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Bachelor of Arts

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BA

  • Course code

    3007099

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts enables students to pursue areas about which they are passionate while gaining relevant, transferrable and valuable career skills for life. The course promotes critical thinking, community engagement, problem-solving and creative practices. It provides the scope to build strong intellectual capabilities and a broad knowledge of the liberal arts as well as a deepened understanding through the study of majors.

Students can also elect to undertake a professional placement to gain experience in the workplace and to establish professional contacts. They may also exit the program with an Associate Degree of Creative Writing, following successful completion of 16 required units.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

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

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

Creativity

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

Ethical practice

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

Demonstrate understanding of cross-sector and cross-cultural differences in ethics and morality.

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate a critical understanding of society and culture using a variety of conceptual frameworks.

Demonstrate a command of at least one discipline within the humanities.

Apply theoretical ideas to understand and manage practical situations.

Lifelong learning

Access, interpret and evaluate sources of information relevant to the study of the humanities.

Communication and social skills

Construct and present evidence based arguments or narrative in written text as well as a variety of media forms.

Negotiate contested issues and work collaboratively with others to achieve mutually agreed outcomes.

Cultural competence

Demonstrate a cosmopolitan and multicultural commitment as well as a local perspective on social and cultural issues.

Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to interact in a culturally competent way with Indigenous communities.

Professional placement provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace and to establish 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. A particular stream in community engaged learning enables students to work with a community partner on a project of mutual benefit. Students in the writing major may seek placement in the writing, publishing and media industries, while students undertaking history may seek placement in heritage and historical museums or associations. Students in the communication and cultural studies major may seek professional placement with a community organisation working in an area of their interest. The unit Community History Project enables students to do a collaborative project with community partners. Other opportunities for community-engaged learning exist within the degree depending on units chosen. 

Art and Design includes units that focus on art and design for publication, graphic design, digital art and photography. (Lismore)

Communication and Cultural Studies offers the study of culture, communication and society through textural analysis, cultural theory, media analysis and understanding how meaning is made through power, identity and place. It empowers diversity, social inclusion and ethical and innovative scholarship. (Lismore, Gold Coast, Distance education)

Contemporary Music students learn about contemporary music theory and styles, music technology and the internet, songwriting, sound theory and recording technique, and global perspectives in music. (Lismore)

Governance and Society draws on politics and sociology to consider contemporary issues in society and provide insights into events that influence the world in which we live by using a range of theoretical and methodological approaches. (Lismore, Distance education)

History focuses on the knowledge and critical skills that can be applied to the study of the past in all its dimensions, including important professional skills such as communication, analysis, critical thinking, and interpretation. Students have the opportunity to undertake independent research projects relevant to their own interests. (Lismore, Distance education)

Media Studies has a strong emphasis on digital media production and analysis for screen, print and online environments, equipping students with a range of practical skills appropriate to an increasingly technological world. (Lismore, Distance education)

Psychology includes studies in fundamental areas including biological bases of behaviour, perception, learning, memory and cognition, and lifespan developmental psychology.  Students use their psychological knowledge to generate solutions to real world problems. (Distance education)

Writing students acquire skills in editing and publishing and in writing genres including novels, short stories, writing for performance, feature and investigative journalism and essay writing. (Lismore, Distance education)

Additional majors — may also be selected from a wide range offered across the University including education, law and justice, organisational management, sustainability, Indigenous studies and more. See University-wide majors.

Streams — (made up of a minimum of four units), may also be selected including community engaged learning and languages (currently Mandarin). 

