Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Bachelor

This combined degree allows students to pursue interests in both the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Physical Sciences. Students can study an arts major/extended major and a science major of their choice in preparation for a wide range of careers.

Key details

Degree Type

Bachelor

Duration

4 years full-time, 10 years part-time

Course Code

BA/BSc, 049931G

Study Mode

In person, Online

ATAR

72.55

About this course

This combined degree allows students to pursue interests in both the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the Physical Sciences.

Students

can study an arts major/extended major and a science major of their choice in preparation for a wide range of careers. The degree combines excellent communication and analytical skills in scientific knowledge and has been developed in response to increasing student demand and employer preference for recruitment of combined degree graduates. It offers breadth of learning and multi-skilling across disciplines recognising that graduates are required to demonstrate skills in critical analysis, research, communication and technological expertise.

The Bachelor of Arts component equips students with creative, critical and analytical skills ideal for lifelong learning. The degree offers flexibility in career options and can provide a solid foundation for further studies. The Bachelor of Arts fosters a global perspective and equips students with core work and academic 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.

The Bachelor of Science component provides students with the skills and techniques necessary for solving problems associated with a range of issues. The extensive range of majors available in established and emerging, generalist and specialist sciences, are all underpinned by cutting edge research. In first year students are encouraged to establish a broad science base which allows for flexibility in choosing an appropriate major. Career options may include small to large businesses, industry, government, teaching and research. Research and postgraduate study are other common pathways for student completing the Bachelor of Science component, particularly after the completion of a 4th, or Honours, year of study (Bachelor of Science (Honours)).

Graduates of the program are awarded a combined Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree.

Entry requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) be qualified for admission (see

Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule

and

Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures

);

or

(b) hold an AQF Level 5 Diploma in Arts from UNE;

or

(c) hold an AQF Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Arts from UNE.

Assumed knowledge: any two units of English plus, depending on degree subjects chosen, Chemistry, Mathematics.

Recommended studies: Biology and/or Physics.

Study locations

Armidale

Online

What you will learn

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

BA component: 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.
BSc component: demonstrate a coherent understanding of science by articulating the methods of science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry and the role and relevance of science in society;
exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area with an ability to extend knowledge into one other disciplinary area;
critically analyse and solve scientific problems by gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources, designing and planning an investigation and selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation thereby collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data;
be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes; and
be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners; working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context; demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct.

Career pathways

The

Bachelor of Arts component

advances the accumulation of knowledge and the development of a diverse set of skills essential to the formation of an independent thinker and empowering the individual to create a new future, new career prospects and the ability to meet the challenges of the modern workplace. Examples of career paths include management, public relations, public service, education, business, human resources, research and analysis, and creative industries. The employability of Arts and Science graduates is a reflection of the skills they acquire during their study.

The

Bachelor of Science component

provides exciting career options possible in small to large business, industry, government, teaching and research. Examples include positions in the departments of primary industries, resource management, water and land resources, CSIRO, environmental protection authorities, forestry commissions, national parks and wildlife services and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). Industry opportunities include positions in computing, consulting, botanical gardens and museums, manufacturing, electronics, mining and oil. Teaching is also an option after

completing a Graduate Diploma in Education.

University of New England (UNE)