Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Online: January, May, September
- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
Fees
$14,977.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2024, which are indicative only of the upcoming year's.
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry Requirements
ATAR 59
English (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 311039
- 311031
- 321031
Course detail
Learn from world-class lecturers and experience small, friendly classes and personalised support. Practical work placements ensure you are work-ready when you graduate. Depending on your chosen major, you may also have the opportunity to experience an overseas placement.
This three-year, full-time degree is highly flexible and allows you to explore areas of study that focus on your strengths while giving you opportunity to diversify. The course is also available part-time.
You will study a selection of core subjects and your choice of up to two majors, giving you in-depth knowledge and expertise in each study area.
The JCU Bachelor of Arts offers 11 majors to choose from. Not all majors are available at every campus. The handbook provides detail about the subjects you can study within each major.
Additional information
About JCU's Bachelor of Arts Degree in Queensland
Today’s employers are looking for people who can think outside the box and apply critical thinking skills. If you are ready to differentiate yourself and bring fresh perspectives and insightful critiques to your future career, a Bachelor of Arts degree from JCU is the perfect foundation for your future.
Choose the major that most appeals to you - the value of a Bachelor of Arts degree lies in broadening your perspective and gaining practical skills. This broad range of knowledge and skills gives you the tools you need to analyse today’s modern challenges and raise important questions.
What is an Arts Degree?
When you study for an arts degree at ÀÖ²©´«Ã½ or any other tertiary level education provider, you will be studying usually a three-year degree with a select group of majors. At JCU, Bachelor of Arts degrees fall under the school of Arts, Society and Education. The majors it is possible to study at JCU include languages, literature, and history, as well as subjects which fall under social sciences such as anthropology, sociology, and indigenous studies. A full list of majors, electives and core subjects is available in the Handbook on the main Bachelor of Arts degrees page.
What You Will Study
When you ask, “What is a Bachelor of Arts degree?” you might be uncertain about what you will actually be studying. In the first year, there are usually core subjects that all students must study to build critical thinking and analysis skills, and to give a foundation in the arts degree they have chosen. There are then electives which students can choose according to their interests.
Any student studying a language degree will have a core linguistic part to their degree to develop proficiency in the language, and in addition, they may study literature, history, politics or media from countries where that language is spoken.
Graduates with an arts degree have many transferrable skills that can be applied to a variety of careers including an excellent command of written and spoken English, research skills, critical thinking and problem solving.
Differentiate Yourself
Distinguish yourself using your breadth of perspective and ability to think clearly. Your critical thinking skills allow you to connect the dots and you will have the ability to apply that perspective and then express your ideas constructively and effectively.
Take advantage of Australia’s unique position in the Asia-Pacific region to learn about cultures and peoples with JCU’s BA in arts. Develop insight into what brings people together and what drives them apart and become a leader in modelling mutual respect.
As you develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, you will apply them to problems on a national and global level. Become a problem solver and provide the answers when others only see questions.
Bachelor of Arts Courses That Lead the Way
By graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree you actively keep your options open for a fulfilling career. Today’s employers are looking for people who can do more than just perform tasks. They want problem solvers, researchers, and thinkers with creative ideas. These are the skills your Bachelor of Arts degree will help you develop.
Your broad knowledge base will give you a perspective others lack. Your knowledge of cultures will position you as a negotiator and peacemaker. Your critical thinking skills will put you at the head of teams identifying and solving problems in business, in the community, or in the world at large.
The world needs a new generation of thinkers ready to reflect on the world’s biggest problems and find relevant solutions. Answer the call with a Bachelor of Arts from ÀÖ²©´«Ã½.
Hide additional information
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Arts.
Honours
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree is available for high-achieving students. It consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. Refer to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) for eligibility information. Students who have completed their degree with ÀÖ²©´«Ã½ or at other universities can apply.
JCU Bachelor of Arts graduates have a diverse range of skills with many career choices.
Your career options vary depending on what majors you select. You could work in areas such as human resources, education, media and communications, policy, research or conservation.
