Bachelor of Arts

An arts degree is the ideal preparation for today's fast-changing world. You'll develop specific skills for your chosen career, along with research, writing and communication expertise, which are essential in a broad range of work environments.

Turn your passion into your career by selecting units of personal interest. Bachelor of Arts students complete one or two majors, which will be listed on your qualification. VU specialises in these areas, with expert lecturers and current course content:

• Communication Studies
• Digital Media
• History
• Literary Studies
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Visual Art
• Writing.

This course offers maximum flexibility if you are undecided about career choice. It lets you combine units from different areas to create a base of knowledge that you can to draw on when applying for work in various fields.

Our Bachelor of Arts is distinctive for its focus on academic disciplines that are engaged with the workplace and community. You'll benefit from our strong network of community and industry partners, and practical and workplace learning.

We have a dedicated discipline minor Aboriginal Yulendj (Knowledge) and Community that will give you knowledge needed for working with Aboriginal communities.

Opportunities for applied learning include:

• digital media labs
• psychology labs
• studio spaces (music, TV and radio).

Our BA provides a strong foundation for a range of exciting careers in the humanities, creative arts and social sciences. Your skills in communication, research, critical analysis and teamwork will be highly sought after, and are transferable to almost any workplace. You may choose to do further study, as many professional careers are best served by graduates with a generalist first degree.

You'll be prepared for a wide range of roles in government or the public service, community and non-government organisations, business, education and media.

VU Bachelor of Arts graduates often go on to work in the following areas:

• journalism, writing or strategic communications
• teaching (a popular choice following completion of a Masters of Teaching)
• creative arts administration
• public service and policy work
• community sector
• creative arts
• software development
• corporate management.

To attain the Bachelor of Arts students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:

• 96 credit points of Core studies
• 96 credit points of Major 1

And select either:

• 96 credit points of Major 2
• 2 x 48 credit points Minor studies

Note: Students intending to select 'Psychology' as their Major undertake APP1012 Psychology 1A, APP1013 Psychology 1B, in their first year of study instead of ABA1004 Text and Representation and ACU1002 Creativity, Communication and the Digital Age.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

• Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
• Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.