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1, Session 2 333161 053161
Lismore Session 1, Session 2 333100 053001
Online Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Credit for prior learning

Candidates who completed an Associate Degree of Creative Writing or the Associate Degree of Arts may be granted advanced standing for up to sixteen (16) units towards the Bachelor of Arts.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Arts degree a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units comprising:
    1. All units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units; and
    2. at least one of the eight (8) unit majors from Part B of the Schedule and one of the four (4) unit streams from Part D of the Schedule and seven (7) electives; or
    3. at least one of the eight (8) unit majors from Part B of the Schedule; and both of the four (4) unit streams from Part D of the Schedule and three (3) electives; or
    4. at least one of the eight (8) unit majors from Part B of the Schedule and eleven (11) electives; or
    5. at least one of the eight (8) unit majors from Part B of the Schedule and another eight (8) unit major from Part B of the Schedule or from Part C, or an eight (8) unit major from the University-wide Majors and three (3) electives.
  2. No unit will be credited to more than one major.
  3. To be eligible for the award of the Associate Degree of Creative Writing a candidate shall successfully complete not less than sixteen units comprising:
    1. all units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to the rules for the Associate Degree of Creative Writing;
    2. eight (8) units of study from Part B of the Schedule of Units attached to the rules for the Associate Degree of Creative Writing;
    3. three (3) units from Part C of the Schedule of Units attached to the Rules for the Associate Degree of Creative Writing.
  4. A candidate who while enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts has completed the requirements of the Associate Degree of Creative Writing may elect to be awarded the Associate Degree of Creative Writing following withdrawal from candidature from the Bachelor of Arts.

Course structure

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.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
Part-time students choose COM10295 -  Written Communication and one unit from their Part B major
COM10295 -  Written Communication Introductory
CUL00210 -  Australia, Asia and the World Introductory
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 1, Session 2
Part-time students choose either SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television OR HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship and one unit from their Part B major
New students commencing their degree from Session 2 should enrol in COM10295 -  Written Communication and up to three units from the list below.
SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television Introductory
HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship Introductory
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 2, Session 1
WRI10002 -  The Nature of Narrative: Self, Time, Place and the Environment Intermediate
Choose two units from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 2, Session 2
Choose two units from your Part B major
Choose two university wide elective units
Year 3, Session 1
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose three university wide elective units
Year 3, Session 2
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose three university wide elective units

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
Part-time students choose COM10295 -  Written Communication and one unit from their Part B major.
COM10295 -  Written Communication Introductory
CUL00210 -  Australia, Asia and the World Introductory
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 1, Session 2
Part-time students choose HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship OR SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television and one unit from their Part B major.
New students commencing their degree from Session 2, should enrol in COM10295 -  Written Communication and up to three units from the list below. Introductory
SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television Introductory
HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship Introductory
Choose two units from your Part B major
Year 2, Session 1
WRI10002 -  The Nature of Narrative: Self, Time, Place and the Environment Intermediate
Choose two units from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 2, Session 2
Choose two units from your Part B major
Choose two university wide elective units
Year 3, Session 1
Choose two units from Community Engaged Learning
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 3, Session 2
Choose two units from Community Engaged Learning
Choose two university wide elective units
Students may elect to complete COM30002 -  Community Partnerships for Social Change II OR COM00471 -  Professional Placement over Session 3

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
Part-time students choose COM10295 -  Written Communication and one unit from their Part B major.
COM10295 -  Written Communication Introductory
CUL00210 -  Australia, Asia and the World Introductory
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose one unit from your second Part B OR Part C OR Uni Wide major
Year 1, Session 2
Part-time students choose HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship OR SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television and one unit from their Part B major.
New students commencing their degree from Session 2 should enrol in COM10295 -  Written Communication and up to three units from the list below.
HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship Introductory
SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television Introductory
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose one unit from your second Part B OR Part C OR Uni Wide major
Year 2, Session 1
WRI10002 -  The Nature of Narrative: Self, Time, Place and the Environment Intermediate
Choose two units from your Part B major
Choose one unit from your second Part B OR Part C OR Uni Wide major
Year 2, Session 2
Choose two units from your Part B major
Choose two units from your second Part B OR Part C OR Uni Wide major
Year 3, Session 1
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose two units from your second Part B OR Part C OR Uni Wide major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 3, Session 2
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose one unit from your second Part B OR Part C OR Uni Wide major
Choose two university wide elective units

