Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Online: February, July
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
Fees
$14,000.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Fees currently displayed are indicative only. 2024 fees will be uploaded by October, 2023.
Duration
3 years full-time
or part-time equivalent
Entry Requirements
ATAR 59
English (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 311039
- 311031
- 321031
Course detail
Learn from world-class lecturers and experience small, friendly classes and personalised support. Practical work placements ensure you are work-ready when you graduate. Depending on your chosen major, you may also have the opportunity to experience an overseas placement.
This three-year, full-time degree is highly flexible and allows you to explore areas of study that focus on your strengths while giving you opportunity to diversify. The course is also available part-time.
You will study a selection of core subjects and your preferred major. Each major provides you with in-depth knowledge in that study area. You can choose either a second major or two minors, which can complement your studies or broaden your area of expertise.
The JCU Bachelor of Arts offers twelve majors to choose from. Not all majors are available at every campus. The handbook provides detail about the subjects you can study within each major.
Additional information
About JCU's Bachelor of Arts Degree in Queensland
Today’s employers are looking for people who can think outside the box and apply critical thinking skills. If you are ready to differentiate yourself and bring fresh perspectives and insightful critiques to your future career, a Bachelor of Arts degree from JCU is the perfect foundation for your future.
Choose the major that most appeals to you - the value of a Bachelor of Arts degree lies in broadening your perspective and gaining practical skills. This broad range of knowledge and skills gives you the tools you need to analyse today’s modern challenges and raise important questions.
What is an Arts Degree?
When you study for an arts degree at James Cook University or any other tertiary level education provider, you will be studying usually a three-year degree with a select group of majors. At JCU, Bachelor of Arts degrees fall under the school of Arts, Society and Education. The majors it is possible to study at JCU include languages, literature, and history, as well as subjects which fall under social sciences such as anthropology, sociology, and indigenous studies. A full list of majors, electives and core subjects is available in the Handbook on the main Bachelor of Arts degrees page.
What You Will Study
When you ask, “What is a Bachelor of Arts degree?” you might be uncertain about what you will actually be studying. In the first year, there are usually core subjects that all students must study to build critical thinking and analysis skills, and to give a foundation in the arts degree they have chosen. There are then electives which students can choose according to their interests.
Any student studying a language degree will have a core linguistic part to their degree to develop proficiency in the language, and in addition, they may study literature, history, politics or media from countries where that language is spoken.
Graduates with an arts degree have many transferrable skills that can be applied to a variety of careers including an excellent command of written and spoken English, research skills, critical thinking and problem solving.
When Can I Start My Arts Degree at JCU?
There are two intakes a year in February and July for arts students, and degree courses are available in Townsville, Cairns and online. For eligibility criteria, please check the main Bachelor of Arts degree course page. This page also contains information about fees, scholarships and funding. Visit the main page now to find out more about JCU’s Bachelor of Arts programmes.
Differentiate Yourself
Distinguish yourself using your breadth of perspective and ability to think clearly. Your critical thinking skills allow you to connect the dots and you will have the ability to apply that perspective and then express your ideas constructively and effectively.
Take advantage of Australia’s unique position in the Asia-Pacific region to learn about cultures and peoples with JCU’s BA in arts. Develop insight into what brings people together and what drives them apart and become a leader in modelling mutual respect.
As you develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, you will apply them to problems on a national and global level. Become a problem solver and provide the answers when others only see questions.
Change the World With Your Bachelor of Arts Degree
You have a passion to make a positive difference and the best Bachelor of Arts degree will equip you to use your strengths for the good of others. Using the communication skills you develop, you will be able to implement your ability to reflect, apply ethics, and work in a team in a large variety of careers.
Bachelor of Arts courses allow you to clearly express your ideas in written and spoken English or another language, if you choose the Modern Languages major. You will understand how to relate to different audiences and be an inspiration to others.
