Bachelor of Arts

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 3 locations

Duration

3 years full-time or equivalent part-time.

2.5 years full-time in accelerated mode.

QTAC code
112311
ATAR
58.50 for Brisbane
Fees (first year)*

$16992 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: to be advised

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, 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.

Professional experience

Our Bachelor of Arts encourages you to think big and to take advantage of community engagement placements and internships that provide invaluable professional experiences while you study.

Bachelor of Arts students have the choice of completing either a community engagement placement unit (50 – 70 hours) or a social enterprise and innovation unit.

Volunteer experience

Students undertake a degree capstone drawn from either:

  • HUMA330 Community Engagement: Placement or
  • HUMA331 Big Ideas: Social Enterprise and Innovation


HUMA330 provides students with a community engagement placement of up to 70 hours with an organisation relevant to their disciplinary study.

HUMA331 provides students with the opportunity to engage the community by working to propose a solution to a real-world problem.

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.

One Major & Two Minors - Commencing Semester 1

  • Arts Major Major Unit 1 (100 level unit)10 cp
  • Arts Minors Minor 1 Unit (100 level unit)10 cp
  • Inquire unitsHUMA114Scandals and Deception: Navigating Controversy10 cp
  • Connect unitsHUMA115Connect with Diversity: Who Am I and Who Are We?10 cp
  • Arts Major Major Unit 2 (100/200 level unit)10 cp
  • Arts MinorsMinor 1 Unit 2 (100/200 level unit)10 cp
  • Create unitsHUMA116Imagining Place: Multimedia, Storytelling, Moving Images10 cp
  • Core Curriculum unitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10 cp

Two Majors - Commencing Semester 1

One Major, One Minor & Rome - 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 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 Liberal Arts can exit with that award.


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 (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

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

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

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process. 

Learn more about access schemes

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

 If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

  • If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
  • If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
  • You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
  • If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

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 current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be. 

Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course: 

Understand your pathway options

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver? 

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course. 

Articulation from another course:

Explore the pathways to your future

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

Average first year fee*

$16992 CSP

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

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

Domestic applicants

Brisbane

Apply through QTAC

QTAC code 112311

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Dr Benjamin Moffit

Senior Lecturer, Politics and International Relations, National School of Arts and Humanities, Victoria

Dr Benjamin Moffit’s research is located at the intersection of comparative politics, contemporary political theory and political communications, and focuses on populism across the globe. Prior to joining ACU in 2018, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Uppsala University and Stockholm University, Sweden. He received his PhD from the University of Sydney in 2014, and his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Wollongong. Dr Moffitt is a frequent commentator on populism in the Australian and international press and he is the author of three books on this topic. In 2018, he was named one of the Top Five Humanities and Social Sciences Early Career Researchers in Australia by the ABC. His work has appeared in outlets such as The Economist, The Huffington Post, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Bloomberg News, The Conversation, and on the ABC and BBC World Service.

Dr Rachel Busbridge

Lecturer 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 Lecturer in Charge (NLIC) 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
 

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