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
Part-time students choose COM10295 -  Written Communication and one unit from their Part B major.
COM10295 -  Written Communication Introductory
CUL00210 -  Australia, Asia and the World Introductory
LAN10001 -  Chinese Language IA Introductory
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Year 1, Session 2
Part-time students choose either SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television OR HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship and one unit from their Part B major.
New students commencing their degree from Session 2 should enrol in COM10295 -  Written Communication and up to three units from the list below.
HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship Introductory
SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television Introductory
LAN10002 -  Chinese Language IB Introductory
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Year 2, Session 1
WRI10002 -  The Nature of Narrative: Self, Time, Place and the Environment Intermediate
LAN20001 -  Chinese Language IIA Intermediate
Choose two units from your Part B major
Year 2, Session 2
LAN20002 -  Chinese Language IIB Intermediate
Choose two units from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 3, Session 1
Choose two units from Community Engaged Learning
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 3, Session 2
Choose two units from Community Engaged Learning
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Students may elect to complete either COM30002 -  Community Partnerships for Social Change II OR COM00471 -  Professional Placement over Session 3

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
Part-time students enrol in COM10295 -  Written Communication and one unit from their intended Part B major.
COM10295 -  Written Communication Introductory
CUL00210 -  Australia, Asia and the World Introductory
LAN10001 -  Chinese Language IA Introductory
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Year 1, Session 2
Part-time students enrol in SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television OR HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship and one unit from their Part B major.
New students commencing their degree from Session 2 should enrol in COM10295 -  Written Communication and up to three units from the list below.
SOC10399 -  Philosophy on Screen: Film and Television Introductory
HUM00271 -  Unruly Subjects: Citizenship Introductory
LAN10002 -  Chinese Language IB Introductory
Choose one unit from your Part B major
Year 2, Session 1
WRI10002 -  The Nature of Narrative: Self, Time, Place and the Environment Intermediate
LAN20001 -  Chinese Language IIA Intermediate
Choose two units from your Part B major
Year 2, Session 2
LAN20002 -  Chinese Language IIB Intermediate
Choose two units from your Part B major
Choose one university wide elective unit
Year 3, Session 1
Choose two units from your Part B major
Choose two university wide elective units
Year 3, Session 2
Choose four university wide elective units

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
CUL00210 Australia, Asia and the World Introductory
COM10295 Written Communication Introductory
SOC10399 Critical Thinking for Digital Times Introductory
HUM00271 Unruly Subjects: Citizenship Introductory
WRI10002 The Nature of Narrative: Self, Time, Place and the Environment Intermediate

Part B
Majors

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Foundational:
HUM00270 Doing Cultural Studies Introductory
Choose seven (7) from the following:
HUM00272 Space, Place and Travel Intermediate
HUM00273 Borderlands: Identity, Culture and Belonging Advanced
HUM00274 EcoCultural Studies Advanced
HUM00275 Cultural Studies Research Project Advanced
SOC10400 Gender, Sexuality and Culture Intermediate
CUL00211 Perspectives on Australia Introductory
COM00439 Theory in Practice: Issues in Media Studies Introductory
COM10082 Film Studies: Cinema, Culture, Context Intermediate
COM00446 The Big Picture: Global Media Introductory
COM10499 From the Bard to Bart: Media and Popular Culture Introductory
CUL00401 Indigenous World-Views Introductory
CUL00412 Indigenous Ways of Cultural Expression Introductory
ART00602 Australian Visual Cultures Advanced
COM20001 Sensory Cultures Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
HIS10016 Making History Introductory
HIS10018 Writing Place: Landscapes, Memory, History Intermediate
CUL00420 History of Invasion of Aboriginal Nations Advanced
HIS00235 Community History Research Project Advanced
HIS10725 US History: From Reconstruction to Globalization Introductory
HIS10726 Australian Cultural History Intermediate
MNG10526 Foundations of Visitor Interpretation Intermediate
COM00471 Professional Placement Advanced
BIO10492 add unit
SOY10114 Independent Project Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
POL10244 Australian Politics Introductory
POL00013 Global Social Movements Intermediate
POL00005 Ideas and Ideals in Politics Intermediate
POL10023 Peace, War and International Politics Advanced
SOC00118 Introduction to Sociology Introductory
SOC10274 Non-Standard Lives: Work and Family in Australia Intermediate
SOC00115 Global Inequality Intermediate
SOC10430 Religions and the State Intermediate
POL10024 Justice in World Politics Advanced
SOC10027 Networked Society Intermediate
SOC01123 Deviance in Society Introductory
SOC10296 Understanding Community Introductory
SOY10114 Independent Project Advanced
SOC20001 Doing Social Research Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Foundational:
WRI10001 Introduction to Creative Writing Introductory
Choose seven (7) from the following:
ENG00400 Introduction to Written Texts Introductory
ENG00406 Theories of Text and Culture Advanced
ENG00401 Issues and Themes in Contemporary Writing Intermediate
WRI10003 Short Story Writing Intermediate
ENG00407 Writing for Performance Intermediate
ENG00411 Writing Genre Intermediate
ENG10022 Writing from the Edge Advanced
WRI20004 Writing Lives Intermediate
ENG00408 Writing Project Advanced
COM00481 The Fourth Estate: News Journalism Intermediate
COM00482 Hot Topics: Feature Journalism Intermediate
WRI20002 Introduction to Editing and Publishing Advanced
WRI20001 Writing for Young People Intermediate
WRI20003 Writing Poetry Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Foundational:
COM00439 Theory in Practice: Issues in Media Studies Introductory
COM10627 Telling Tales: Introduction to Digital Storytelling Introductory
COM00447 The Rebirth of Frankenstein: Media and New Technologies Studies Intermediate
Choose five (5) from the following:
COM00446 The Big Picture: Global Media Introductory
COM00455 Online Media Design Intermediate
COM00461 Making Radio and Podcasts Intermediate
COM00481 The Fourth Estate: News Journalism Intermediate
COM00482 Hot Topics: Feature Journalism Intermediate
COM01402 Act One: Screenwriting Intermediate
COM10081 True Stories: Video Journalism Intermediate
COM10082 Film Studies: Cinema, Culture, Context Intermediate
COM10110 Visual Communication and Design Introductory
COM10112 From Page to Production: Essential Screen Skills Intermediate
COM10113 Visions of Light: Making Music Video Advanced

Part C
Majors

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
ART00630 Design Introductory
ART10094 Digital Art and Design I Intermediate
ART10095 Digital Art and Design II Intermediate
ART00406 Studio Drawing I Introductory
ART00407 Studio Drawing II Introductory
ART10275 Digital Photography I Introductory
ART00456 Photography II Intermediate
ART00600 Introduction to Visual Culture Introductory
ART00601 Framing Modernity Introductory
ART00498 Contemporary Debates in Visual Culture Intermediate
ART00602 Australian Visual Cultures Advanced
CAR10503 Arts Industry Studies Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
MUS00620 Contemporary Music Theory I Introductory
MUS10545 Oceans of Sound: Global Music Cultures in the 21st Century Intermediate
MUS10509 Sounds, Styles and Cultures Introductory
MUS00630 Songwriting Introductory
MUS00497 Introduction to Music Technology Introductory
MUS00621 Contemporary Music Theory II Intermediate
MUS10506 Music Industry Landscapes Introductory
MUS10508 Sound Theory and Recording Technique Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Foundational:
BHS11001 Introduction to Psychology I Introductory
BHS11002 Introduction to Psychology II Introductory
Choose six (6) from the following:
BHS20001 Psychological Assessment Intermediate
BHS30003 Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
BHS30004 Biological Psychology Advanced
BHS20006 Social Psychology Advanced
BHS20007 Learning and Memory Advanced
BHS20008 Quantitative Methods in Psychology Intermediate
BHS30001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology Advanced
BHS30002 Abnormal Psychology Intermediate
BHS30005 Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology Advanced
BHS30007 Health Psychology Introductory

Part D
Streams

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Choose four (4) from the following:
COM30001 Community Engagement Project Advanced
COM30002 Community Partnerships for Social Change II Advanced
CAR10503 Arts Industry Studies Intermediate
SOY10114 Independent Project Advanced
COM00471 Professional Placement Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
LAN10001 Chinese Language IA Introductory
LAN10002 Chinese Language IB Introductory
LAN20001 Chinese Language IIA Intermediate
LAN20002 Chinese Language IIB Intermediate