Study JCU's Bachelor of Arts & Begin a Career
Both a degree and a job are important and through the small class sizes at JCU and lecturers committed to student success, you will graduate ready to work. As you pursue your Bachelor of Arts in Queensland, have the flexibility to choose the specific direction you want for your career. Choose from any of twelve majors and fulfil your passions while learning the life and work skills you need to succeed.
Are you passionate about how ethnic and cultural differences fit into wider political and economic unity? With a major in Anthropology or Politics and International Relations, be ready to help corporations or governments make decisions for the community. Or be an active part of the solution, learning why people offend and develop strategies to rehabilitate offenders through a major in Criminology.
Your passion for languages could lead you to an English major, where you learn about the richness of the language. Be ready to work in journalism, publishing, scriptwriting, public relations, and more. Choose a Modern Languages major to branch out, immersing yourself in a foreign language so you are ready to work in business, negotiations, international aid, or for human rights causes.
Work with vulnerable people and marginalised communities and study a major in Human Services or Indigenous Studies. Develop the practical skills and knowledge you need to make a difference. You could work in community planning, education, heritage preservation, or child and family services.
Bachelor of Arts Courses That Lead the Way
By graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree you actively keep your options open for a fulfilling career. Today’s employers are looking for people who can do more than just perform tasks. They want problem solvers, researchers, and thinkers with creative ideas. These are the skills your Bachelor of Arts degree will help you develop.
Your broad knowledge base will give you a perspective others lack. Your knowledge of cultures will position you as a negotiator and peacemaker. Your critical thinking skills will put you at the head of teams identifying and solving problems in business, in the community, or in the world at large.
The world needs a new generation of thinkers ready to reflect on the world’s biggest problems and find relevant solutions. Answer the call with a Bachelor of Arts from James Cook University.
Hide additional information
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Arts.
Majors
Anthropology
Study history, languages, politics, economics and social systems. Understand cultural and ethnic difference and analyse how people’s beliefs fit into a wider social, political and economic context.
Learn the research, observation and interview techniques that will equip you to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Develop skills critical in decision making for governments, corporations and not-profit organisations.
Archaeology
Develop skills in archaeological site recording and conservation. Participate in field trips to investigate heritage site excavations, and Aboriginal Australian rock art sites.You may also have the opportunity to travel on South-East Asian excursions. You will learn the fundamentals of archaeology, then expand on this knowledge with more specialised offerings in Evolutionary, Forensic, Asian, Australian and European Archaeology.
Criminology
Learn why people are motivated to commit crime, and explore strategies to prevent law-breaking and rehabilitate offenders. Throughout your studies, you can participate in a wide range of extracurricular criminology student activities.
This course equips you with skills to help make a difference in your community. It combines subjects from Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Social Work and Law.
Design and Creative Arts
Amplify your creativity, learn how to think differently, and bring your ideas to life. Using technical equipment, software and programs, you will explore the creative world and cultivate strong individual design aesthetics.
Explore Design or Visual Arts
English
Gain critical communication and reasoning skills and develop your understanding of the English language, while growing your passion for reading and writing. JCU English major students examine a wide range of literary periods and genres that provide a comprehensive source of historical and cultural understanding.
Grow your passion for written and visual literature as you study the talents of Shakespeare, diverse forms of cinema, Australian literature, children’s literature and more.
History
Gain an intimate knowledge of humanity by examining past societies and cultures. You will study the history of North Queensland, and develop your understanding of Australian history.
Analyse major historical events in a global context and investigate how political, economic and environmental events shaped different communities. Graduates have the skills needed for careers that demand strong research and communication abilities.
Human Geography
Explore the interrelationship between people and their natural and built environments. Develop specialist skills including urban planning and design, regional sustainability and social and environmental impact assessment.
Become proficient in identifying problems, evaluating explanations, analysing data, and relevant computing techniques. Graduates understand how to develop recommendations to solve major social and environmental problems.
Human Services
Develop skills that will prepare you to work with marginalised and vulnerable people. Study social policy, community planning and development, education and capacity building, organisational practice and social responsibility.
Benefit from JCU’s research culture and working relationships with government agencies and local community groups. You will gain practical skills and experience through field trips and project work.
