Program_University Arts Diploma

University Arts Diploma

Chart your own path and follow your passions! The University Arts Diploma lets you concentrate on what matters to you while developing transferable knowledge and skills for future study and work. This diploma provides the foundation for a wide range of University Transfer options. From here, you can go anywhere!
Domestic Status:
Open
International Status:
Open
Next Start date:
Diploma
2 Years
Accepting International Students
Full-Time Part-Time On Campus

About the University Arts Diploma

The two-year University Arts Diploma offers you the opportunity to learn about the issues and people shaping our world. You can concentrate on a particular area of interest, including: 

  • Humanities (English, history and philosophy), 

  • Social Sciences (anthropology, communications, economics, political science, psychology and sociology), or   

Through one of three thematic streams in timely themes and subjects:  

  • Global Perspectives; 

  • Science and Society;  

  • Culture, Societies, and Gender.  

 In an age where intricate problems do not respond to traditional solutions, the ability to think beyond traditional boundaries, offer critical analysis and offer well-considered ideas and solutions, will be a strong foundation for your further educational goals or employment aspirations. 

After completing this program, you would be well-prepared to pursue a career in a wide variety of settings including social services, government and civil services, community development, healthcare services, counselling, the criminal justice system, industrial relations, business, entrepreneurship, nonprofits, administration and many other fields. 

Work-integrated Learning

Work-integrated learning opportunities will depend on the area of focus you choose. Learn more about the many types of experiential learning opportunities available at Red Deer Polytechnic through the Career Education and Experience Development Centre.  

Further Study

After completing the University Arts Diploma, you can continue your education to earn a bachelor’s degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies at RDP or transfer to a different post-secondary.  

Below are the University Transfer options for you to continue your studies. To learn more, contact the Student Connect Centre.    

  • Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology – University Transfer  

    • Anthropology is the study of humankind and the human experience from its beginnings to the present day. RDP's special interests include Archaeology, Cultural and Biological Anthropology, Human Evolution, Latin American Ethnography, Anthropology of Technology, Ancient Civilizations, Ancient Mesoamerica and Central America. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue careers in marketing, public relations, radio and television, museum curation, consulting, publishing and much more.  

  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies – University Transfer  

    • Communications Studies provides an awareness of the impact of media, understanding of research and practice involving media, and research and practice in discourse. A degree in Communications Studies provides students with skills and knowledge that can be applied across a variety of professional situations, from the corporate world to the not-for-profit sector to academic institutions. 

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics – University Transfer  

    • Economics studies how households, businesses and governments make choices about how to allocate scarce resources to best satisfy individual and social wants. The tools of economics can be used to analyze issues as diverse as unemployment, inflation, globalization, discrimination, environmental issues, taxation, health care and professional sports.  

    • Graduates of this program can pursue careers as securities or commodities brokers, financial planners or managers, investment or credit analysts, bankers, auditors or researchers. Many graduates pursue further degrees in professional fields such as law or business administration or graduate degrees in Economics, which can lead to even more career pathways. 

  • Bachelor of Arts in English – University Transfer  

    • RDP offers courses that range from Shakespeare to Indigenous literature, expository to creative writing and national literature to popular genres, allowing you to learn practical skills while acquiring cultural knowledge. 

    • Studying English develops the skills you require in the workplace: creative problem-solving, accurate research, persuasive writing, and confident public speaking. It may lead to jobs in any of the following areas: advertising, public relations, writing, languages and linguistics, administration, government and civil service, journalism and research. Many graduates go on to pursue professional or graduate studies. 

  • Bachelor of Arts General – University Transfer  

    • The objective of all programs is to provide you with the basis of a liberal arts education which will allow you to transfer to universities offering a Bachelor of Arts degree program.   

    • In most cases, you will major in one of the subjects listed below. By declaring a major, you are simply stating your intent to pursue a comprehensive study of that subject area. Some university programs require you to declare a minor, which represents a second subject you will study in some depth as well. Majors available at RDP are Anthropology, Communications, Economics, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. 

    • Bachelor of Arts degrees are integral to support a variety of disciplines and careers. As such, graduates play a critical role in contributing to Canada’s knowledge-based economy across numerous sectors: health, human services, business, politics, industry and education. A broad range of occupations await graduates of the Bachelor of Arts program, depending on your major.   

