Bachelor of Arts

The degree equips students with creative, critical and analytical skills ideal for lifelong learning.

The degree offers a wide choice of career options and can provide a solid foundation for further studies.

This is a highly flexible degree in which students can either incorporate multiple subjects, yet still attain specialist knowledge in a particular disciplinary area of their choice, or focus on particular disciplines or areas of study.

The Bachelor of Arts fosters a global perspective and equips students with core life skills as well as the fundamental generic skills insisted on by employers:

critical thinking, research capability, ethical practice, creativity, independence, autonomy, initiative, innovation, effective communication (oral, written and electronic), presentation skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, management and planning skills, computer literacy, and cultural awareness.

These skills are introduced in foundation units and developed in disciplines and/or areas of study.

Graduating students have the subject(s) of their major/s or extended major specialisation within the degree appear on their testamur e.g.

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) or Bachelor of Arts (Theatre and Performance).

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Arts provides students with a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies from across the University, with a strong focus on aspects of human society, culture and achievement. The Bachelor of Arts can also be undertaken in conjunction with a range of other degrees in the University. The course aims to provide students with:(i) a depth and breadth of knowledge in their chosen areas of study;(ii) the ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired;(iii) skills in critical analysis, critical thinking and critical enquiry;(iv) self-reliance, especially in regards to the acquisition of information, the ability to assess evidence, convey complex ideas and answer complex questions;(v) the ability to communicate effectively in a range of ways;(vi) the ability to work both independently and collaboratively;(vii) the diverse skills to connect across geographical, disciplinary, social and cultural boundaries;(viii) an understanding of the value of ethical behaviour; and(ix) the essential skills demanded by employers in a global jobs market enabling them to achieve exciting and rewarding career outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of selected fields of study in core disciplines and areas of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences and apply that knowledge in diverse contexts; demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of theories, factual content and research procedures and ethical practice in their major or extended major and other fields of study; analyse, critically evaluate and communicate ideas and solve problems with intellectual independence in their major or extended major and other fields of study including the ability to exhibit key employment and lifelong learning skills; act as informed and critically discriminating participants within the community of scholars; and display highly developed communication skills and, in the case of those students undertaking a language major or extended major, read, write and speak another language with fluency and understand its cultural context.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will possess depth and breadth of knowledge relevant to their fields of study, and have a well developed understanding of the key principles, practices, and boundaries of their discipline. They will also understand the need to adopt transnational and multicultural approaches to the understanding of issues in these fields. Communication Skills Graduates will have skills that enable them to investigate, synthesise and communicate the ideas and information acquired from their areas of study, including, where applicable, the possession of these skills in languages other than English. Students will recognise the importance of continuing to develop their communication skills, and be able to use appropriate communication technologies. Problem Solving Graduates will have a sound understanding of key problem solving strategies in their fields of study and be able to apply these skills to develop their own responses to particular problems on diverse topics and issues in a range of different environments. Information Literacy Graduates will be taught how to recognise relevant information and to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access and use information. They will learn how to critically evaluate the sources, values, and validity of information, as well as to use information in critical and creative thinking. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates will be taught to understand and practise the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with their discipline or profession. They will understand and be open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world, and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community, and the environment. Lifelong Learning Graduates will have the skills to continue to research, critically evaluate and discuss issues, and also acquire further learning. The development of intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills will enable students to be able to research, write about and discuss a range of issues. These skills are transferable and essential lifelong skills. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will develop skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.