Bachelor of Arts (B-ARTS)
Bachelors DegreeYear: 2025 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Contact
Program Director:
Professor Véronique Duché
Email: arts-info@unimelb.edu.au
Currently enrolled students:
Future students:
This course is available in My Course Planner
Overview
| Award title | Bachelor of Arts |
|---|---|
| Year & campus | 2025 — Parkville |
| CRICOS code | 002167E |
| Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
| Study level & type | Undergraduate Coursework |
| AQF level | 7 |
| Credit points | 300 credit points |
| Duration | 36 months full-time or 72 months part-time |
The Bachelor of Arts offers unique flexibility with the opportunity to focus on one or two majors or a major and a minor chosen from a broad range of programs in the humanities, social sciences and languages. Students can:
- Benefit from studying with high achieving local and international students and learn from internationally recognised scholars and industry professionals
- Study one or more languages with most areas available from beginners to advanced level
- Create pathways into further postgraduate study in vocationally focused coursework masters programs and, with the completion of an Honours year, entry into research higher degrees
- Undertake specialised fieldwork, research options and integrated internship and volunteering programs which provide opportunities for professional work experience and community engagement
- Undertake international exchange at more than 180 universities worldwide, or study abroad with Arts academics who are experts in their field, and receive credit towards your Bachelor of Arts degree
- Create an individual study program by undertaking breadth studies in areas such as bioscience, commerce, environments, music and science or by choosing University breadth subjects
- Enjoy a rewarding professional career, with University of Melbourne Bachelor of Arts graduates enjoying employment rates well above the national Arts average
Links to further information
http://www.arts.unimelb.edu.au/
This course is available in My Course Planner
My Course Planner is an interactive web application that allows you to explore your study options and decide which subjects and major(s), minors and/or specialisations are right for you.
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed one of:
(a) The Victorian Certificate of Education including;
VCE Units 3 and 4 either a study score of at least 25 in English/English Language/Literature or a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language;
(b) The International Baccalaureate Diploma including at least Grade 4 in English or English B (Standard Level or Higher Level);
(c) A senior secondary program, foundation studies program or equivalent approved by Academic Board including appropriate English language studies.
Except for applicants eligible for Access Melbourne minimum ATAR or equivalent overall performance rankings apply.
Meeting requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider prior academic performance.
3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board Rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. For applications who have not completed the Victorian Certificate of Education or the International Baccalaureate Diploma, undergraduate English language requirements must be met.
Note. For applications through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre “middle band” selection adjustments are made only on the basis of eligibility for Access Melbourne.
Applicants intending to major in Economics are advised that mathematic requirements apply for this major: at least 25 in VCE Units 3 and 4 in IB Mathematics (Standard Level or Higher Level) or equivalent; VCE Further Mathematics or IB Mathematical Studies are not sufficient.
For information on admissions please visit: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The inherent academic requirements for study in the Bachelor of Arts are:
- the ability to attend classes and actively engage in both independent and group learning;
- the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and interdisciplinary information related to the courses taught in the faculty;
- the ability to explain and evaluate complex concepts, theories and issues at work in a variety of texts;
- the ability to clearly communicate a knowledge and application of humanities, social sciences and language principles and practices during assessment tasks.
Students must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. They must take full responsibility for their own participation and learning and adhere to the expectations outlined in the Student Charter.
Students also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative environments and must therefore demonstrate a wide range of interpersonal skills which consider the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in the BA.
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005) and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF127). For the purposes of considering requests for reasonable adjustments, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the overview, attributes, outcomes and skills of this entry. Further details about how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Intended learning outcomes
Bachelor of Arts graduates:
- Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of selected fields of study in core disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and languages
- Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within complex changing social contexts
- Demonstrate a general understanding of the concepts and principles of selected areas of study outside core disciplines of the humanities, social sciences and languages
- Apply an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values
- Articulate the relationship between diverse forms of knowledge and the social, historical and cultural contexts that produced them
- Communicate effectively and, in the case of those students undertaking a language major, read, write, listen to and speak another language with fluency and appreciate its cultural context
- Act as informed and critically discerning participants within the community of scholars, as citizens and in the work force
- Work effectively in groups to meet a shared goal with people whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds differ from their own
- Work with independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet goals and challenges in the workplace and personal life.
Generic skills
- Work collaboratively and productively in groups and across disciplines
- Communicate effectively, in oral and written forms and on digital platforms
- Develop and implement innovative and creative ideas
- Apply scholarly and ethical thinking to personal and academic conduct and engage in rigorous and respectful debate
- Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification, evaluation and resolution of problems
- Critically evaluate new ideas, research findings, methodologies and theoretical frameworks in their discipline
- Engage confidently in self-directed study and research
- Effectively use information from diverse sources and be proficient in the use of appropriate information technologies; and
- Operate effectively in multicultural and diverse environments.