As a JCU Arts graduate, you could take on roles like anthropologist, archaeologist, journalist, public relations officer, policy advisor, psychologist, criminologist, community development officer or historian.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 59.00
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Arts for Semester 1, 2024. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2024 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 95.45 | 99.95 |
Median | 77.60 | 80.80 |
Lowest | 57.90 | 59.50 |
JCU Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 89.00 | 97.00 |
Median | 72.25 | 75.45 |
Lowest | 68.00 | 70.00 |
External
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | <5 | <5 |
Median | <5 | <5 |
Lowest | <5 | <5 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
ÀÖ²©´«Ã½ applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2025 |
Course code | 115710 |
Course type | Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) |
Owner | Academy |
College | Arts, Society and Education |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | English (Units 3/4,C) |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 72 credit points as per course structure |
Additional course rules | Study plans must include:
|
Additional information | The Psychology Studies major is not an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited sequence. |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts, graduates will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Arts. |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
Course Structure – JCU Townsville, JCU Cairns and External
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
:03 Science, Technology and Truth
:03 Effective Writing
:03 Australian People: Indigeneity and Multiculturalism
Level 2
:03 Solving Complex Problems in a Changing World
Level 3
:03 Transforming Professional Futures: From Ideas to Action
Plus
Select 3 credit points of any Level 2 Humanities, Arts and Social Science subjects
Plus
Select 6 credit points of any Level 3 Humanities, Arts and Social Science subjects
PLUS
Select a single or double major
Single Major
Select a major from Table A
Plus
Select 12 credit points of any Level 1 undergraduate subjects
Plus
Select 6 credit points of any level 2 undergraduate subjects
Plus
Select 6 credit points of any level 3 undergraduate subjects
Double Major
Select a major from Table A
PLUS
Select a second major from Table A
TABLE A (MAJORS)
Credit points in major | 24 credit points |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | All subjects are available on-campus in Cairns or Townsville, and all subjects are available online. Some subjects in the major will need to be taken online in JCU Flex mode, with the choice of online workshop attendance or independent learning in your own time | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | All subjects are available on-campus in Cairns or Townsville, and all subjects are available online. Some subjects in the major will need to be taken online in JCU Flex mode, with the choice of online workshop attendance or independent learning in your own time | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | Most subjects are available on-campus in Townsville. One core subject is available on-campus in Cairns. All subjects in the major are offered in JCU Flex mode, offering the option of online workshop attendance or independent learning in your own time | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | All subjects are available on-campus in Townsville. Two subjects are available on-campus in Cairns. All subjects in the major are offered in JCU Flex mode, offering the option of online workshop attendance or independent learning in your own time | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | All subjects are available online, and also on-campus in Townsville. One alternate core subject is also available on-campus in Cairns. All subjects in the major are offered in JCU Flex mode, offering the option of online workshop attendance or independent learning in your own time | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | All subjects are available on-campus in Townsville and Cairns | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | All subjects are available online or on-campus in Townsville or Cairns. Students wishing to enrol in this major externally can check external subject availabilities in the Course and Subject Handbook. If you plan to practice as an accredited social worker, you will need additional studies beyond a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | Most subjects are available online, and on-campus in Cairns and Townsville. There is one subject that is only offered online, and one subject that is only offered on-campus | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | All subjects are available on-campus in Cairns or Townsville, and all subjects are available online. Some subjects in the major will need to be taken externally in JCU Flex mode, with the choice of online workshop attendance or independent learning in your own time | |
JCU Townsville | Subjects are available on-campus in Townsville. If you plan to practice as a registered psychologist, you will need additional studies beyond a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Studies | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | All subjects are available on-campus in Cairns or Townsville, and all subjects are available online. Some subjects in the major will need to be taken externally in JCU Flex mode, with the choice of online workshop attendance or independent learning in your own time |
Course Structure (Singapore)
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
:03 Science, Technology and Truth
:03 Effective Writing
:03 Anthropology: Cultural Diversity in Global Perspective
Level 2
:03 Solving Complex Problems in a Changing World
Level 3
:03 Transforming Professional Futures: From Ideas to Action
PLUS
Select 12 credit points of any Level 1 undergraduate subjects
Plus
Select 12 credit points of any level 2 undergraduate subjects
Plus
Select 9 credit points of any level 3 undergraduate subjects
PLUS
Select a major from Table B
TABLE B (MAJORS - SINGAPORE)
Credit points in major | 24 credit points |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Singapore | Subjects are available on-campus in Singapore. Students planning to practice as a registered psychologist will need additional studies beyond a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Studies. |
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | All majors are available, except for Psychology Studies. Not all majors are available Mixed-mode and Internal |
JCU Singapore | Only the Psychology Studies major is available. |
JCU Townsville | Not all majors are available Mixed-mode and Internal |
External | The Human Geography, Indigenous Studies and Psychology Studies majors are not available externally. |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time |
Maximum time to complete | 9 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 3 years |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Must successfully complete 12 credit points at level 1 before attempting any level 2 or 3 subject. |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | No |
Special assessment requirements | Nil |
Professional accreditation requirements | The Psychology Studies major is not an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited sequence. |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure |
Maximum allowed | 48 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 19 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course. |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF ARTS |
Approved abbreviation | BA |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | Majors will appear on the testamur |
Exit with lesser award | Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies. Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed 48 credit points of study and appropriate subjects, may be eligible to receive the award of Advanced Diploma of Arts. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Honours
Honours availability | Available as an additional year of study |
Eligibility | Achievement of an overall grade point average of 5.0 (i.e. credit average) across the undergraduate degree |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD14,977.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
JCU Prep provides a pathway into this course. Enrolling in this flexible program will enable you to meet entry requirements including subject pre-requisites and ATARs. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for tertiary study.
*Excludes entry into the Bachelor of Advanced Science, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Marine Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Nursing Science – Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours).
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
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Student
Cole Brown
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and International Relations
My Bachelor of Arts studies have equipped me with the critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary to better navigate interpersonal and intercultural exchanges with care and clarity.
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Alumni
Elena Reynolds
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and Politics and International Relations
The faculty's expertise and dedication, coupled with a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and hands-on experiences, create an ideal environment for personal and academic growth. The interdisciplinary nature of my studies has prepared me for a dynamic and adaptable approach to various professional paths.
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Alumni
Hannah King
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Anthropology
The Bachelor of Arts degree at JCU was interesting to me because of how flexible it is. There are many interesting majors and subjects to choose from, and I’ve been able to sample different disciplines all under the one degree. While this degree looks at global issues, it also has a great focus on regional challenges.
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Lecturer
Professor Rosita Henry
Professional Chair, Anthropology Lecturer
For anyone who wants to prepare for the future, the Bachelor of Arts allows you to broaden yourself and develop understandings to deal with challenging questions facing humanity. You can tailor your degree in line with your interests. The Bachelor of Arts has the range and flexibility for you to be all you can be.
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Employer
Dr Maddy McAllister
Senior Curator Maritime Archaeology, Museum of Tropical Queensland
The calibre of JCU graduates is exceptional. They have a strong theoretical base that is combined with a willingness to learn the practical, hands-on skills, which are required to work in the industry.