Bachelor of Arts

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:03 AM on Thu, 25 May

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
60
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Location
Gold Coast, Lismore, Online
Lismore, Online
Start date
March, July
February, June
Course code
3007099
Course abbreviation
BA
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

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, Politics and International Relations or Social Science, 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, Politics and International Relations or Social Science, or choose a shared major from a wide range of disciplines across the University.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

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

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.

Where a student has completed multiple awards of the same level below AQF level 7, only one will be assessed for Advanced Standing.

CountryScore
Austria AMC3.4
Bangladesh HSC3.6
Brazil SSLC8.2
Canada High School OSSD50
Chile PSU6.4, overall 600/649
China Gao Kao449
Colombia CB (NAT)81, overall 300/349
Denmark USSLE6.2
France FB11
German Abitur3
Hong Kong HKDSE14
India CBSE (best 4)8.5, external exam
India CISCE71
India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4)78 academic
Indonesia SMA8.2
International Baccalaureate24
Japan USSLC4
Korea, Republic of, CSAT298
Malaysia ICSSUEC71
Malaysia STPM5, 4 best A levels
Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate73
Nepal Proficiency Certificate82
Norway GPA1.5
Pakistan HSSC31
Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams77
Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams31
Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5)2.5,pass Eng & Math
Peru OCSE17
Phillipines NSAT89
Russia FCCSE4.3
Saudi Arabia MESSLC83
Singapore SCGCE15.5
Spain SSSD8.2
Spain STBPU7.5
Spain SUOY4.9
Sri Lanka GCE4.5
Sweden SSLC13
Taiwan GSAT54
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate87
Thailand CSE(Matayom 6) 1.9
Turkey HSD4
UK Board GCE A Levels13
USA SAT & ACTSAT 1410, ACT 20
Vietnam (in 4 subjects)7.5 Average

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

About the course

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.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
LismoreTerm  1, Term  3$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)016183A
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)N/A

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Early Offer

If you're a current Year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.

Apply now for your Early Offer

International students studying in Australia

International students studying online or outside of Australia

View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Arts, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
 
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. 
 

Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core Units

CLST2002Australia, Asia and the World
WRIT1003Written Communication Note 1
CLST1004Critical Thinking for Digital Times
POLT1002World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
INDG3001Caring for Country
CRTV1002Create: Innovate: Change
Select one (1) Major

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
CLST1003Doing Cultural Studies
CLST2005Space, Place and Travel
CLST3002Borderlands: Identity, Culture and Belonging
CLST3003EcoCultural Studies
COMM3004Independent Project
CLST2001Culture, Technology and the Senses
CLST2004Gender, Sexuality and Culture
CLST1001Perspectives on Australia

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HIST1001Making History
HIST2001Writing Place: Landscapes, Memory, History
HIST1002US History: From Reconstruction to Globalization
CLST2003Australian Cultural History
HIST3001Community History Research Project
CLST2006Road Trip
INDG1009Colonising Histories
HIST3002Freedom and Tyranny in the Ancient Mediterranean World

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
MDIA1001Media Studies
MDIA1003Digital Media Practices
MDIA1002Visual Communication and Design
MDIA1004Journalism in the Digital Age
MDIA2006Film Studies
MDIA2002Essential Screen Skills
MDIA3001Advanced Screen Production
COMM3002Professional Placement

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
WRIT1002Introduction to Creative Writing
WRIT1001Introduction to Written Texts
WRIT2004Short Story Writing
WRIT2005Writing Genre
WRIT2001Issues and Themes in Contemporary Writing
WRIT3001Theories of Text and Culture
One unit from the following:
WRIT2003Writing Lives
WRIT3002Introduction to Editing and Publishing
WRIT2006Writing for Young People
WRIT2007Writing Poetry
And
COMM3004Independent Project
Or
COMM3002Professional Placement
Note 2

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
POLT1001Australian Politics
SOCI1005Social Policy
SOCI1004Applied Ethics and Sustainability
POLT2002Local Government
POLT3004Global Social Movements
POLT3001Peace, War and International Politics
ENVR5007Building Resilience in a Changing Climate: Through Drought, Fire and Flood
Choose 1 unit from the following:
COMM3002Professional Placement
COMM3001Community Engagement Project
COMM3004Independent Project

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
SOCI1002Understanding Community
SOCI1003Deviance in Society
SOCI2005Society, Health and Illness
SOCI2006Doing Social Research
SOCI2007Global Inequality and Development
SOCI3003Religions and the State
Choose one (1) unit from the following:
COMM3002Professional Placement
COMM3004Independent Project
COMM3001Community Engagement Project

Electives

Students are strongly encouraged to select 1 unit from the STEM Option Units which can count as a University-Wide elective. Note 3

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
COMP1001Data Communications and Networks
COMP1002Foundations of Computing
ERTH2004Career Development and Professional Practice
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
INDG2010Indigenous Health Promotion I
INFO1001Essentials of Information and Communication Technology
ISYS1001Web Development I
ISYS1002Cybersecurity
ISYS1004Contemporary Issues in Information Technology
ISYS1005Systems Analysis and Design
ISYS1006Introduction to Computing for Data Analytics
ISYS2004Business and Market Intelligence
ISYS2005Information Systems for Accounting
ISYS3006Business Analysis Project
MATH1001Foundation Mathematics
MATH1002Foundations of Mathematics and Numeracy: Numbers that Count
MATH1003Quantitative Methods with Economics
MRNE1001Marine Science and Management
NUTR1001Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
PBHL1003Foundations of Health and Health Care Systems
PHYS1002Introductory Physics and Maths for Health Sciences
PHYS1004Physics I: Motion, Mechanics and Waves
PROG1001Programming I
SCIN1001Nature of Science
SCIN1004Earth Systems
SCIN1005Organisms and Environments
SCIN3004Integrated Project
STAT1001Statistical Analysis
STAT1002Scientific Data Management and Analysis
ENGN1003Engineering Technology and Design
ENGN1004Engineering Governance
ENGN1005Planning and Delivering Engineering Projects
MRKT2007Digital Marketing Strategies
SOCI2005Society, Health and Illness
Note 3

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:

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
LEGL1001Legal Research and Writing
LAWS2011Statutory Interpretation
LEGL1006Jurisprudence
LEGL1005Legal Process
LAWS2010Environmental Law
LAWS2008Criminal Procedure
LAWS2005Constitutional Law
LAWS2009Criminal Law
LAWS2002Contract Law I
LAWS2003Contract Law II
LAWS2007Corporations Law
LAWS2015Torts

Select one (1) Arts Major

Select four (4) Arts Law Options



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: STEM Option Units equip students with knowledge and skills in the discipline of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Unit groups


Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

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.

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.


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 online 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. Some units include field trips and on-campus events which are open to students studying either on campus or online.

Career opportunities

Diverse career opportunities exist in community relations, media, journalism, cultural policy, management and administration, publishing, public service, multimedia design, creative and cultural industries, politics, social justice and human rights, and secondary school teaching (with further study).

Professional placement

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.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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