Diploma of Arts

Contemporary Issues in Law and Society is an undergraduate elective subject offered by the Faculty of Law. This subject is not a technical law subject, instead it explores some of the social and contemporary challenges facing today’s lawmakers. Students are asked to critically consider and evaluate the different moral, legal and ethical perspectives of the issues presented through cross-disciplinary debate to solve contemporary problems.  Topics include: the role of law as a social system; the impact of science in an era of human cloning and designer babies; freedom of expression and media regulation; public shaming and private morality on the internet; artificial intelligence, robots and driverless cars; different global approaches to  sanctions and punishment; the effect of globalisation on cultural identity; and gender issues. How do morality, law, politics, science and economics intersect and interact when we try to solve problems or secure progress in society? The plan of topics may be varied if new controversial issues emerge during the course of the semester.

This subject provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental concepts and theoretical approaches in International Relations, forming the essential foundation for studies in the field. This course gives you a robust framework for analysing contemporary international affairs. You will explore critical theoretical foundations that will, in turn, enable you to investigate and critically analyse issues in international relations, including war and peace, state and nationalism, sovereignty and intervention, non-state actors, and human security. This subject is designed to equip you with the analytical tools and practical knowledge necessary to understand and work in the field of global politics.  

This subject has been designed to assist students with the necessary skills and capabilities to contribute to success at university. These include both academic skills such as research, essay and report writing, and referencing. In addition, the subject develops students' skills and understanding relating to time management and forward planning, stress management, positive psychology, motivation, mindset and goal setting, in addition to reflective writing. 

In this subject students will be introduced to critical thinking and clear expression. They will evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, judge patterns of inference, and recognise and apply various methods of reasoning. Students will learn how to clarify and visually represent their thinking to make better decisions, evaluate and use evidence, and communicate more effectively in their writing and speaking. Using these skills, students will structure and write an academic essay and deliver an oral presentation.

The subject fosters a lifelong commitment to responsible discourse and action in all spheres of human interaction. Using applied case-based approach, students will gain the critical tools to effectively respond to the moral challenges in their personal, civic, professional and global contexts. After developing a critical vocabulary and problem-solving toolkit for addressing issues of responsibility and right action, students explore a broad range of real-world, contemporary problems. Through the consideration of these problems, students are encouraged to reflect on, develop and articulate a response to the problem, outline how they can act upon their judgement, and justify their decision making. The subject explores issues of responsible decision making in many cultural, professional and political contexts specifically in the areas of civil society, science, business, media, technology, culture and the law. Topics remain flexible to reflect the dynamic nature of questions of responsibility and right action in the 21st century.

This subject will introduce you to the foundational principles of communication through a practical, real-world lens. While grounded in key communication theories, the focus is on applying these concepts to everyday and professional contexts. You will explore how communication is shaped by context — social, cultural, technological and personal — and how influence operates through language, media, and interpersonal dynamics. You will develop critical thinking, self-awareness, and practical communication skills. 

Leading with AI equips students with the understanding, and critical capacities necessary to lead with confidence in a world shaped by AI. Students will explore foundation models, bots, and agents, and develop advanced prompt engineering skills through hands-on projects and creative exploration. More than just a technical overview, the subject empowers students to build their own AI toolkits and reflect on how AI can augment their personal agency, creativity, and decision-making. Through simulated scenarios, students will manage a “personal AI workforce,” applying AI tools to practical tasks such as communication, research, time management, and content creation. They will examine the social, ethical, and political implications of AI disruption across domains including business, education, healthcare, and media. Emphasis is placed on the role of human judgment, the limits of automation, and how AI reshapes identity, relationships, and responsibility. Future-focused assessments challenge students to critically evaluate AI developments, design ethical implementation strategies, and envision how intelligent systems could transform their chosen field. By the end of the subject, students will be equipped with practical skills, critical insight, and digital agency to not only keep pace with AI, but to lead its responsible and innovative use across industries, communities, and all areas of life and work. 

This subject introduces students to the science and profession of psychology. The subject overviews theory and research across a number of domains within the discipline (e.g., Learning and Social Psychology) and describes how research in these domains contributes to our understanding of human behaviour. This subject also aims to develop a critical thinking perspective on issues and findings in psychological research.

This subject positions public speaking as a dynamic, context-sensitive skill essential for authentic communication in professional and personal settings. It draws on oral traditions, rhetorical theory and contemporary persuasive practices, grounded in ethical frameworks for public discourse. Students will engage in hands-on workshops, reflective practice and peer feedback to develop extemporaneous speaking skills tailored to diverse contexts, such as pitches, interviews, meetings and public engagements. Students will examine the interplay of place, time, audience and self as they discover their unique communicative strengths through trial, error and guided exploration.