Course summary

The Bachelor of Arts focuses on human cultures, values and beliefs that will broaden your mind with challenging ideas. This course fosters transferable skills that are highly valued across all sectors – qualities such as communication, analysis, critical thinking and problem solving.

At Southern Cross you have the opportunity to apply those skills to the real world through community engagement as you delve into contemporary social and environmental issues. Graduates develop cultural awareness and a deeper understanding of how to build their creative capacities and communication effectiveness.

The Bachelor of Arts is a very flexible degree – you can tailor your studies through the choice of a major in History, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Digital Media or Politics and International relations or choose a shared major from a wide range of disciplines across the University.

The Bachelor of Arts focuses on human cultures, values and beliefs that will broaden your mind with challenging ideas. This course fosters transferable skills that are highly valued across all sectors – qualities such as communication, analysis, critical thinking and problem solving.

At Southern Cross you have the opportunity to apply those skills to the real world through community engagement as you delve into contemporary social and environmental issues. Graduates develop cultural awareness and a deeper understanding of how to build their creative capacities and communication effectiveness.

The Bachelor of Arts is a very flexible degree – you can tailor your studies through the choice of a major in History, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Digital Media or Politics and International relations or choose a shared major from a wide range of disciplines across the University.

Choose a single or double major from the following:

History

Historical study fosters critical approaches to evidence and argument and the ability to interpret and communicate complex ideas, as well as insight into how personal and cultural values are shaped over time.

Creative Writing

This major offers a rich blend of fiction and nonfiction, experimental writing, journalism, life writing, poetry, writing for stage and screen, and writing for young adults. It is taught by published writers from the Northern Rivers arts community and beyond.

Cultural Studies

Cultural Studies introduces you to critical approaches in the study of different cultural forms and practices and the political dynamics of contemporary culture.

Digital Media

This major introduces key digital media production skills and theories. It provides a background in media history and theory, as well as practical experience in design, journalism, narrative forms and audio-visual media production.

Politics and International Relations

This major takes a strong social justice approach to cover political, cultural and economic relations from local government to international organisations.

Social Science

This major examines how institutions, the economy, individuals and groups interact; movements for change and crucial issues of social concern. You'll learn a range of methods of analysis and ways of doing research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Shared majors

You can also choose a shared major as part of your degree.

All majors available online and at Lismore campus. Cultural studies and digital media majors available at Gold Coast.

Course Learning Outcome

Apply critical analysis, reasoning and reflexivity to social and cultural situations and problems.

Demonstrate the ability to develop a persuasive independent argument incorporating a range of perspectives and evidence.

Develop innovative and creative responses to contemporary and historical social, environmental and cultural issues.

Investigate and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and equity and according to ethical conventions.

Demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of society and culture in chosen disciplines of study.

Apply disciplinary knowledge to diverse contexts.

Access, evaluate, interpret and present information using academic conventions to inform decision-making and action.

Communicate effectively in academic and professional settings in a variety of forms, including through working autonomously or collaboratively.

Demonstrate a commitment to multicultural perspectives as well as the ability to engage in a culturally competent way with Indigenous peoples.

An optional professional placement provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace and to establish key contacts. In the Bachelor of Arts, students can undertake learning opportunities in the community through a number of units as well as through assessment opportunities.


Course overview

Course code

3007099

Course abbreviation

BA

Credit points

288

Equivalent units

24

Duration

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Availability details

Domestic

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Term 1 N/A N/A
Lismore Term 1 N/A N/A
Online Term 1 N/A N/A

Fee information

Commonwealth supported


International

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Lismore Term 1 $29,360 ($3,670 per unit) 016183A
Online Term 1 N/A N/A

Course requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Arts, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
  • 6 core units (72 credit points), and
  • 1 major (96 credit points) and 10 university-wide electives (120 credit points): or
  • 1 major (96 credit points) and 1 shared major (96 credit points) and 2 university wide electives (24 credit points), or 
  • 1 major (96 credit points), a second major (96 credit points) and 2 university wide electives (24 credit points).
 
No unit will be credited to more than one major.
 
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Creative Writing after completing all 16 units (192 credit points) from the Associate Degree of Creative Writing. 
 
Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences after completing 8 core units (96 credit points) from one specialisation from the Diploma of Arts and Social Sciences. 
 

Schedule of units

Title Note

Core Units

CLST2002 - Australia, Asia and the World
WRIT1003 - Written Communication Note 1
CLST1004 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times
POLT1002 - World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
CRTV1002 - Create: Innovate: Change
Select one (1) Major
Note 3
Note 2

Double Degree Early Exit Pathways

To be eligible to exit with a Bachelor of Arts from the double degree, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, students will need to complete the following exit pathway:

Course progressions

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.

Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors

Title Note

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

WRIT1003 - Written Communication Note 1
CLST1003 - Doing Cultural Studies
CRTV1002 - Create: Innovate: Change
Elective
CLST1001 - Perspectives on Australia
POLT1002 - World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
CLST1004 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times
Elective

Second Year

CLST2001 - Culture, Technology and the Senses
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
CLST2002 - Australia, Asia and the World
CLST2005 - Space, Place and Travel
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
CLST2004 - Gender, Sexuality and Culture

Third Year

Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
CLST3002 - Borderlands: Identity, Culture and Belonging
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
CLST3003 - EcoCultural Studies
COMM3004 - Independent Project

Title Note

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

WRIT1003 - Written Communication Note 1
HIST1001 - Making History
CRTV1002 - Create: Innovate: Change
Elective
HIST1002 - US History: From Reconstruction to Globalization
POLT1002 - World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
CLST1004 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times
Elective

Second Year

Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
INDG1009 - Colonising Histories
CLST2002 - Australia, Asia and the World
HIST2001 - Writing Place: Landscapes, Memory, History
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
CLST2003 - Australian Cultural History
CLST2006 - Road Trip

Third Year

Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major Unit OR Elective
EDUC3016 - Interdisciplinary Studies of History and Time
HIST3001 - Community History Research Project

Title Note

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

WRIT1003 - Written Communication Note 1
MDIA1001 - Media Studies
CRTV1002 - Create: Innovate: Change
Elective
MDIA1004 - Journalism in the Digital Age
POLT1002 - World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
CLST1004 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times
MDIA1003 - Digital Media Practices

Second Year

Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Elective
CLST2002 - Australia, Asia and the World
MDIA1002 - Visual Communication and Design
MDIA2002 - Essential Screen Skills
MDIA2006 - Film Studies
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective

Third Year

Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
COMM3002 - Professional Placement
MDIA3001 - Advanced Screen Production
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective

Title Note

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

WRIT1003 - Written Communication Note 1
WRIT1002 - Introduction to Creative Writing
CRTV1002 - Create: Innovate: Change
WRIT1001 - Introduction to Written Texts
Elective
POLT1002 - World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
CLST1004 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times
WRIT2005 - Writing Genre

Second Year

Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Elective
CLST2002 - Australia, Asia and the World
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
WRIT2004 - Short Story Writing
WRIT2001 - Issues and Themes in Contemporary Writing
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective

Third Year

WRIT3001 - Theories of Text and Culture
Creative Writing Option Unit
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
COMM3004 - Independent Project OR COMM3002 - Professional Placement
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective

Title Note

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

WRIT1003 - Written Communication Note 1
POLT1001 - Australian Politics
CRTV1002 - Create: Innovate: Change
Elective
SOCI1005 - Social Policy
POLT1002 - World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
CLST1004 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times
Elective

Second Year

SOCI1004 - Applied Ethics and Sustainability
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
CLST2002 - Australia, Asia and the World
POLT2002 - Local Government
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective

Third Year

ENVR5007 - Building Resilience in a Changing Climate: Through Drought, Fire and Flood
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
POLT3004 - Global Social Movements
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
POLT3001 - Peace, War and International Politics
COMM3002 - Professional Placement OR COMM3001 - Community Engagement Project OR COMM3004 - Independent Project
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective

Title Note

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

WRIT1003 - Written Communication Note 1
SOCI1001 - Introduction to Sociology
CRTV1002 - Create: Innovate: Change
Elective
SOCI1002 - Understanding Community
POLT1002 - World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
CLST1004 - Critical Thinking for Digital Times
SOCI1003 - Deviance in Society

Second Year

Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
CLST2002 - Australia, Asia and the World
SOCI2006 - Doing Social Research
SOCI2005 - Society, Health and Illness
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective

Third Year

Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
Second Major Unit OR Shared Major OR Elective
SOCI2007 - Global Inequality and Development
Elective
INDG3001 - Caring for Country
COMM3002 - Professional Placement OR COMM3001 - Community Engagement Project OR COMM3004 - Independent Project
SOCI3003 - Religions and the State

Notes

Note 1: A student who receives an absent fail or fail for WRIT1003 may choose to complete EDUC1001 - Language and Learning in your Discipline as a unit substitute.
Note 2: Students might gain entry into the Master of Teaching with English as a Secondary Teaching Area if the Creative Writing Major is selected. Students will need to request an additional Level 3 English unit. Students will need to liaise with a Master of Teaching Specialist for specific units to study at education.enquiry@scu.edu.au
Note 3: Students might gain entry into the Master of Teaching with Modern History as a Secondary Teaching Area if the History Major is selected. Students will need to liaise with a Master of Teaching Specialist for specific units to study at education.enquiry@scu.edu.au