University Arts Diploma
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.
Related Careers
Career options are varied and vast, depending upon your personal interests and goals. Popular careers for graduates of this Diploma program include roles in the non-profit and NGO sectors, sales and banking, and office administrator or administrative work.
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Winter 2025 - Open
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Spring 2025 - Open
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Fall 2025 - Open
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International Intakes
Winter 2025 - Closed
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Spring 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
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
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
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.