Indigenous Studies
Expand your understanding of the complex interface between Indigenous and Western knowledge, perspectives and practices in Australia today. Explore Indigenous knowledge and traditions, colonial disruptions, and Indigenous re-assertion in the current era, from the local to the global.
Some subjects include field trips and one includes an optional international trip to an Indigenous community. Graduates are prepared to engage thoughtfully with Indigenous Australians and Indigenous issues in professional and community spaces.
Politics and International Relations
Take a deep dive into the people, institutions and issues involved in Australian and international politics. Explore political processes, policy, diplomacy, political economy, and globalisation of Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
You will examine Australia's global position and role, economic and social policies, traditional and non-traditional threats to security, poverty, and other topics relevant to our modern society.
Explore Politics and International Relations
Psychology Studies
Gain a deeper understanding of the biological, social and cultural factors that influence how humans think, feel and behave. Explore the history of psychology, the nervous system, memory, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, health psychology, personality and psychological disorders.
This major is not accredited. If you want to become a Registered Psychologist, find out more about the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). This major is not available at Cairns campus.
Sociology
Develop the analytical skills to learn how society is organised and how we interact with each other. Study social trends and understand why and how societies and institutions have developed through history.
Gain social science research tools and explore a diverse range of topics. Examine the societal issues of the Tropics, including race, gender identity, poverty and wealth.
Honours
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree is available for high-achieving students. It consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. Refer to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) for eligibility information. Students who have completed their degree with James Cook University or at other universities can apply.
JCU Bachelor of Arts graduates have a diverse range of skills with many career choices.
Your career options vary depending on what majors you select. You could work in areas such as arts and design, media and communications, research, conservation, or community.
As a JCU Arts graduate, you could take on roles like anthropologist, archaeologist, journalist, public relations officer, policy advisor, psychologist, criminologist, community development officer, or historian.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2023. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 59.40
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Arts for Semester 1, 2023. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2023 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 91.90 | 95.90 |
Median | 70.40 | 72.40 |
Lowest | 60.65 | 62.65 |
JCU Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 79.90 | 81.90 |
Median | 70.65 | 73.85 |
Lowest | 56.05 | 60.05 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2024 |
Course code | 115710 |
Course type | Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) |
Owner | Academy |
College | Arts, Society and Education |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | English (Units 3/4,C) |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy. |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 72 credit points as per course structure |
Additional course rules | Study plans must include:
|
Additional information | The Psychology Studies major is not an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited sequence. |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts, graduates will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Arts. |
Reasonable adjustments | All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
Course Structure – JCU Townsville, JCU Cairns and External
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
BA1001:03 Time, Truth, and the Human Condition
BA1002:03 Our Space: Networks, Narrative and the Making of Place
SS1010:03 Australian People: Indigeneity and Multiculturalism
Level 3
BA3000:03 Arts Edge
OPTIONS
Select 6 credit points of level 1, 2 or 3 Humanities, Arts and Social Science subjects
PLUS
Select 6 credit points of level 3 Humanities, Arts and Social Science subjects
PLUS
Select a single or double major
Single Major
Select a major from Table A
PLUS
Select 12 credit points of any Level 2 or 3 subjects
PLUS
Select 3 credit points of any Level 3 subjects
PLUS
Select 9 credit points of any undergraduate subjects
Lists of subjects grouped according to potential career aspirations and interests can be accessed here.
