Course information for - 2027 entry
International
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 2 locations
  • Melbourne
  • Strathfield

Duration

3 years full-time or equivalent part-time.

2.5 years full-time in accelerated mode.

CRICOS Code
001300B
Fees (first year)*
$36624
Start dates
February 2027, July 2027, February 2028, July 2028, February 2029, July 2029

Overview

In a rapidly changing world, a Bachelor of Arts from ACU will provide you with the ultimate skill set to meet the challenges of a competitive employment landscape. Our course is designed to produce curious minds who think outside the box and thrive in the modern workplace. As you follow your passions, you will receive a world-class education and develop highly transferrable skills that are at the heart of the new economy: creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, and critical analysis.

You will build interdisciplinary knowledge and become immersed in inquiry, connection, and creativity, by developing foundational skills in research and critical thought, evaluation and communication, digital literacy and creative storytelling across the arts, humanities, and social sciences. You will learn how to draw upon insights, theories, approaches, and develop your capacity for collaboration and innovation to effect meaningful change in society.

There are more than 20 majors and minors in humanities, social sciences, archaeology, psychology, visual and creative arts. The full list of majors and minors can be viewed here.

This course also offers exceptional global opportunities to join overseas study experiences in locations such as New York and Rome where you will establish international networks and build cross-cultural agility.

You can further enhance your career prospects with a double degree and seize the opportunity to develop your nuanced learning to include global studies, sustainability, law, commerce, or teaching.

An honours program is also available to students who have excelled during their previous three years of study, focusing on a major field of inquiry by completing independent research or a creative project supported by world-renowned academics.

The Bachelor of Arts degree can also be used as a pathway into a Master of Teaching.

Community engagement

Students undertake a community engagement unit, HUMA333 Social Impact in Action, and complete 25 hours of voluntary placement time

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • government and non-government organisations
  • policy development
  • community development
  • consulting and public relations
  • social and cultural research
  • primary, secondary and higher education
  • media and communications
  • publishing and journalism
  • humanitarian services
  • conservation and museums
  • creative industries

Industry partnerships

Our degrees in arts, humanities and social sciences will give you the tools to confidently step into the job market. You can volunteer at a not- for-profit organisation to build on-the-job skills, or be a part of the Big Idea – a social enterprise competition to provide innovative ideas to help homeless, marginalised and disadvantaged Australians. Some of our students have volunteered or taken placements at:

  • Museum Victoria
  • Victorian Department of Parliamentary Services
  • The Big Issue
  • City councils

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Two Majors - Commencing Semester 1

  • Arts MajorMajor 1 Unit 1 (100-level unit)10.0 cp
  • Arts Major Major 2 Unit 1 (100-level unit)10.0 cp
  • Foundation Inquiry unit Foundation Inquiry unitHUMA114 Scandals and Deception: Navigating Controversy 1 cp
  • Elective units BA Elective (100-level)10 cp
  • Arts Major Major 1 Unit 2 (100-level unit)10.0 cp
  • Arts Major Major 2 Unit 2 (100-level unit)10.0 cp
  • Core Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10.0 cp
  • Elective unitsBA Elective1 cp

