Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 2 locations

Duration
1 year full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
061891K
IELTS
Overall score: 6.0. Individual score of: 6.0 in writing and speaking; 5.5 in listening and reading.
Fees (first year)*
$28728
Start dates
February 2026, February 2027

Overview

Enhance your career opportunities with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at ACU. Become part of a lively and engaging research community within ACU’s National School of Arts and Humanities. Develop and undertake your own research thesis, or creative project and exegesis/dissertation, to make an original contribution and positive impact to your selected area of study. Embedded in ACU’s vibrant arts, social sciences and humanities community - you will receive the support, guidance, and mentorship to succeed throughout your research journey.

ACU’s prestigious honours program provides the opportunity to gain a competitive edge in your career by engaging with industry, and to develop local and international experience, through an honours internship or a domestic or international fieldtrip. You will also improve your critical and innovative thinking, to build the credentials to apply for graduate research degrees (such as a research masters or PhD) in your discipline.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • Creative industries
  • Public Sector
  • Non-profit
  • Education
  • Research
  • Academia

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation Stream - Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time

  • Creative Practice and Exegesis/DissertationARTS420Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation A

    NATIONAL MULTI-MODE.

    20 cp
  • Research Theory and MethodsHUMA402Introduction to Thesis Research and Design

    HUMA402 is ONLINE SCHEDULED.

    10 cp
  • Advanced CourseworkHUMA412 Countercultures: Multidisciplinary Perspectives ORCross-Institutional Study

    ONLINE SCHEDULED.

    Cross-Institutional Study - with Course Coordinator approval.

    Students will normally take HUMA412 or, with course coordinator approval, a cross-institutional unit. If directed by the course coordinator, students may enrol in HUMA410 or 411, if available. Note international students must have supervision sessions available on campus.

    10 cp
  • Creative Practice and Exegesis/DissertationARTS422Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation C

    NATIONAL MULTI-MODE.

    30 cp
  • Advanced CourseworkHUMA415 Honours Internship ORAdvanced CourseworkHUMA414 Honours Study Tour ORCross-Institutional Study

    NATIONAL MULTI-MODE.

    Cross-Institutional Study - with Course Coordinator approval

    10 cp

Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation Stream - Commencing Semester 2 - Full-time

Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation Stream (Option 1) - Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation Stream (Option 1) - Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time

Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation Stream (Option 2) - Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation Stream (Option 2) - Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time

Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation Stream (Option 3) - Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

Creative Practice and Exegesis/Dissertation Stream (Option 3) - Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Thesis Stream - Commencing Semester 1 - Full-time

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Thesis Stream - Commencing Semester 2 - Full-time

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Thesis Stream (Option 1) - Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Thesis Stream (Option 1) - Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Thesis Stream (Option 2) - Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Thesis Stream (Option 2) - Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Thesis Stream (Option 3) - Commencing Semester 1 - Part-time

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Research Thesis Stream (Option 3) - Commencing Semester 2 - Part-time

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor Honours - AQF Level 8

Additional course information

Students will have the opportunity to undertake an industry internship as part of this course. The placement will complement theoretical study by immersing students in project work at key cultural institutions, government agencies, local government or community organisations. Projects are developed in consultation with Course Coordinators.

Entry requirements

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible to apply for admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), a student must have:

Completed an approved ACU undergraduate degree, or equivalent, normally within the last five years with a minimum GPA as stipulated in the University Guidelines for Honours Programs.

