Course summary
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.

Domestic snapshot
Duration | Location | Session |
---|---|---|
3F/6P | Gold Coast | 1, 2 |
Lismore | 1, 2 | |
Online | 1, 2 |
International snapshot
Duration | Location | Session |
---|---|---|
3F/6P | Lismore | 1, 2 |
Major areas of study
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).
Learning outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
Graduate Attribute | Course 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. |
Assessment methods
The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit and connect with the types of learning outcomes for each unit and the course as a whole. Assessment tasks may include essays, reports, presentations, role plays, group work, reflective logbooks, creative production and experiential learning on campus or in the community.
Teaching methods
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Our distance education study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Classes provide opportunities for engaging students in learning and discussion and the course includes a number of field trips and on-campus events which are open to students studying either on-campus or by distance education.
Career opportunities
Graduates are equipped with transferable skills that are relevant and valuable to many careers. They may find employment, for example, in communication industries, community relations, journalism, cultural policy, management and administration, education, publishing, public service, multimedia design, creative and cultural industries, politics, social justice and human rights.
Professional placement
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.
Related courses
- Associate Degree of Creative Writing
- Associate Degree of Creative Writing
- Associate Degree of Creative Writing
- Associate Degree of Creative Writing
- Associate Degree of Creative Writing
- Associate Degree of Creative Writing
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood)
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education (Primary/Early Childhood)
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Type | Detail | ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Course code | 3007099 | ||||||||||||||||
Course abbreviation | BA | ||||||||||||||||
Credit points | 288 | ||||||||||||||||
Equivalent units | 24 | ||||||||||||||||
Duration | 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | ||||||||||||||||
Availability details |
|
||||||||||||||||
Indicative ATAR/OP | 68 / 14 | ||||||||||||||||
Fees | Commonwealth supported |
Type | Detail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Course code | 3007099 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Course abbreviation | BA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit points | 288 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equivalent units | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Duration | 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Availability details |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
English language IELTS |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Academic scores by country
|
Learning Resources
MySCU is a student's point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU Library provides a wide range of services that include face-to-face and online help, and access to print and electronic resources.
The Academic Skills team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub 'Connect Now' button or on the Academic Skills home page. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.
The Studiosity service provides online after-hours study support for SCU students. This service is available from 4pm to midnight Sunday to Friday via the 'Connect Now' button on MySCU Hub or from a link in nominated unit learning sites. The Studiosity service offers generic writing feedback and live online chat assistance for foundational concepts and study skills.
Equipment and facilities
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.Course structure
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Table of contents
Course requirements
-
To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Arts degree a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units comprising:
- All units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units; and
- 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
- 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
- at least one of the eight (8) unit majors from Part B of the Schedule and eleven (11) electives; or
- 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.
- No unit will be credited to more than one major.
-
To be eligible for the award of the Associate Degree of Creative Writing a candidate shall successfully complete not less than sixteen units comprising:
- all units listed in Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to the rules for the Associate Degree of Creative Writing;
- eight (8) units of study from Part B of the Schedule of Units attached to the rules for the Associate Degree of Creative Writing;
- three (3) units from Part C of the Schedule of Units attached to the Rules for the Associate Degree of Creative Writing.
- 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.
Advanced standing
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.
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
One Part B major and eleven elective units
Title | Level of learning | Note | |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
One Part B major and a Community Engaged Learning stream and seven elective units
Title | Level of learning | Note | |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
One Part B major and another Part B or Part C or Uni Wide major and three elective units
Title | Level of learning | Note | |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
One Part B major and two Part D streams and three elective units
Title | Level of learning | Note | |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
One Part B major and a Chinese Language stream and seven elective units
Title | Level of learning | Note | |
---|---|---|---|
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 groups
Community Engaged Learning
Title | Level of learning | Note | |
---|---|---|---|
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 |
Applications are not available for 2016. Please select a different year above or see Course Options for courses currently offered.
The information on this page may be subject to change over time. Please check this web page again before acting and see our disclaimer
From the 1st of June, 2017, the term 'Distance Education' has been replaced with 'Online'