Graduate attributes
The University of Melbourne educational experience prepares well-rounded graduates who are academically outstanding, practically grounded and socially responsible. Melbourne's graduates are distinguished by their broad outlook and openness to different perspectives.
Melbourne's degrees develop research and reasoning skills that equip graduates to be influential citizens with high leadership potential. The University's graduates engage with national and global issues and are attuned to social and cultural diversity. They have high levels of self-awareness and value their personal integrity and well-being.
Academic distinction
A Melbourne degree provides graduates with in-depth knowledge of their specialist disciplines and skills in examining issues with multiple disciplinary perspectives. Melbourne graduates are critical, creative thinkers with strong reasoning skills. They can apply knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems in a range of contexts and are effective oral and written communicators.
The Melbourne educational experience prepares graduates to be entrepreneurial and innovative thought-leaders. Melbourne graduates bring research and inquiry skills to challenges in their workplaces and communities. They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.
Active citizenship
Melbourne graduates have engaged with contemporary local, national and global issues and developed an appreciation of the Asian region. They have a high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment. Melbourne graduates are aware of the social and cultural diversity in communities and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In particular, they have an understanding of and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values.
The Melbourne experience supports a commitment to civic service in graduates' lives and careers, equipping them to be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society. Graduates have the potential to be leaders in their professions and communities, with the capacity to work effectively across disciplines and cultures. Through advocacy and innovation they are able to lead change for a sustainable future.
Integrity and self-awareness
Melbourne graduates are motivated, self-directed and well-organised, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities. They are able to work effectively both independently and in groups. They are also highly self-aware and reflective, with skills in self-assessment, and place great importance on their personal and professional integrity.
The opportunities offered by the Melbourne experience help prepare graduates who are enthusiastic, self-assured and confident of their knowledge, yet flexible, adaptable and aware of their limitations. Melbourne's graduates are willing to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes. They have empathy and concern for the welfare of others and can manage their own well-being.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Arts requires the successful completion of 300 credit points.
Course Rules
- 225 credit points of Arts subjects including
- A minimum of 75 credit points of Level 1 Discovery and Discipline subjects
- A minimum of 75 credit points of Level 2 discipline subjects
- A minimum of 75 credit points of Level 3 discipline subjects
A minimum of 50 credit points of Breadth subjects and Between 12.5 and 37.5 credit points of Level 1 Breadth subjects
- Remaining 25 points may consist of either Arts or Breadth subjects (all other course rules must still be met).
Additional rules
- A maximum of 125 credit points of Level 1 subjects
- Diversity of study: a maximum of 125 points from any single discipline may be completed.
- Completion of between one and two Majors
- Completion of a maximum of one Minor
- Completion of a minimum of 12.5 credit points of Compulsory Level 1 Discovery subjects
Non-standard Majors
The standard rules above may change if you elect to take any of the following non-standard majors. In these cases, please check the relevant Handbook entries for what their adjusted rules are:
- Chinese Studies
- Psychology
- Economics
- Double Major in Criminology, Politics and International Studies, and/or Sociology
- Double Major in Ancient World Studies and Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin)
Course Rules with Economics major
- 187.5 credit points of Arts subjects including
- A minimum of 62.5 credit points of Level 1 Discovery and Discipline subjects
- A minimum of 62.5 credit points of Level 2 discipline subjects
- A minimum of 62.5 credit points of Level 3 discipline subjects
- Zero credit points of Breadth subjects (other than subjects taken as part of the Economics major)
Course Rules with Psychology major
- 225 credit points of Arts subjects including
- A minimum of 75 credit points of Level 1 Discovery and Discipline subjects
- A minimum of 75 credit points of Level 2 discipline subjects
- A minimum of 75 credit points of Level 3 discipline subjects
A minimum of 25 credit points of Breadth subjects and Between 12.5 and 37.5 credit points of Level 1 Breadth subjects
- Remaining 25 points may consist of either Arts or Breadth subjects (all other course rules must still be met).
Progression Rules
- Arts Discovery - an Arts Discovery subject and the compulsory Joining Melbourne Modules must be completed within the first semester of commencement of the course. Three modules must be completed: Freedom of Speech in Education and Research; The Cornerstones of Good Scholarship; and Respect, Diversity and Inclusion. A further three modules are strongly recommended in order to support your success at University: Our Community: People, Place and History; Your Wellbeing and Success; and Sustainable Campuses and Communities. Arts Discovery subject coordinators will also incorporate material and themes from these modules into their subjects.
- Completion of at least 50 points of Level 1 study before proceeding to the next subject year level.
- Completion of at least 50 points of Level 2 study before proceeding to the next subject year level.
