Bachelor of Arts
Undergraduate | GRF-ART-DEG | 2024
Innovators, communicators and creators start here!
Develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills in demand across all industries. You can follow your passion with majors and electives that interest you. Develop connections through peer learning, networking, and work experience.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 30 June 2024,
- 20 Oct 2024
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Price from
- $36,000
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Arts
About this degree
Bachelor of Arts Learning Outcomes
PURPOSE
The Bachelor Degree qualifies individuals who apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge in a range of contexts to undertake professional work and as a pathway for further learning.Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts will have:
KNOWLEDGE
- a broad and coherent body of theoretical knowledge about culture, history, media and society in one or more disciplines in the Humanities such as History, Sociology, Creative Writing and Literature, Journalism, and Public Relations
- knowledge of the principles and practices of research in the Humanities and their application in a range of public and professional contexts, including how these are produced, studied, communicated and received
- knowledge of the key questions about culture, media and society and how ideas develop, evolve and vary in their manifestation
- knowledge of cultural competence, global awareness and a sense of social justice, enabling them to use knowledge and understandings for ethical reflection directed towards life-long enquiry and civic engagement.
SKILLS
- cognitive and conceptual skills to question, investigate, critically analyse and apply their knowledge to the study of culture and society, past and present
- cognitive and research skills to investigate, gather information, critique and synthesize knowledge in the interpretation and creation of knowledge in relation to culture and society in general, with depth in specific disciplines such as History, Sociology, Creative Writing and Literature, Journalism, Public Relations, and Media
- skills in communication and creative expression, enabling students to articulate their ideas, work independently and with others to produce innovative outcomes and solutions, relevant in their social and cultural contexts, within a wide range of challenging careers. Bachelor of Arts problems with intellectual independence
- communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
Undergraduate students completing the Bachelor of Arts will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills in diverse public, professional, creative and/or scholarly pathways:
- using initiative in research, thinking, theories and methods to resolve a question or problem
- making reasoned decisions based on verifiable information and evidence
- exercising critical, ethical, creative and imaginative thinking in making decisions
- using initiative in adapting and applying their knowledge productively with reference to relevant social and cultural contexts
- assessing and using both primary and secondary research sources and materials
- communicating professionally and creatively through oral, textual, visual, digital and/or interpersonal modes enabling them to contribute to the production of ideas and social and cultural development.
Be prepared for a future career as an innovator, communicator and creator. With our innovative majors you can tailor your degree to both your professional pursuits and your personal interests, creating a unique skill set that could help you secure your dream job.
You will gain the understanding, insight and skill to find and communicate creative solutions to important world issues. You will develop advanced writing and presentation skills as well as research and project management skills. You will also learn about societies and cultures, past and present.
You will have the option to develop specialist expertise in contemporary fields such as journalism and public relations, or more traditional fields such as sociology, history and literary studies to name some.
Recommended study pattern
Students are recommended to follow this study pattern:
- Start with the level 1 core subjects
- Complete one foundation (level 1) subject for each of your two majors
- Complete six level 2 and 3 subjects for each of your two majors, with at least two level 3 subjects per major
- Complete one level 2 core subject
- Choose your electives
NOTE: The Literature major uses LTR110 Great Books as the foundation subject for the major. Students completing the Literature major should choose an additional elective to make up the 24 subjects required for the program.
Award requirements
The degree will normally be of three year duration for full - time students. Part time students enrolled prior to 2016 may take up to 10 years to accumulate subjects towards the degree. However part time students commencing from 2016 will have 8 years to accumulate subjects towards the degree.
To be eligible for the award of the Bachelor of Arts, a student must complete 24 subjects or equivalent as prescribed below:
- Four core subjects at Level 1, and one core subject at Level 2
- One level 1 foundation subject for each major
- Two major sequences of six level 2 and 3 subjects each from Art History, Creative Writing, Criminal Justice, History, Journalism, Literature, Public Relations, Screen and Media Studies or Sociology, with at least two subjects at level 3 in each major
- Five elective subjects
Other Award Requirements:
- A maximum of ten subjects can be taken at first year level over the entire degree
- A minimum of six subjects must be taken at third year level over the entire degree.
- Note: In accordance with the University's Credit Transfer Policy and notwithstanding the amount of credit which may be given towards the Bachelor of Arts, a student undertaking this program is required to completed a minimum of 8 subjects of second and third year level offered through Griffith University which are part of the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements which have not been credited towards another award.
This degree offers you the opportunity to specialise in:
- Art History
- Creative Writing
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Literature
- Journalism
- Public Relations
- Screen and Media Studies
- Sociology
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Students are required to register with Griffith University for this award by completing a registration for a study plan (Griffith OUA - Study Plan) by paying the required fee. The non-refundable $150 registration fee is payable when the registration is submitted.
