Overview

Put your passion for a better world into a creative, meaningful career. In the Bachelor of Arts, you’ll learn how societies evolve and humans change the world. Expect to focus on the world's most pressing problems, critical thinking, communication skills, cultural competency, digital literacy and building your confidence to make a difference.

Double degree options

You can also study Arts in a double degree with Business, Science, Laws, Health Science or Psychological Sciences.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts, graduates will be able to:

• systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understanding in the humanities and/or social sciences
• formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of disciplinary expertise
• critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of humanities and/or social sciences, and understand the importance of interdisciplinarity for generating solutions
• define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise
• apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
• interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
• coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.

Career opportunities

As a Swinburne Arts graduate, you’ll be well equipped for a broad range of career outcomes in any industry sector.

You’re likely to find work where employers put a high premium on well-developed skills in conceptual understanding, critical and creative reasoning, communication, collaboration, problem-solving and self-management.

Additionally, you may find career paths where your deep understanding of significant societal issues and knowledge around how to influence social change will be appreciated.

Depending on your study areas, you may find employment in advocacy, advertising, anti-corruption, business, consumer protection, community development, corrections, cultural services, entertainment, human rights, government, indigenous engagement, large multinational organisations, marketing, media and communication, NGO/aid work, public relations, unions, youth services, and writing.

Your career may commence with a graduate program or begin with roles such as: advocate, community development officer, diversity officer, government relations coordinator, intelligence analyst, security assessor, strategic advisor, ethics officer, NGO/aid worker, policy analyst/coordinator, political correspondent, electorate officer, politician, account coordinator, business administrator, support officer, advertising executive, campaign coordinator, volunteer coordinator, communications officer, copywriter, digital content creator, executive assistant, journalist, and marketing officer.

Alternatively, you may continue onto postgraduate study for a career in primary or secondary school teaching, or to specialise at a more advanced level in media and communication, writing, or a business area of interest.

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts, students must complete 300 credit points comprising:

• four (4) core units of study (50 credit points)
• eight (8) units of study from an Arts discipline major in one of the following: Climate and Social Justice; Criminology; Screen Studies and Popular Culture; Ethics and Technology; Indigenous Studies; Perspectives on Globalisation; Politics, Power and Technology; and Professional and Creative Writing (100 credit points)
• twelve (12) units of study (150 credit points) comprising a second major, and/or co-major, and/or advanced minor/s, and/or minor/s, and/or electives
   

Students also have an opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement.

Note: Students may not complete more than 150 cps at Introductory Level eg: ART1XXXX.

A unit of study can only be counted once, where units are shared between majors and/or minors, students must choose an approved alternate.

Professional placements

Professional Placements are subject to a competitive selection process. International students may be eligible for a Professional Placement where a relevant Professional degree exists. International students who successfully gain a placement through the selection process will be required to change courses to the relevant Professional degree, in order to complete a placement and should consider any visa and extended study duration implications prior to applying.

Students who undertake a 12 month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 375 credit points comprising:

• three (3) core units of study (50 credit points)
• eight (8) units of study from an Arts discipline major in one of the following: Climate and Social Justice; Criminology; Screen Studies and Popular Culture; Ethics and Technology; Indigenous Studies; Perspectives on Globalisation; Politics, Power and Technology; and Professional and Creative Writing (100 credit points)
• four (4) units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points); and
• ten (10) units of study (125 credit points) comprising a second major, and/or co-major, and/or advanced minor/s, and/or minor/s, and/or electives.

Students who elect to undertake a 6 month professional placement are subject to the following course rules and must complete 337.5 credit points comprising:

• three (3) core units of study (50 credit points)
• eight (8) units of study from an Arts discipline major in one of the following: Climate and Social Justice; Criminology; Screen Studies and Popular Culture; Ethics and Technology; Indigenous Studies; Perspectives on Globalisation; Politics, Power and Technology; and Professional and Creative Writing (100 credit points)
• two (2) units of study from the Professional Placement Minor (50 credit points); and
• eleven (11) units of study comprising a second major or co-major, advanced minor/s, and/or minor/s, and/or electives (137.5 credit points).

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Arts is 150 credit points (normally 12 units).

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history, including results from previous higher education study will be considered for entry into this course. If previous higher education qualifications are incomplete, results must have been obtained in the last seven years. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history 

An applicant's entire academic history from the past seven years, including complete and/or incomplete post-secondary VET studies, will be considered for entry into this course. Only graded results will be considered. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Entire academic record 

This course uses an applicant's entire academic record as part of its selection considerations, including an applicant's ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered for entry into this course. 

Meeting course prerequisites 

As for Year 12 or equivalent. 

STAT/Bridging courses 

Results from the STAT Multiple Choice will be considered for applicants without an ATAR and whose post-secondary studies do not meet the minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet the English prerequisites can sit STAT Written English. STAT results are valid for two years.