One Major & Two Minors - Commencing Semester 1

One Major, One Minor & Rome - Commencing Semester 1

One Major, One Minor & Four Electives - Commencing Semester 1

One Major & Two Minors - Commencing Semester 2

Two Majors - Commencing Semester 2

One Major, One Minor & Rome - Commencing Semester 2

Graduate statement

Insight

As a Bachelor of Arts graduate, you possess insight into some of the great social and cultural debates faced by humanity in different eras and contexts. This awareness is based on a variety of approaches to knowing and learning inclusive of Indigenous knowledges, reflexive practice, applied critical approaches, and empirical evidence. This course initiates your professional role in social and cultural aspects of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences by applying the insight gained across numerous possible disciplinary settings, thereby actively working towards greater knowledge, skills in reading, writing communication and research. The knowledge and skills may lead you to further study or into the workforce. 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 a Bachelor of Arts graduate you have empathy with the challenges and obstacles to human flourishing and also the thinkers, change-makers and creators who have contributed deeply to societies around the world. Depending on the subjects you choose to study you may have explored ancient or modern historical experiences, social and environmental sustainability, political, business or economic conundrums, creative and cultural contributions, great thinkers and religions, or social justice issues through criminology, youth work or human rights.You will have had the opportunity to explore the ways in which these challenges are intimately related to human dignity and socially and environmentally marginalised communities. This empathy is grounded in the specific learnings and applications of a variety of approaches to the arts, humanities and social sciences including the ancient ways of Indigenous care for country and community , engagement with analysing problems, listening to diverse voices, as well as seeking out and using evidence. As a graduate empathy is translated into action through application in a variety of professional roles contributing to affecting lasting change. As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have the opportunity to 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 a Bachelor of Arts graduate, you utilise imagination to develop approaches to defining and achieving socially and culturally informed, evidence based approaches across a wide range of possible areas in the arts, humanities and social sciences. You use a range of technologies to facilitate engagement with information, case studies, histories, and voices. You use critical and creative thinking to enhance engagement with, and practice of, key techniques in understanding the lives of others, analysing social and cultural trends, using evidence to build an argument, communicate clearly and consider the needs of different stakeholders. You appreciate the role of these skills to actively translate imagination into action in societies and cultures. You implement evidence-based approaches to completing taks to enable informed decision-making across a range of institutional and organisational foci within culturally respectful and community-sensitive frameworks. 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 a Bachelor of Arts graduate you actively apply skills, knowledges, and empathy to positively impact human dignity, contributing meaningfully to the common good. Your empathy, skills, and knowledge in fields in the arts, humanities and social sciences are impactful through strategic and innovative methods of application in relevant professional settings. Impact is also established as a graduate, through effective communication that raises awareness about, and develops empathy for, social and cultural sustainability in the world around you. As a graduate, your impact is ultimately to protect and preserve social, cultural, and creative aspects of healthy communities. 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 - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

Students who have met the requirements of the following awards can exit with the following awards:

  • Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts
  • Diploma in Liberal Arts

Overseas study available

You'll have the option to study a range of units on campus or overseas during summer and winter breaks, in addition to our regular semester offerings.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.

International applicants must meet the English Language Requirements as defined in the Admissions to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:

StatePrerequisites

New South Wales

Assumed knowledge: 2 units of English (any) (Band 3), Mathematics (other than Mathematics General 2) for study in Mathematics (Band 3)

Queensland

Assumed knowledge : English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Victoria

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.

Prerequisite for study in Mathematics: Units 3 and 4: Mathematical Methods

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

View transparency admission information

International applicants

If you’re an international applicant you’ll need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate.

Find the equivalent qualification for your country

You’ll also need to comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements.

See the language requirements

If you’re an international student completing one of the following qualifications, you will need to apply for admission through your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and be assessed on your performance in these studies (i.e. your ATAR or equivalent):

an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia)

an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for international applicants

If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed.

Find out more about English language programs

Find out more about the ACU Foundation Studies program

Find out more about Diploma pathways

Further study

Bachelor of Arts graduates are well-placed to continue their studies in Arts Honours programs or in a range of postgraduate disciplines through their demonstrable research, analytical and communication skills gained from this undergraduate program.

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $4578
  • Average first year fee: $36624
  • Estimate total cost: $109872

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.

In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay other non‑tuition costs. Further information on non‑tuition fees is available on our Fees and Scholarships page.

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

Apply through a Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC)

To apply, search the code listed below on the corresponding TAC website

VTAC code: 1200211103

Apply directly to ACU

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

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

Associate Professor Rachel Busbridge

Associate Professor in Sociology, National School of Arts and Humanities, Victoria

Dr Rachel Busbridge is one of ACU’s Sociology Lecturers based at the St Patrick’s campus in Melbourne. Since receiving her PhD in 2010, Dr Busbridge has taught sociology and politics in many educational institutions; her specialised research areas of interest being diversity, multiculturalism, as well as nationalism. Furthermore, she is a member of the Australian Sociological Association and the International Sociological Association.

Dr Busbridge has published many academic papers such as journal articles and books. Her most recent publications include “A multicultural success story? Australian integration in comparative focus” in the Journal of Sociology, as well as a book entitled “Multicultural politics of recognition and postcolonial citizenship: Rethinking the nation.”

Since being employed at ACU, Dr Busbridge has been the National Unit Leader for 3 units in Humanities and Social Sciences.

Testimonial

Louis

“I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to take part in ACU’s Scholar’s program. The program offered students the chance to develop their own undergraduate research project, culminating in an undergraduate thesis. It was a huge challenge and it really pushed my classmates and I but it was fantastic. It gave all of us a great insight into what research is like, it presented us with so many new ideas about how our work can have a real impact, and it gave us all the opportunity to become good friends.”

Louis
Arts (honours) student

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