Students must have attained one of the following:

  1. a GPA of 5.50 on the ACU seven-point scale in their major, or field of study, in the relevant undergraduate degree; or
  2. for students who have completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design degree, achieved a Distinction in at least one of any Art Theory unit AND a GPA of 5.50 on the ACU seven-point scale across the visual arts/design units in their final year of study; or
  3. for students who have completed a Bachelor degree in Media, achieved a Distinction in at least one of any Media Theory unit AND a GPA of 5.50 on the ACU seven-point scale across their final year in their media/digital journalism units;


Offers of admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) require the approval of the National Head of School, or nominee, and will only be made where the student's proposed area of study aligns with a demonstrated capacity for Honours research and supervision within the School.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

In accordance with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, students who do not meet the standard requirements for entry to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) may be eligible for admission if they can demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and/or competencies. Particular equity groups, including students who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, from low SES, regional or remote areas, may also be eligible for admission under equity pathways such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Special Entry Scheme or the Special Consideration for Long Term Educational Disadvantage (Universities Admissions Centre) Education Access Scheme (EAS). In accordance with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, any such applications will be assessed by the National Head of the National School of Arts and Humanities.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

View transparency admission information

International applicants

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible to apply for admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), a student must have:

1.1 Completed an approved ACU undergraduate degree, or equivalent, normally within the last five years with a minimum GPA as stipulated in the University Guidelines for Honours Programs.

1.2 Students must have attained one of the following:

  1. a GPA of 5.50 on the ACU seven-point scale in their major, or field of study, in the relevant undergraduate degree1; or
  2. for students who have completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design degree, achieved a Distinction in at least one of any Art Theory unit AND a GPA of 5.50 on the ACU seven-point scale across the visual arts/design units in their final year of study; or
  3. for students who have completed a Bachelor degree in Media, achieved a Distinction in at least one of any Media Theory unit AND a GPA of 5.50 on the ACU seven-point scale across their final year in their media/digital journalism units;


Offers of admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) require the approval of the National Head of School, or nominee, and will only be made where the student's proposed area of study aligns with a demonstrated capacity for Honours research and supervision within the School.

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.


International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

In accordance with the Admissions to Coursework Programs Policy, students who do not meet the standard requirements for entry to Bachelor of Arts (Honours) may be eligible for admission if they can demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and/or competencies. Particular equity groups, including students who are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, from low SES, regional or remote areas, may also be eligible for admission under equity pathways such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Special Entry Scheme or the Special Consideration for Long Term Educational Disadvantage (Universities Admissions Centre) Education Access Scheme (EAS). In accordance with the Admissions to Coursework Programs Policy, any such applications will be assessed by the National Head of the School of Arts.

  1. For students enrolled in double degrees, the GPA rule applies to majors within the relevant degree. For instance, for Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts, it would only be based on the Bachelor of Arts units.

English language requirements

Overall score of 6.0. Individual score of 6.0 in writing and speaking, and 5.5 in listening and reading.

Pathways

Further study

Graduates from this course may be eligible to apply for a range of postgraduate coursework or higher degree research programs

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3591
  • Average first year fee: $28728
  • Estimate total cost: $28728

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships

How to apply

International applicants

Melbourne

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

No deferment available.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

Staff Profile

Dr Ellen Warne

National Coordinator, Programs and Quality Assurance, and Deputy Head of the National School of Arts and Humanities (Victoria) 

Dr Warne is a Senior Lecturer in history and the National Coordinator, Programs & Quality Assurance, as well as Deputy Head of the National School of Arts and Humanities (Victoria) at the Australian Catholic University. She has worked as a research fellow investigating the long histories of 'working mothers' in Australia. Dr Warne's major research interest has focused on women in women-only organisations from the suffrage campaigns onwards, including the long-standing debates around 'family values' and contrasting dynamics that required women's political and economic engagement in Australia. 

Assoc. Prof. Gil Davis

Director, Ancient Israel Program, National School of Arts and Humanities

Associate Professor Gil Davis directs the Ancient Israel Program which offers a full Major and Minor in the archaeology, history and languages of ancient Israel to students in Arts, Education, Theology and the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation together with an annual dig in Israel and school outreach. His research interests range across ancient Israel, Archaic Athens, communications, epigraphy and especially numismatics and archaeometallurgy. His publications centre mostly on geolocating and isotopically identifying ancient silver ore sources and matching them with coins and silver artefacts. He has been the Managing Editor of the last eight volumes of the Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia, the peak body for numismatics in Australia. 

 

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs