Associate Degree in Arts

The Associate Degree in Arts is a two-year course, full time (or part-time equivalent), that provides you with opportunities to interpret human culture and behaviour from different perspectives and periods, to explore today’s big questions and learn how to support the social and economic development of humanity, and/or to be immersed in creativity, performance and innovation.The award is designed to allow you to choose your path:

it can be the first two-years of your Bachelor of Arts study, or you may like to enrol in this degree to pursue your passion and undertake two of the majors in the BA, or to extend your curiosity and try units from a number of disciplines.The Associate Degree in Arts gives you the flexibility to choose from subjects to build your knowledge and diversify your skills from a wide range of over twenty possible majors and minors in the Bachelor of Arts as well as many individual elective study options.

The Associate Degree in Arts requires the completion of 200 credit points comprising:

• 200 credit points of Discipline Elective units or;
• A 100 credit point major and 100 credit points of Discipline Electives

If you wish to complete a major as part of your degree, you will complete 100 credit points of Discipline Electives. Otherwise, you will complete 200 credit points of Discipline Electives.

You may complete any unit in the listed majors as a discipline elective so long as you meet any pre-requisites.

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.

Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2020, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 50.65. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Applicants for the Theatre and Performance major who have not met the ATAR requirement may be asked to undertake an audition or interview in order to be admitted to the course.

For all other majors, please refer to Alternative entry pathways below.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Arts (AQF Level 6) graduates will be able to:

1. Analyse perspectives and evaluate both broad general and technical knowledge from disciplines in the Bachelor of Arts to identify and reflect on social, cultural, political, ethical or environmental issues in local, cross-cultural and/or global contexts and their impacts.
2. Communicate independently, by written, oral and technology supported modes, to provide clear coherent expositions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
3. Apply knowledge, analytical and technical skills as a basis for decision-making and planning.
4. Apply disciplinary knowledge and skills with flexibility and creativity to demonstrate initiative and resilience; accountability and social responsibility whether working independently or in collaboration with others.