Double Major
Select a major from Table A
PLUS
Select a second major from Table A
TABLE A (MAJORS)
Credit points in major | 24 credit points |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | ||
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | ||
JCU Townsville External | Not all subjects are available internally. Students will need to take some subjects offered only in external mode. | |
JCU Cairns External | Not all subjects are available internally. Students will need to take some subjects offered only in external mode. | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | ||
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | Not all subjects are available internally. Students will need to take some subjects offered only in external mode. | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | ||
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | ||
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville | ||
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | Not all subjects are available at all locations | |
JCU Townsville JCU Singapore | If you plan to practice as a registered psychologist, you will need additional studies beyond a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Studies | |
JCU Cairns JCU Townsville External | Not all subjects are available internally |
Course Structure (Singapore)
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
BA1001:03 Time, Truth, and the Human Condition
BA1002:03 Our Space: Networks, Narrative and the Making of Place
AN1001:03 Anthropology: Cultural Diversity in Global Perspective
Level 3
BA3000:03 Arts Edge
OPTIONS
Select 9 credit points of level 1, 2 or 3 Humanities, Arts and Social Science subjects
PLUS
Select 9 credit points of level 2 or 3 Humanities, Arts and Social Science subjects
PLUS
Select 6 credit points of level 3 Humanities, Arts and Social Science subjects
PLUS
Select a major from Table B
PLUS
Select 3 credit points of any Level 3 subjects
PLUS
Select 3 credit points of any level 2 or 3 undergraduate subjects
PLUS
6 credit points of any undergraduate subjects
Lists of subjects grouped according to potential career aspirations and interests can be accessed here
TABLE B (MAJORS - SINGAPORE)
Credit points in major | 24 credit points |
MAJOR | AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Singapore | Students planning to practice as a registered psychologist will need additional studies beyond a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Studies. |
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | Not all majors are available |
JCU Singapore | Not all majors are available |
JCU Townsville | Not all majors are available |
External | Not all majors are available |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time |
Maximum time to complete | 9 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 3 years |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Must successfully complete 12 credit points at level 1 before attempting any level 2 or 3 subject. |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | No |
Special assessment requirements | Nil |
Professional accreditation requirements | The Psychology Studies major is not an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited sequence. |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure |
Maximum allowed | 48 credit points |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 19 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed this course. |
Other restrictions | Students may apply for exemption from language subject pre-requisite requirements on the basis of prior learning or demonstrated and appropriate experience in the relevant language. |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF ARTS |
Approved abbreviation | BA |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | Majors will appear on the testamur |
Exit with lesser award | Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies. Students who exit the course prior to completion, and have completed 48 credit points of study and appropriate subjects, may be eligible to receive the award of Advanced Diploma of Arts. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Honours
Honours availability | Available as an additional year of study. |
Eligibility | Achievement of an overall grade point average of 5.0 (i.e. credit average) across the undergraduate degree and/or a grade point average of 5.0 in the final year of the undergraduate degree, with credits or better in specific discipline areas. |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD14,000.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
An ATAR is the score required for entry into most undergraduate courses. If you are not a Year 12 school leaver or do not have an ATAR, you can be assigned an equivalent score. Scores are calculated from previous study that you might have completed, either secondary, tertiary or vocational, or previous paid employment experience.
JCU offers pathway courses to help you move into a degree. Pathway courses provide you with an individualised study plan and specialised support as you transition to university.
Contact us to find out more.
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
-
Student
Tracey Hough
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and Indigenous Studies
Learning has been the highlight of university. I have enjoyed all of my subjects, especially the core Bachelor of Arts subjects, which were fascinating.
-
Student
Cole Brown
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and International Relations
My Bachelor of Arts studies have equipped me with the critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary to better navigate interpersonal and intercultural exchanges with care and clarity.
-
International student - Mauritius
Douresha Drepaul
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English
The connection between students and lecturers is probably the thing that I have enjoyed the most at JCU. The staff have always been helpful and considerate. They have always offered their help and support which has really helped me.
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Lecturer
Professor Rosita Henry
Professional Chair, Anthropology Lecturer
For anyone who wants to prepare for the future, the Bachelor of Arts allows you to broaden yourself and develop understandings to deal with challenging questions facing humanity. You can tailor your degree in line with your interests. The Bachelor of Arts has the range and flexibility for you to be all you can be.
-
Employer
Dr Maddy McAllister
Senior Curator Maritime Archaeology, Museum of Tropical Queensland
The calibre of JCU graduates is exceptional. They have a strong theoretical base that is combined with a willingness to learn the practical, hands-on skills, which are required to work in the industry.