Bachelor of Creative Arts

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 1 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
084346A
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

A Bachelor of Creative Arts from ACU will inspire you to become a versatile and agile innovator while developing the skills and experience needed to adapt to an ever-changing creative landscape.

You don’t need an extensive portfolio to apply or undergo a gruelling audition process. Instead, be ready to immerse yourself in a range of creative arts that foster flexible and innovative thinking, be prepared to offer out-of-the-box creative solutions, dive into self-expression without limitations and get primed to thrive.

Throughout your degree you’ll have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of creative mediums and develop your creative specialisation while learning real-world skills alongside world-class academics and practicing technicians.

You will benefit from hands-on, project-based learning and exhibit your skills to the public through exhibitions, publications, and performances.

You will also have exceptional global opportunities to join our exciting overseas study experiences in locations such as New York and Rome and build international networks and cross-cultural agility.

Then in your final year, you’ll complete a major creative project in your chosen art form, whether it’s communication, creative writing, design and technologies, drama, music, graphic design, media, or visual arts.

Professional experience

You will have the option to either complete up to 50 –70 hours of Community Engagement placement or to complete the Big Ideas Social Enterprise and Innovation unit.

The Community Engagement placement gives you the opportunity to use your creativity, skills and initiative working on projects run by community groups, government, not-for-profit, social enterprise or otherwise ethically-focussed organisations.

The Big Ideas Social Enterprise asks you to work with your peers to develop a social enterprise or business concept that meets the needs of a specific area of disadvantage in the community. You’ll hear from experts already doing this work out in the world to help spark your creativity and innovative ideas and ground them in the practical knowledge you’ll need to make them reality.

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • arts administration
  • communications
  • museum and galleries
  • careers in theatre
  • careers involving writing
  • editorial careers in publishing
  • public relations
  • industrial design
  • community arts
  • community organisations
  • teaching (with further study)

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Two Majors - Commencing Semester 1

  • Majors Major 1 Unit 1 (100 level unit)10 cp
  • MajorsMajor 2 Unit 1 (100 level unit)10 cp
  • Electives Units Elective Unit 110 cp
  • Electives Units Elective Unit 210 cp
  • MajorsMajor 1 Unit 2 (100/200 level unit)10 cp
  • MajorsMajor 2 Unit 2 (100/200 level unit)10 cp
  • Core Curriculum Units Core Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10 cp
  • Electives Units Elective Unit 310 cp

Two Majors - Commencing Semester 2

One Major, Two Minors - Commencing Semester 1

One Major, Two Minors - Commencing Semester 2

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 - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

Students who have met the requirements of the Diploma in Creative Arts or Diploma in Liberal Arts can exit with this award.

Entry requirements

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

International students must meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission 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

Queensland

English (Units 3 & 4, C).

New South Wales

Assumed knowledge: 2 units of English (any) (Band 3)

Victoria

Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

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

Diploma in Languages; and Bachelor of Arts (Honours). Or our education courses; Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary); Master of Teaching (Primary); Master of Teaching (Secondary).

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3591
  • Average first year fee: $28728
  • Estimate total cost: $86184

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 1200212073

Direct application

Apply now

Information on the application procedure

International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.

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

Dr Delyse Ryan

Deputy Head of School of Arts QLD (Creative Arts), National School of Arts and Humanities

Dr Delyse Ryan is the Deputy Head of the School of Arts (Creative Arts) and course coordinator for the Bachelor of Arts in Queensland. She has lectured in Drama and English at ACU since 1995 and has directed over 130 student theatre performances. Interested in developing new ways of performing classic texts for contemporary audiences, Dr Ryan's PhD study focused on Brisbane’s theatre history while her most recent research interests include theatre history and the teaching of drama within a higher education context. She has received an ACU Excellence in Teaching Award and an ACU Citation for her teaching. Delyse regularly takes performances into schools and childcare centres as a part of her community engagement. She has developed significant relationships with schools from low-socioeconomic areas and this work is designed to be presented to children who might not otherwise have an opportunity to participate in the arts.

Assoc. Prof. Catherine Bell

Lecturer in Visual Arts and Gallery Director, School of Arts and Humanities

Associate Professor Catherine Bell is a lecturer in visual art in the Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design degree in the School of Arts (VIC) and Gallery Director at the Australian Catholic University, Melbourne. A multi-disciplinary artist and curator, Assoc. Prof. Bell’s creative-led research is focused on the role of the artist in the archive and healthcare setting, neurodiverse/neurotypical inclusive practice, art on the margins, socially engaged, participatory and relational approaches to art practices, redefining and repositioning the female in contemporary society, care ethics in collaborative practice and challenging taboos surrounding death and dying. 

 

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