Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts lets you dive into higher learning with flexibility and freedom. We support your interests in the broad and vital study of history, society, culture and creativity.
The University of Adelaide is ranked in top 200* for Arts and Humanities globally. From Classics to Criminology, Gender Studies to Geography—you can choose from the greatest number of study areas in the state.
What will you do?
Based on North Terrace, you’ll study in the centre of Adelaide’s cultural hub, surrounded by iconic establishments and festivals. You will:
- experience a modern learning program taught with a global perspective
- learn from deeply passionate and knowledgeable academics
- build a suite of skills in critical thinking, communication, and research
- form strong networks with your peers and teachers
- develop professional connections in government, business and the community sector through internships
- gain international experience through optional exchanges or study tours when they become available.
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
This degree gives you the opportunity to be part of our new The Academy by Deloitte. You’ll be part of a supportive student cohort that learns from one another and industry leaders. Formal and informal experiences will allow you to build relationships within the Deloitte network.
You’ll focus your interests in any of the following areas:
Anthropology (SATAC code 334241)
Art History and Visual Culture (SATAC code 334251)
Australian Studies (SATAC code 334271)
Chinese Studies (SATAC code 334281)
Classics (SATAC code 334291)
Creative Writing (SATAC code 334301)
Criminology (SATAC code 334311)
Cultural Studies (SATAC code 334321)
Digital Humanities (SATAC code 334331)
Economics (SATAC code 334341)
Education (SATAC code 334351)
English (SATAC code 334361)
Film Studies (SATAC code 334901)
French Studies (SATAC code 334371)
Gender Studies (SATAC code 334381)
Geography, Environment and Population (SATAC code 334391)
German Studies (SATAC code 334401)
History (SATAC code 334411)
History and Philosophy of Sciences (minor only) (SATAC code 314071)
Indigenous Knowledges and Society (SATAC code 334421)
Indonesian Studies (SATAC code 334431)
International Business (minor only)* (SATAC code 314071)
International Development (SATAC code 334441)
Italian Studies (SATAC code 334451)
Japanese Studies (SATAC code 334461)
Linguistics (SATAC code 334471)
Management (minor only)* (SATAC code 314071)
Marketing* (SATAC code 314071)
Mathematical Sciences (SATAC code 334481)
Media (SATAC code 334491)
Modern Greek Studies (SATAC code 334501)
Music (SATAC code 334511)
Music Education (minor only) (SATAC code 314071)
Philosophy (SATAC code 334521)
Politics and International Relations (SATAC code 334531)
Psychology^ (SATAC code 334541)
Sociology(SATAC code 334551)
Spanish Studies (SATAC code 334561)
*These majors cannot be taken as a first major.
^ Further study is required to become a qualified psychologist
^QS world university rankings, by subject, 2022
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
| SATAC Code | www.satac.edu.au |
|---|---|
| 2023 CSP ATAR | 66.35 |
| 2023 CSP IB | 24 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR | 70 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - IB | 25.5 |
| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
Selection Criteria
| Recent Secondary Education | Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Applicants who have not achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors) required for selection may be selected based on the grades in selected year 12 subjects. Applicants do not need to apply to be considered for subject-based entry, as this will automatically be done. For more information, please see: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/recent-secondary-education/ Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
|---|---|
| Higher Education Study | You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Work and life experience | To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as a pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2024. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2024 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2023 or 2022), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2022). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. |
| Other Entry Pathways | |
2023 Admissions Data for school leavers
| ATAR (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors) |
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer | 58.9 |
|---|---|---|
| Median ATAR to receive an offer | 80.53 | |
| Highest ATAR to receive an offer | 99.95 | |
| Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 66.35 |
| Median Selection Rank to receive an offer | 83.93 | |
| Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 99.95 | |
| Minimum eligibility score | 65 | |
| Additional criteria considered | Selection rank only | |
-
Admissions Transparency Data
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023 Number of students Percentage of all students (A) Higher Education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)52 30.4% (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study 6 3.5% (C) Work and life experience
(admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)16 9.4% (D) Recent secondary education: - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
77 45.0% - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
N/A N/A - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
8 4.7% International students 12 7.0% All students 171 100.0% - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
Ready to Apply?
Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.
Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.
ApplyFees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
| Indicative annual tuition fees |
Commonwealth-supported place: $11,760
|
Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.
More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.
Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.
To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships
To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships
Careers
Career Readiness
Direct access to industry leaders and paid internship opportunities: The Academy by Deloitte
Students who as part of their studies take part in The Academy by Deloitte experience will have the benefit of undertaking a paid internship with Deloitte. This internship is designed to shape their business readiness through significant real-world client exposure, access to multiple networking opportunities and relevant professional training.
Our graduates have great versatility in shaping their careers and follow highly successful paths in different areas: advertising, administration, business, community engagement, corporate communication, defence, diplomatic service, environmental management and planning, foreign affairs, humanitarian work, human resources, industry liaison, management, marketing, media, policy development, project management, psychology, public relations, publishing, research, social planning, youth work, academia and teaching.
In addition to renowned excellence in teaching and research, we provide mentoring support and careers advice with employment forums and talks by key industry partners and organisations each year.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.- Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
- Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Professionalism and leadership readiness
- Intercultural and ethical competency
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
- Digital capabilities
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Industry Placement
If you maintain a high GPA, you will have the opportunity take part in an internship in your third year with an organisation from within the arts, media, parliament or environment. These include State Parliament and a range of public and business sector agencies, where you can use the knowledge from your university study in a practical work environment, building valuable networks and gaining experience that counts towards your degree program and prepares you for your future career.
Potential careers
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:
Diplomat; Linguist; Manager / Business Management; Conservation Scientist; Publishing; Member of Parliament; Parliamentary Adviser; Social Inclusion Officer; Historian; UN Human Rights Officer ...
Degree Structure
During your degree you can specialise in at least one major and one minor from a large list of areas of study. Students are also able to take elective courses in other areas of study from within Arts or from other areas within the University, such as Health Sciences or Business.
The BA offers the opportunity to learn one (or more) of eight languages, irrespective of a student's previous language study.
Students who wish to further their cultural skills and broaden their experiences can choose to study overseas for one or two semesters with one of more than 100 partner institutions around the world. Alternatively, students may wish to study one or more of a variety of short Study Abroad courses.
BA students with a suitable grade point average are also able to take part in an internship in which they gain valuable work experience relevant to their career goals, build networks, and manage a research project for an industry partner in the media, environment, parliament or the arts. Other benefits of studying the degree include regular career and employment forums and mentoring programs that run throughout the year.
Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Areas of Specialisation
Students can specialise by taking majors and minors in the following areas:
- Anthropology
- Art History and Visual Culture
- Australian Studies
- Chinese Studies
- Classics
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Cultural Studies
- Digital Humanities
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Film
- French Studies
- Gender Studies
- Geography, Environment and Population
- German Studies
- History
- Indigenous Knowledges and Society
- Indonesian Studies
- International Business (minor only)*
- International Development
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Linguistics
- Management (minor only)*
- Marketing*
- Mathematical Sciences
- Media
- Modern Greek Studies
- Music
- Music Education (minor only)
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies
Please note: All Majors and Minors are subject to confirmation in November. Please visit the Arts, Business, Law and Economics for a full list of courses that comprise each area of specialisation.
*These majors must be taken in addition to a first Arts major chosen from those listed above.
Example Study Plan
| Year 1 | Major Level I | ARTS Core Competency course (refers to Arts Core Competency | Minor Level I | Elective Level I |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Level I | Elective Level I | Minor Level I | Elective Level I | |
| Year 2 | Major Level II | Elective Level II | Minor Level II | Elective Level II |
| Major Level II | Elective Level II | Minor Level II | Elective Level II | |
| Year 3 | Major Level III | Major Level III | Minor Level III | Elective Level III |
| Major Level III Capstone (6 units) |
Minor Level III | Elective Level III | ||
Related Degrees
Further Study
Testimonial
The thing I enjoyed most about the Bachelor of Arts was how it taught me to think and be curious.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Last updated: Thursday, 6 Jun 2024