Arts Discovery subjects
Students will take an Arts Discovery subject within their first semester of study. Arts Discovery will count towards individual non-language majors/minors (excluding Psychology and Economics) at level 1 and undertaking at least one Arts Discovery subject is a requirement of the BA. Students who elect to undertake two majors can choose an additional first year Arts subject from the same discipline area.
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHIS10001 | Art History: Theory and Controversy | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ARTS10005 | The Buddhist Universe | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| CRIM10001 | Crime, Criminology, and Critique | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENGL10002 | Canons in Literature and Performance | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| HPSC10002 | Science, Philosophy and Society | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| INDG10001 | Indigenous Australia | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LANG10001 | Language | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| LING10002 | Intercultural Communication |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| PHIL10002 | Philosophy: The Big Questions | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| POLS10003 | Introduction to Political Ideas | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SOCI10001 | Understanding Society | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ASIA10003 | Identity and Belonging in Global Asia |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Arts Discipline subjects
Outside of fulfilling the subject requirements for your chosen majors/minors, discipline points may also be taken from the ‘Arts Discipline electives’ list (click on links below for full listings), and from general Faculty of Arts subject lists below.
Work Integrated Learning
Students may only complete one of the listed Work Integrated Learning subjects per semester, and students cannot complete the same Work Integrated Learning subject at different year levels.
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MULT20010 | Internship: Personal and Career Growth |
Summer Term (Online)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MULT20012 | Arts Internship: Not for Profit | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MULT20014 | Community Volunteering - Global | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| ARTS30001 | Industry Project | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MULT30019 | Internship: Personal and Career Growth |
Summer Term (Online)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MULT30020 | Arts Internship: Not for Profit | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MULT30021 | Community Volunteering - Global | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
Multidisciplinary subjects (general Faculty of Arts)
‘Australia Now’ is recommended for incoming study abroad (SA-EX), exchange students (EX-UG) and international students with limited experience of Australian culture.
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MULT10020 | The Art and Science of Meditation | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MULT20013 | Australia Now | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| ARTS20002 | Going Places - Travelling Smarter |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Diversity of Study
Students are required to take subjects across multiple discipline areas and can only take a maximum of 125 credit points per discipline. The following lists show the subjects available as Arts discipline subjects and can be taken alongside majors and minors to help meet Arts discipline course requirements.
Ancient World Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Ancient World Studies - Level 1 Ancient World Studies - Level 2 Ancient World Studies - Level 3
Anthropology
A maximum of 125 credit points of Anthropology - Level 1 Anthropology - Level 2 Anthropology - Level 3
Arabic Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Arabic Studies - Level 1 Arabic Studies - Level 2 Arabic Studies - Level 3
Art History
A maximum of 125 credit points of Art History - Level 1 Art History - Level 2 Art History - Level 3
Asian Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Asian Studies - Level 1 Asian Studies - Level 2 Asian Studies - Level 3
Chinese Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Chinese Studies - Level 1 Chinese Studies - Level 2 Chinese Studies - Level 3
Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin)
A maximum of 125 credit points of Classics - Level 1 Classics - Level 2 Classics - Level 3
Creative Writing
A maximum of 125 credit points of Creative Writing - Level 1 Creative Writing - Level 2 Creative Writing - Level 3
Criminology
A maximum of 125 credit points of Criminology - Level 1 Criminology - Level 2 Criminology - Level 3
Development Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Development Studies - Level 1 Development Studies - Level 2 Development Studies - Level 3
English and Theatre Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of English and Theatre Studies - Level 1 English and Theatre Studies - Level 2 English and Theatre Studies - Level 3
European Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of European Studies - Level 1 European Studies - Level 2 European Studies - Level 3
French Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of French Studies - Level 1 French Studies - Level 2 French Studies - Level 3
Gender Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Gender Studies - Level 1 Gender Studies - Level 2 Gender Studies - Level 3
Geography
A maximum of 125 credit points of Geography - Level 1 Geography - Level 2 Geography - Level 3
German Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of German Studies - Level 1 German Studies - Level 2 German Studies - Level 3
Hebrew and Jewish Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Hebrew and Jewish Studies - Level 1 Hebrew and Jewish Studies - Level 2 Hebrew and Jewish Studies - Level 3
History
A maximum of 125 credit points of History - Level 1 History - Level 2 History - Level 3
History and Philosophy of Science