The $150 fee is not applicable to students who have accepted a Commonwealth supported place.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
2024 Changes:
Literature major:
New Subjects:
- LHS241 Gothic Afterlives (offered from Study Session 1, 2024)
- LHS242 The Storytellers, Reading Fiction (offered from Study Session 2, 2024)
- LHS243 Narrative Fiction (offered from Study Session 3, 2024)
Retired Subjects:
- LCS221 Understanding Narrative Fiction (not offered from 2024)
- LCS231 Analysing Narrative Fiction (not offered from 2024)
- LCI211 Irish Literature (not offered from 2024)
LHS243 Narrative Fictionreplaces LCS221 Understanding Narrative Fiction and LCS231 Analysing Narrative Fiction.
Sociology major:
Retired Subject:
- SGY200 Power and Politics (not offered from 2024)
CCJ207 Crime, Society and Culturereplaces SGY200 Power and Politics.
*** Students who have completed the retired subjects will have them counted towards their degree. ***
Changes to program for students commencing 2022 and prior:
No subjects have been withdrawn from offer. New subject, LHS258 Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship is now available to all Public Relations students, including those who commenced prior to 2023.
Students who have already commenced a Screen Culture or Media Studies major are still able to complete those majors, or change to the new Screen and Media Studies major – all courses continue to be offered.
Code Changes
A large number of courses have been given new codes. Students who have completed a course under the old code are not required to complete the new code. Recoding as follows:
- AUS21 is now AUS211 Australia and the World
- CCJ20 is now CCJ200 Psychology of Crime
- CCJ22 is now CCJ202 Introduction to Policing
- CCJ23 is now CCJ203 Introduction to Corrections
- CCJ27 is now CCJ207 Crime, Society and Culture
- CCJ36 is now CCJ306 Punishment, Justice and Reform
- CCJ37 is now CCJ307 Youth Justice
- COM10 is now COM101 Academic Writing
- COM12 is now COM121 Business Communication
- COM14 is now COM141 Creative And Professional Writing
- COM15 is now COM151 Developing Research and Analytical Skills
- COM19 is now COM191 Image, Text and Culture
- COM21 is now COM211 Management Communication
- COM22 is now COM221 Issues in Contemporary Communication
- COM31 is now COM311 Organisational Communication
- CMM10 is now CMM101 Cinema History
- CMM17 is now CMM171 Introduction to Screen Analysis
- CMM26 is now CMM261 Media Law
- CMM28 is now CMM281 Hollywood Cinema
- CMM31 is now CMM311 Media Audiences
- CMM37 is now CMM371 Documentary Scriptwriting
- CMM38 is now CMM381 Drama Screenwriting
- LCI21 is now LCI211 Irish Literature (not offered from 2024)
- LCS22 is now LCS221 Understanding Narrative Fiction (not offered from 2024)
- LCS23 is now LCS231 Analysing Narrative Fiction (not offered from 2024)
- LCS31 is now LCS311 Australian Literature and History 1890 to 1929
- LCS32 is now LCS321 Australian Literature and History 1930 to 1990 (New Title - Contemporary Australian Literature)
- LCS33 is now LCS331 American Literature
- LHS34 is now LHS341 Advanced Project
- SGY14 is now SGY141 Understanding the Social World
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
Learn more about Griffith University.
Explore Griffith courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 18
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 20
Entry requirements
At least 2 OUA undergraduate units or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4.0, completed in the last 12 months at the time of application for admission
A Rank of 65.00 or an ATAR Score of 65.00
More in depth information regarding Griffith entry requirements can be found at Griffith University - QTAC.
Students may be able to receive credit for previous studies conducted at other institutions. For further information please contact the Open Universities Australia Officer, Griffith (OUA) Services at Griffith University.
A prospective student who has previously completed or partially completed a degree, may be eligible for a CSP and may also be eligible for credit transfer. For more information, please visit please visit the following website:
Career opportunities
The Griffith University Bachelor of Arts develops student skills as they progress through each level of the degree. You will have the communication, analytical and critical thinking skills for a dynamic career in a wide range of industries. Depending on your choice of majors, you could pursue a career in management, leadership, journalism, public relations, policy making, research and analysis, writing and communications or a higher degree in a discipline of your choice. You may also be eligible to apply for entry to a graduate teacher preparation degree which may lead to further career opportunities in education and teaching.
Career outlook
- Arts Administrators and Managers:
- Over $120K
- Historians:
- $93K to $120K
- Policy Analysts:
- $93K to $120K
- Policy and Planning Managers:
- Over $120K
- Social Professionals:
- $75K to $93K
Degree FAQs
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Chat with us to find out more.
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.