Bachelor of Arts | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Arts

Follow your interests and build your own career with a flexible Bachelor of Arts. Choose from a wide range of specialisations, including literature, history, politics and international studies, sociology, and more. As an Arts graduate, you’ll enter the global marketplace of ideas with advanced skills in critical and creative thinking.

In this program you will:

  • Explore new ideas and ways of thinking
  • Become a skilled communicator
  • Develop specialist knowledge in subjects that interest you
  • Build advanced critical thinking, research and writing skills

Location

CRICOS code

022806B

Entry threshold

50.00 50.00 50.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

3 years 3 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2024 fees (A$)

A$15,398 - 2024 Fees CSP
CSP
A$25,000 Annual fee
Annual fee

QTAC code

011001 014031 015004

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Limited major and minor options at UniSC Moreton Bay.

Not all majors/minors are available online.

Career opportunities

  • Editor
  • Geographer
  • Government / development professional
  • Historian
  • Media and communications professional
  • Policy officer
  • Publisher
  • Researcher
  • Sociologist
  • Writer

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
24
Total units
288
Duration
3 years 3 years
CRICOS code
022806B
UniSC program code
AR301
Program coordinator
Program structure
Introductory courses (2) 24 units

SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SUS101 Foundations of Sustainability

Developing and Graduate courses (2) 24 units

SCS225 Social Research

PLUS select one course (12 units) from:

BCI300 Work Integrated Learning Project
SCS300 Social Sciences and Humanities Project

Major and minor courses (16)* 192 units

Select 2 majors (16 courses/192 units) OR Select 1 Extended major (12 courses/144 units) and 1 minor (4 courses/ 48 units) OR
1 major (8 courses/96 units) and 2 minors (4 courses each/ 48 units each)
from those listed below:

* With the approval of the Program Coordinator, students may replace a specified major or minor with a study component deemed to be equivalent commenced or completed at another university or comparable tertiary institution.

Majors (8) (96 units):

Creative Writing and Publishing
Criminology and Justice
English
Geography
History 
International Studies^
Japanese In-country (Major)^
Japanese Studies^
Japanese In-country (Extended Major)^ (144 units)
Journalism
Screen Media
Sociology^
Sustainability - Society
Theatre and Performance^

Minors (4) (48 units):

Counselling Skills
Creative Writing and Publishing
Criminology and Justice 
English
Geography
Geospatial Analysis
Global Environmental Politics^
History
Indigenous Studies
International and Human Rights^
International Studies^
Japanese Studies^
Journalism
Music^
Screen Media
Social Theory^
Sociology^
Sustainability
Theatre and Performance^

^Not currently available at Moreton Bay campus

Elective courses (4)* 48 units

Select 4 elective courses (48units) from the undergraduate elective course options.

* Students who select the Sociology or Sustainability Major or Minor will be required to select 5 electives.
The selection of elective courses may vary depending on the major/minor combinations chosen - refer to program requirements.

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Study sequences

Student profile

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Applicant background No. of students % of all students

Notes
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N/A - Students not accepted in this category
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Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 50.00
Moreton Bay 50.00
Online 50.00
Recommended prior study
English
Program requirements

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 288 units as outlined in the Program Structure
  • Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses (120 units)
  • Complete no less than 3 graduate level (300 coded) courses (36 units)
Program notes
  • Please note that not all study components and/or combinations of study components included in this program may be able to be completed in the minimum duration. Please contact the Program Coordinator if you require written confirmation prior to accepting a place in this program.
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
  • The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
  • It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
  • Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
  • As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
  • Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
WIL notes
Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Arts degrees - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Previous qualifications or experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

CSP estimate
A$15,398 - 2024 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2024)
A$25,000

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Annual tuition fees are based on 2024 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 011001
Moreton Bay 014031
Online 015004
Foster soft skills highly valued by employers
Create strong linkages with their local community
Design your own specialisation
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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