamic (and best off-campus) ancient languages course in Australasia. Our introductory units begin with Latin and are designed for students with no experience in ancient or modern languages. These units pay attention to fundamental principles of grammar, informing general understanding of language structure, and guide students through skillfully adapted texts allowing direct access to ancient thought. Our intermediate units continue to develop grammatical skills while gradually incorporating original texts. At advanced level you will read ancient texts in their original language, and begin Ancient Greek in accelerated form. The Ancient Languages Major integrates closely with Ancient Civilisations and connects with several majors in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Legal Studies. Learning Ancient Greek and Latin and reading their centuries of literature are among the great intellectual adventures, and employers recognise the analytical and creative skills such training develops.

Available: On campus Hobart and online.

China is one of the world's oldest civilisations. It is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing economies in the world. China has played an increasingly significant role in world economy and politics over the past decades. Learn more about the histories and cultures of China as you immerse yourself in Mandarin. Our program is geared toward practical use of the Chinese language and takes a holistic approach to developing your literacy in Chinese through the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. We cater for complete beginners to advanced speakers and offer many opportunities to enhance your studies by overseas study visits. The major consists of six core language units supplemented by an extensive introduction to the culture of contemporary China. At the University of Tasmania, we teach in an exciting combination of face-to-face and online modes combining the best of personal attention with the best of digital assistance to keep you motivated and constantly refining your language skills wherever you are.

A knowledge of China with Mandarin language skills means a huge variety of diverse careers are open to you. As Australia's relations with China have expanded enormously so has the demand for skills in Chinese language and an appreciation of Chinese cultural forms. Particular industries where this demand is strongest include: diplomacy, tourism, accounting and finance, translators and interpreters, law, technology, business and education.

Example Study Plans: To help you get started with planning your degree around this major, take a look at our example Study Plans which offer some examples and inspiration for building professional, industry-focused, or personal-passion skillsets in your degree.

Available: On campus Hobart and Launceston, and online.

The German major is not available for students commencing in 2026. This information is for current students only.

German is the language of some of the world's best-known innovators, scientists, entrepreneurs, philosophers, musicians and artists. It is spoken by approximately 100 million people in major European countries like Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Germany has the largest population in the European Union and German remains the language with the most native speakers in Europe. It is also a major community language in Australia; migration from German-speaking countries has been a part of Australia from the early nineteenth century to the present.

Germany is a modern and culturally diverse country. The largest economy in the European Union and the fourth-largest economy in the world, its emphasis on progress and innovation has manifested itself in Australia through well-known companies like Bayer and Volkswagen. The German labour market is opening up for graduates and welcomes specialists from abroad. German language skills are an asset in many careers across international relations, business, engineering and medicine, teaching, science and music.

Against this context, the German major at UTAS comprises the study of both German language and culture, including literature, history and society. You can commence at beginner level or a higher level if you are a background speaker. All levels of study are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR: A1 to C2). This guarantees the international comparability and transferability of your acquired language skills. There will also be various opportunities to participate in exchanges and apply for scholarships to complete units of study in a German-speaking country, or engage in cross-institutional study in Australia. Generous scholarships are provided by German institutions such as the DAAD.

Example Study Plans: To help you get started with planning your degree around this major, take a look at our example Study Plans which offer some examples and inspiration for building professional, industry-focused, or personal-passion skillsets in your degree.

Available: On campus Hobart, Launceston and Online.

You may know about Bali and Komodo dragons but after studying Indonesian you will also know that our closest neighbour has an extraordinary literary history and that knowing Indonesian is an intellectual passport to one of the most exciting and diverse cultures in South-East Asia. A better understanding of Indonesia and fluency in the language are assets for Australians. Many of Australia's key national interests, from security and borders to agriculture and trade, are heavily dependent on Indonesia. As we strengthen our strategic relations with Indonesia, the importance of your knowledge will also grow.

Being non-scriptic and non-tonal, Indonesian is a relatively easy language to learn. It is also very accessible since it is spoken by more than 250 million people in Indonesia, and understood by the Malay-speaking population in other parts of Southeast Asia. You can study Indonesian beginner or more advanced levels. Our approachable teaching staff, with the help of high-quality interactive teaching materials, will support you to attain high fluency in the language and at the same time gain insights into various aspects of Indonesian society. You can also gain credit towards your degree by having an unforgettable experience in the in-country programs that we manage in collaboration with Australian and Indonesian institutions.

Careers and institutions that use Indonesian speakers in Australia include NGOs, Foreign Affairs, Creative Industries, community groups and public policy.

Example Study Plans: To help you get started with planning your degree around this major, take a look at our example Study Plans which offer some examples and inspiration for building professional, industry-focused, or personal-passion skillsets in your degree.

Available: Online and On-Campus Hobart

Every day you may consume and hear things about Japanese popular cultures, but do you really know Japan? The third-largest economy in the world, Japan is a world leader in popular culture fields such as anime, manga and gaming. What does the popularity of the filmmaking of Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) tell us about the world today? What are the differences and similarities between Sailor Moon and Disney's princesses? Has the world of Pok\00E9mon Go changed people's understanding of reality and digital space? The Japanese major is a gateway to Japanese popular cultures and global literacy. Gaining critical insights through this lens can impact your understanding of your own culture in surprising ways.

The Japanese program at the UTAS offers, concurrently with the pathways to master the Japanese language, the opportunity to enhance your critical thinking skills in global contexts. Our staff support and work closely with a vibrant student community, in which students are regularly encouraged to actively participate to enhance their study and deepen their understanding of Japanese language and culture. With a wide range of overseas study and internship options supported by generous scholarships, the program produces graduates going on to a variety of careers in fields spanning diplomacy, media, education, public service, trade, and the arts.

We welcome from absolute beginners to more advanced students, and encourage a diversity of expression, subjects and ideas. Come and join us and grow as an effective global citizen equipped with a better understanding of the fundamental changes taking place in our dynamic region of the world and beyond.

Example Study Plans: To help you get started with planning your degree around this major, take a look at our example Study Plans which offer some examples and inspiration for building professional, industry-focused, or personal-passion skillsets in your degree.

Available: On campus Hobart and online.