A maximum of 125 credit points of History and Philosophy of Science - Level 1 History and Philosophy of Science - Level 2 History and Philosophy of Science - Level 3
Indigenous Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Indigenous Studies - Level 1 Indigenous Studies - Level 2 Indigenous Studies - Level 3
Indonesian Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Indonesian Studies - Level 1 Indonesian Studies - Level 2 Indonesian Studies - Level 3
Islamic Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Islamic Studies - Level 1 Islamic Studies - Level 2 Islamic Studies - Level 3
Italian Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Italian Studies - Level 1 Italian Studies - Level 2 Italian Studies - Level 3
Japanese Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Japanese Studies - Level 1 Japanese Studies - Level 2 Japanese Studies - Level 3
Korean Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Korean Studies - Level 1 Korean Studies - Level 2 Korean Studies - Level 3
Language Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Language Studies - Level 1 Language Studies - Level 2 Language Studies - Level 3
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
A maximum of 125 credit points of Linguistics and Applied Linguistics - Level 1 Linguistics and Applied Linguistics - Level 2 Linguistics and Applied Linguistics - Level 3
Media and Communications
A maximum of 125 credit points of Media and Communications - Level 1 Media and Communications - Level 2 Media and Communications - Level 3
Philosophy Level 1
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS10004 | Philosophy, Politics and Economics | Not available in 2025 | 12.5 |
| PHIL10002 | Philosophy: The Big Questions | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| PHIL10003 | Philosophy: The Great Thinkers | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Philosophy Level 2 and 3
A maximum of 87.5 credit points of Philosophy - Level 2 Philosophy - Level 3
Politics and International Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Politics and International Studies - Level 1 Politics and International Studies - Level 2 Politics and International Studies - Level 3
Psychology
A maximum of 125 credit points of Psychology - Level 1 Psychology - Level 2 Psychology - Level 3
Russian Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Russian Studies - Level 1 Russian Studies - Level 2 Russian Studies - Level 3
Screen and Cultural Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Screen and Cultural Studies - Level 1 Screen and Cultural Studies - Level 2 Screen and Cultural Studies - Level 3
Social Theory
A maximum of 125 credit points of Social Theory - Level 2 Social Theory - Level 3
Sociology
A maximum of 125 credit points of Sociology - Level 1 Sociology - Level 2 Sociology - Level 3
Spanish and Latin American Studies
A maximum of 125 credit points of Spanish and Latin American Studies - Level 1 Spanish and Latin American Studies - Level 2 Spanish and Latin American Studies - Level 3
Breadth requirements
Find breadth subjects
Use the Handbook Search function to find subjects that can be used as breadth studies in the Bachelor of Arts
Majors, minors & specialisations
Major rules:
- Each major must include at least 25 credit points at Level 1 in each discipline
- With the exception of Economics, Psychology and the languages majors, students can include an Arts Discovery subject of their choice as one of the two Level 1 subjects required for the major.
- Subjects, including Arts Discovery subjects, cannot be credited to more than one major or minor
- Some majors include prerequisites and compulsory subjects
- All majors include a compulsory Capstone Subject at level 3; only students completing a major in that discipline can enrol in the Capstone
- Students considering two majors must ensure subject selection follows the progression rules in each discipline – complete all required level 1 subjects before enrolling in level 2 subjects, and complete four level 2 subjects before enrolling in level 3 subjects.
Majors are available in the following areas of study:
| Name | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Ancient World Studies | 100 |
| Anthropology | 100 |
| Arabic Studies | 100 |
| Art History | 100 |
| Asian Studies | 100 |
| Chinese Studies | 100 |
| Classics (Ancient Greek and Latin) | 100 |
| Creative Writing | 100 |
| Criminology | 100 |
| Economics | 112.5 |
| English and Theatre Studies | 100 |
| French Studies | 100 |
| Gender Studies | 100 |
| Geography | 100 |
| German Studies | 100 |
| Hebrew and Jewish Studies | 100 |
| History | 100 |
| History and Philosophy of Science | 100 |
| Indigenous Studies | 100 |
| Indonesian Studies | 100 |
| Islamic Studies | 100 |
| Italian Studies | 100 |
| Japanese Studies | 100 |
| Korean Studies | 100 |
| Linguistics and Applied Linguistics | 100 |
| Media and Communications | 100 |
| Philosophy | 100 |
| Politics and International Studies | 100 |
| Psychology | 125 |
| Russian Studies | 100 |
| Screen and Cultural Studies | 100 |
| Sociology | 100 |
| Spanish and Latin American Studies | 100 |
Minors are available in the following areas of study:
Further study
Honours
High-achieving BA graduates may apply for entry to the Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours) The Honours program comprises a research project as well as specialist subjects. For more information on entry to Honours, see the Arts Honours webpage.
Coursework Masters
If you wish to continue your professional studies at a Graduate level, the studies you undertake in your major can provide a direct pathway to coursework masters degrees in a wide range of areas. Entry is based on academic merit and in most cases requires completion of a Bachelor degree or equivalent. For more information on entry into a coursework masters degree see the Arts Graduate degree website.
Research Higher Degrees
If you wish to undertake advanced research and explore particular study areas in more depth, there will be opportunities to proceed to a range of Research Higher Degrees at masters and doctoral level, usually upon completion of an Honours degree. For more information about research higher degree study in Arts and the entry requirements, see the Arts Graduate degree website.
Last updated: 16 April 2025