Bachelor of Arts

Summary

Note: This program information only applies to students commencing the Bachelor of Arts from 2005, or those who commenced the Bachelor of Arts prior to 2005 and have transferred into the new program structure.

Students who commenced in the Bachelor of Arts prior to 2005 and are continuing in the old progam structure should refer to the pre-2005 program structure ( Callaghan campus or Ourimbah campus ) information.

The Bachelor of Arts degree offers a wide range of course choices. You can choose from courses that traditionally contribute to a general program in the arts, humanities and social sciences, or select from those with a more vocational focus. The flexibility of the Bachelor of Arts degree allows you to pursue those areas that present the best challenges, the most interest and the greatest enjoyment while studying. The Bachelor of Arts is designed to enable you to develop those generic skills and abilities that are necessary in any graduate degree. As you progress through your program you will gain experience with problem solving and develop analytical skills, including the capacity to research and critically assess information, structure and present logical arguments and progress with change in your chosen field.

Career opportunities

Some graduates may pursue careers in the area of their major, and others may be employed on the basis of skills acquired through their University work.

Because of the diversity of course areas, students are encouraged to seek the advice of a career consultant when selecting courses, especially if they have a particular career in mind.

Arts graduates are found in a very broad range of rewarding careers encompassing all aspects of society, both locally and overseas. These include business, government, management and administration, public relations, human resource management, marketing and teaching.

Entry requirements

Recommended Studies: Mathematics for those anticipating studying Psychology.

Additional entry requirements: Nil

How to apply

Australian Year 12 students

Apply for entry through UAC.
Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

Non school leavers and previous Australian Year 12 students

Apply for entry through UAC.
Entry based on:

• previous Year 12 studies and/or
• Higher education, tertiary or post-secondary qualifications and/or
• Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.
• Relevant vocational experience.

International Students

International students currently undertaking:
- an Australian Year 12 in Australia
- an Australian Year 12 outside Australia
- an International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia

Apply for entry through UAC.
Entry based on UAI or equivalent.

All other international students:

Apply direct to International Admissions.
Entry based on overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications, as well as satisfying English language requirements.

Description

IMPORTANT! You must read the Undergraduate Degree Rules. Click here to view.

The Bachelor of Arts degree provides students with a broad general education in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Students can choose to study in a vast array of course areas.

Honours' requirements are currently under review and students are advised that new structures will be introduced in 2008.

Credit Transfer Agreements

Students who commenced the Bachelor of Arts prior to 2005 and elected to transfer to the this program can seek credit for study already completed.

Credit transfer agreements with TAFE NSW and other education providers are under continuous negotiation. For more information about articulation arrangements please see the University’s website, at www.newcastle.edu.au/credit/

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Arts program has been revised and new program requirements are in place for students commencing in 2005 or existing students who have transferred to the new progam. The revised Program Requirements do not apply to students who commenced studies in the Bachelor of Arts prior to 2005 and who have remained in the original program.

In order to qualify for the Bachelor of Arts award, a student must pass 240 units comprising:

• at least 80 units of an Approved Arts major as set out in the list of Approved majors, of which no more than 20 units should be at 1000 level, and at least 40 units must be at 3000 level;

• at least 80 units of another Approved Arts major as set out in the list of Approved majors, of which no more than 20 units should be at 1000 level, and at least 40 units must be at 3000 level; and

• up to 80 units of elective courses. Elective units can be taken from any Faculty of the University, except courses that are restricted by enrolment for students in a particular program.

A student may count a maximum of 100 units at 1000 level, there is no maximum number of units for studies at 2000 or 3000 level.

It is usual practice for a student to select four course areas at 1000 level and to select major areas of study once an interest and skill has been realised.

Full-time enrolment (80 units per year) will enable program completion in three years. Students may enrol in less than 80 units per year and completion wil take proportionately longer. It is usual practice for a student to select four course areas at 1000 level in their first year and to select major areas of study once an interest and skill has been realised.

Approved Majors

A number of majors have been discontinued and are available only to students who have already commenced in the major. These students should refer to the major information at the end of this document.

Courses are available at either the Callaghan or Ourimbah Campuses (they may not be available at both). Courses from either campus may be counted towards the Bachelor of Arts provided that the students meet the Programs Requirements. Students are advised to consult a Faculty Program Officer for further information.

Aboriginal Studies
Ancient History
Australia Asia-Pacific Studies (Continuing students only)
Chinese
Classical Languages (Latin and Greek)
Community Welfare and Human Services (Continuing students only)
Creative Arts (Callaghan campus options for continuing students only)
Cross-Cultural Communication (Continuing students only)
Drama
English
Film, Media and Cultural Studies
French
Gender Studies (Continuing students only)
German
History
Human Geography and the Environment
International Affairs
Japanese
Leisure Studies (Continuing students only)
Linguistics
Philosophy
Politics and Policy
Psychology Studies
Religious Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Writing

List of Approved Majors and Courses

A number of majors have been discontinued and are available only to students who have already commenced the major.

These are:
Australia Asia-Pacific Studies
Community Welfare and Human Services
Creative Arts (Callaghan campus)
Cross-Cultural Communication
Gender Studies
Leisure Studies
Students who have already commenced in these majors should refer to the major information at the end of this document.

The following majors are available to new commencing students:

Aboriginal Studies

This major provides students with the opportunity to study various aspects of Aboriginal histories, societies, leadership styles, cultures and issues to do with Aboriginal communities. Study centres on Indigenous peoples' experiences and perspectives.

Ancient History

This major provides students with the opportunity to study a range of courses dealing with ancient societies, primarily Greek and Roman, their culture and history.

Chinese

This major provides students with the opportunity to study written and spoken communication in the Chinese language.

Classical Languages (Latin and Greek)

This major allows students the opportunity to study aspects of both or either the Latin or Greek Classical Languages.

Creative Arts (Ourimbah campus)

This major allows students the opportunity to study across a range of courses in the creative arts. Courses cover the core aspects of the creative arts through studies in drama, music, and fine art taught from an interdisciplinary perspective.

Drama

This major allows students to study aspects of the history, performance and contemporary culture of drama.