Bachelor of Creative Arts

Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 3 locations
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne
  • Strathfield

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
QTAC code
112911
ATAR
58.50 for Brisbane
Fees (first year)*

$13152 CSP

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

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-focused 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

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 will 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, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

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. 

Work experience - A selection rank can be calculated based on your work experience - you need to document all of your experience and provide supporting documentation.

Explore the pathways to your future 

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

Average first year fee*

$13152 CSP

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 112911

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

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

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.

Dr Penelope Trotter

Lecturer (Visual Arts), Creative Arts (VIC)

Penelope Trotter is a Visual Arts lecturer in Art History, Video Art, Drawing and Painting, a feature writer for fine art journals and a multi-disciplinary visual and performance artist. Key interests in her feature articles are about identity theory, conceptual performance art and painting. In her own practice her most prominent exhibitions have been performance installations based on and about fantasy fulfillment in relation to identity theory and activism. Her most prominent performance works have concerned themselves with the concept of withheld knowledge created by historical phantoms, exploration of measures required to reclaim this knowledge, and an overriding desire to effectively become the "Other.” With her creative roots stemming from growing up and studying art in Tasmania, Penelope Trotter also uses her skills in painting and drawing for her most recent body of work that is concerned with speaking to the preservation and appreciation of our environmental heritage. 

 

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