  • Bachelor of Arts in History – University Transfer  

    • History is the analysis of the human past. Courses are offered in three main areas: Canadian, European and British. RDP special interests include Western Canadian history, British Empire and Commonwealth, Modern British social history and Modern Europe. Year 1 courses include Classics, Medieval, Early Modern World, and Modern World. Graduates typically pursue careers in advertising, law enforcement and corrections, government and civil service, urban planning, recreation, in museums or as archivists. You may also decide to pursue professional or graduate studies. 

  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy – University Transfer  

    • Philosophy is the study of thought and reasoning, with special application to abstract and conceptual areas of enquiry typically outside of the fields of the sciences, such as the Nature of Reality or Moral Values. Graduates of this program can pursue careers in administration, government and civil service, research, management, journalism, information technology and more.  

  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – University Transfer  

    • Political Science is the study of politics and government, the location and use of power in society, and quests for human betterment. Graduates of this program can pursue careers in law, government and civil service, radio and television, journalism, research, education, consulting, industrial relations, law enforcement and corrections, urban planning, public relations and many other fields. Graduates may also go on to pursue graduate studies for a Master's or Doctorate in Political Science.  

  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – University Transfer  

    • Sociology is the study of the organization of society and how individuals make sense of their lives and experiences. As an academic discipline, Sociology provides powerful insights into why and how people organize themselves and behave as they do, at work and at play, in families, groups, communities, organizations and societies. Special interests at RDP include demography, health and wellness, aging, mass media, and popular culture, gender, families, crime and justice, social stratification, poverty and inequality. 

Intakes

Fall (Domestic) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Winter (Domestic) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
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Spring (Domestic) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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Fall (International) - Start Date: Sep 04, 2024
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Winter (International) - Start Date: Jan 07, 2025
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Spring (International) - Start Date: May 01, 2025
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NOTES:  

  • International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
  • Important dates may change 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.   

International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements. 

Eligibility for admission to the University Arts Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Academic Requirements  

Students applying to University Arts must have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in the following courses or their equivalents:     

  • ELA 30-1 

  • 4 courses from Groups A, B, or C (Social Studies 30 and a 30-level Language Other than English highly recommended), with no more than one course from Group B. 

OR 

  • ELA 30-1 

  • 1 additional course from Group A, B or C. 

    • Group A • Aboriginal Studies 30 • English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 • Social Studies 30-1 • Language 30 or 35 (other than English)  

    • Group B • Art 30 • Art 31 • Band 35 • Choir 35 • Dance 35 • Drama 30 • Music 35 • Performing Arts 35A • Note: Other 5-credit Fine Arts and/or Advanced Level CTS courses may be considered.  

    • Group C • Biology 30 • Chemistry 30 • Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 • Mathematics 31 • Physics 30 • Science 30 • Five credits of Advanced Level Computer Science (CSE) 

Note: Some universities require Math 30-1 for admission or as a prerequisite for required courses. Transfer students are responsible for learning the specific admission, progression and prerequisite requirements of their programs. 

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above. 

Prior Learning and Transfer

Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the University Arts Diploma, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.    

Program Cost

Students from Canada
Year 1
$8,896.00
Year 2
$8,896.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.       

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs.    

International Students
Year 1
$22,442.00
Year 2
$22,442.00

These costs are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.      

NOTE: Additional fees apply. View here for a detailed, estimated breakdown of tuition, non-instructional mandatory fees, health and dental plan costs, and estimated textbooks and supplies costs. 

Program Content

You’ll complete 60 credits (20 courses) of university-transferable coursework. An advisor can help you build your custom program plan, which will include 36 core credit requirements and 24 additional credits in your chosen area of specialization. At least 21 of the 60 credits must be at the second-year (300) level or higher. 

Program Courses

Graduation Requirements

  • 60 credits of university-transferable course work meeting progression requirements, as above, with at least 21 credits at the Senior Level (300 or above) 

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 with a passing grade of at least "D" in each course 

  • Note, "D" grades may not transfer to all universities 

  • Students must meet RDP Residency Requirement 

Continuing and Professional Education

Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.