Arts

The Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne offers students an enriching and flexible undergraduate program designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness. This degree provides a broad foundation in the humanities and social sciences, allowing students to explore a diverse range of disciplines including history, philosophy, languages, literature, sociology, and politics. With a focus on developing analytical and communication skills, the Bachelor of Arts prepares graduates for a wide array of career pathways in sectors such as education, government, media, arts, and non-profit organizations.

Students have the opportunity to tailor their studies according to their interests through a wide array of majors and minors, including Asian Studies, Anthropology, Criminology, International Relations, Media and Communication, and Indigenous Studies, among others. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning, enabling students to integrate perspectives from different fields and develop a comprehensive understanding of complex global issues. In addition to coursework, students can undertake research projects, community-based learning, and internships to gain practical experience and enhance their employability.

The Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes critical inquiry, ethical reasoning, and effective communication, equipping graduates with skills highly valued in the modern workforce. The university’s strong links with industries, cultural institutions, and international partners provide students with opportunities for networking and real-world engagement. With world-class academic staff and excellent learning facilities, students are supported throughout their academic journey to develop their intellectual and personal potential.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne emerge as well-rounded individuals with a deep understanding of human societies, cultures, and histories. They are prepared to analyze, interpret, and address the complex challenges of contemporary society. Whether students aim to pursue further studies or enter the workforce directly, the Bachelor of Arts offers a comprehensive, flexible, and globally relevant education that lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and success.

1. You can study any of the following disciplines as a major or a minor: „

Ancient World Studies „/ Anthropology / Arabic /„ Art History „/ Asian Studies „/ Australian Indigenous Studies „ / Chinese „ / Classics „/ Creative Writing „ / Criminology „ Economics „ / English and Theatre Studies „ / French „/ Gender Studies „/ Geography „/ German /„ Hebrew and Jewish Studies /„ History /„ History and Philosophy of Science „ / Indonesian „/ Islamic Studies / „Italian /„ Japanese „/ Linguistics and Applied Linguistics „/ Media and Communications /„ Philosophy /„ Politics and International Studies „ / Psychology „/ Russian /„ Screen and Cultural Studies / „Sociology „ / Spanish and Latin American Studies

2. You can study any of the following disciplines as a minor only: „

Chinese Studies „/ Development Studies „/ English Language Studies /„ Environmental Studies /„ European Studies „/ Knowing and Learning „ Law and Justice „ / Social Theory

3. The Arts Foundation Subjects.

The Faculty of Arts has developed six first-year foundation subjects that offer cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary perspectives on a number of historical and contemporary themes. You can choose from the following subjects:

Aboriginalities – Introduces the complexity, challenges and richness of Australian Indigenous life and cultures „

Identity – Explores identity and the conception of self and other in diverse contexts across time and place „

Language – Provides a crossdisciplinary introduction to human language, including how language creates representations, and how language can be used to prevent understanding „

Power – Investigates social relations, who is in control and who may benefit from such arrangements „

Reason – Considers our use of reason, including historical origins and philosophical debates over reason and the way that different forms of reasoning have arisen „

Representation – Explores how different genres such as speech, writing, translation, film, theatre and art generate representations of social life and imagination.

4. BREADTH: BROADENING YOUR EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS Employers look for graduates who are adaptable and bring unique skills and knowledge to the workplace. Through breadth, you can take subjects from outside your core study area. There are more than 600 breadth subjects available to Arts students. For example:

Climate Change „/ Data Analysis / „ Doing Business in Asia / „ Feeding the World's Population / Greening Urban Landscapes /„ Corporate and Business Law „/ Marketing / Communications and Branding „/ Music, Mind and Wellbeing „/ People and Environment „/ Popular Music „ / Wine and Food;

Major Requirements

• Students must complete one major
• Students may complete a maximum of two majors
• Student may take no more than ten subjects (125 points) in any one discipline

Students must complete at least one major. A major usually consists of 100 points of study within a single discipline comprising:

• Two subjects (25 points) at level 1 (this may include an Arts Foundation subject in non-language majors/minors)
• Three subjects (37.5 points) at level 2
• Three subjects (37.5 points) at level 3 (including a capstone subject for non-language majors)

Students may complete one minor. A minor consists of 75 points of study within a single discipline comprising:

• Two subjects (25 points) at level 1
• Two subjects (25 points) at level 2
• Two subjects (25 points) at level 3

Arts Foundation Subjects Requirements:

• BA students must complete one Arts Foundation subject within the first 100 points of the course. Students must take a minimum of one (12.50 points) in their BA or can elect to take a maximum of two (25 points) Arts Foundation subjects;
• Arts Foundation subjects will count towards individual non-language majors/minors at level 1. Students who elect to undertake two majors can choose an additional Arts Foundation subject, or a first year Arts subject from within the same discipline area;
• Students are strongly encouraged to take an Arts Foundation subject within their first semester of study.

The University of Melbourne offers a range of financing options and support services for students enrolled in its Arts programmes. Students can access various scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities designed to assist with tuition fees, living expenses, and educational resources. Scholarships are often merit-based, awarded to high-achieving students, and may also consider financial need or specific criteria such as domestic or international status, region, or field of study within Arts. Additionally, the university provides information on government student loan schemes, including the Australian Government's FEE-HELP and HECS-HELP programs, which allow eligible students to defer part or all of their tuition payments until they are earning above a specified income threshold. International students are typically required to pay tuition fees upfront; however, some scholarships and financial support options may mitigate these costs. Students are encouraged to explore the university’s dedicated Scholarships website to find detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines. Moreover, the university collaborates with external organizations and industries to offer sponsored internships, bursaries, and financial sponsorship opportunities that can significantly offset costs associated with arts-related projects, research, or study abroad experiences. For students needing immediate financial assistance, the university provides emergency grants and financial counseling services to help manage temporary financial difficulties. Part-time work opportunities are available on campus and within the local community, allowing students to supplement their income while studying. The university also promotes financial literacy programs to help students effectively plan and manage their finances throughout their degree. Overall, The University of Melbourne is committed to supporting students financially, ensuring that economic barriers do not hinder access to quality arts education and research.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) at the University of Melbourne offers a comprehensive and flexible undergraduate program designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the arts, humanities, and social sciences. The program emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and intercultural understanding, preparing graduates for diverse careers in areas such as education, media, public service, arts administration, and research. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of majors including languages, history, philosophy, cultural studies, political science, sociology, and more. The curriculum combines core subjects that develop analytical and research skills with elective courses tailored to individual interests and career objectives. The program encourages students to undertake overseas exchanges, internships, and community projects, fostering international perspective and real-world experience. The Melbourne Model ensures high-quality teaching delivered by expert faculty members, many of whom are renowned in their fields. The program can be completed over three years of full-time study, with options for part-time study and extensions. Graduates receive a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, making them highly adaptable in a rapidly changing global job market. The university also offers support services such as academic advising, career counseling, and specialist workshops to enhance student success. The BA at Melbourne emphasizes critical engagement with contemporary societal issues and promotes lifelong learning. This program is ideal for students with a passion for understanding human culture, history, and society, and who seek a broad, adaptable education that can serve as a foundation for various postgraduate pathways or professional pursuits.