Bachelor of Arts

At the completion of this degree students will be able to:

1. Solve real-world problems that arise from our past, shape our present, and determine our future.
2. Possess detailed knowledge, can apply a range of theoretical perspectives, and practice appropriate research methods of one or more disciplines in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.
3. Critically evaluate competing sources of knowledge and analyse complex issues.
4. Effectively communicate ideas in written, creative, digital, verbal and/or other forms, and make persuasive, sustained and evidence-based arguments.
5. Design and manage projects of increasing sophistication, involving ethical and independent inquiry.
6. Act as global citizens, contributing as informed participants within scholarly, professional and other communities, working with diverse people and ideas to address critical challenges.
7. Wield valuable skills that prepare graduates for professional futures, including ethical practices, creative problem solving, analytical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to work independently and with others.

An arts degree can take you anywhere.

You could study community development, sustainable development or international aid – or learn to put your creative thinking to work for government agencies, corporations or organisations anywhere in the world.

The Bachelor of Arts embraces new directions in teaching and practice-based learning to train the thinkers and researchers of the 21st century. Many of the biggest and most vital issues we face today are about human society and the human condition. How can we understand who we are, how we want to live, or what kind of society we want to create, without the insights, knowledge and skills provided by the humanities?

In this degree you will learn to put theory into practice in a way that is recognised and valued by employers. You will be empowered to be the agile and think creatively so that when the time comes, you will thrive in our rapidly changing world and be a force for change, like Bachelor of Arts student Karis. 

3 reasons to study Arts at Murdoch

1. Develop skills in an area of the arts you’re passionate about and gain practical experience so you’re job ready when you graduate.
2. Use the flexibility of a Bachelor of Arts to customise your degree to suit your dream career. 
3. Get practical experience with the opportunity to take on internships as you study.

What you’ll learn

• Build the kind of advanced written and verbal communication skills which can make you an asset to any organisation when you graduate.
• Explore the theories, research methods and practices in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
• Design and manage projects where you might work with others, lead a team or work independently.
• Learn to identify, analyse and evaluate complex issues in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
• Think creatively as you examine different perspectives and ethical approaches in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Related CRICOS: 001572M, 079340E, 079364G.

Recommended study pattern

You will be studying units from all these components:

• First Year Core unit (3 credit points): ART100 (3 credit points).
• Specified Core Electives unit(s) (6 credit points): ART101 (6 credit points) OR IND101 (3 credit points), AND/OR ART200 (3 credit points) AND/OR ART208 (3 credit points), AND/OR MSP202 (3 credit points).
• Major (24 credit points) - see details under 'Subjects in this degree'.
• Final Year Core unit (3 credit points): ART300 (3 credit points), OR ART303 (3 credit points), OR ART325 (3 credit points), OR COD303 (3 credit points).
• General electives (36 credit points).

It's best to progress through your degree steadily by building up your knowledge and skills at each year level before enrolling in the next level. This is required at Murdoch University - students must have completed 12 credit points at Level 1 before enrolling in Level 2 or 3 subjects.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Murdoch University Bachelor of Arts students must complete 72 credit points (24 subjects). This degree is structured around the following key elements:

• Required Degree Subjects (Core) 12 credit points (made up of First Year Core, Specified Core Electives and Final Year Core).
• Required Major Subjects (Major) 24 credit points.
• General Elective Subjects (Options) 36 credit points.

Degree Structures

Murdoch’s degree structures combine all the required elements to make a student knowledgeable, experienced, confident and successful within a chosen career. Each level of an undergraduate degree requires 24 credit points, the equivalent of a year of full-time study.  

Choose your subjects

Majors

You can choose from the following majors. You must complete all eight mandatory subjects in the major that you choose.

• Community Development
• International Aid and Development
• Sustainable Development.

Electives

Options (General Electives) – 12 subjects (36 credit points)

The number of electives undertaken at each level varies depending on selection of core electives.

• Complete at least 3 subjects (9 credit points) of Level 1 General Electives from any OUA subjects
• Complete 9 subjects (27 credit points) of Level 2 points or 3 General Electives from any OUA subjects.

Select from any subjects offered by Murdoch University or OUA, subject to individual subject prerequisites. Students who are considering a second major are advised to consider using General Elective points (from Murdoch offerings) to meet the requirements of a second major. For available Murdoch University electives - see 'Electives' under 'Subjects in this degree'.

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.

• First Year Core

• Major in Community Development

• Major in International Aid and Development

• Major in Sustainable Development

• Specified Core Electives

• Final Year Core

• Electives

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $46,900

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

This research-based university in Perth has a strong interdisciplinary focus and a reputation for outstanding teaching and ground-breaking research. With more than 25,000 students and 2,400 staff from over 90 countries, and campuses in Dubai and Singapore, Murdoch embraces free thinking, shared ideas and knowledge to make a difference, and Open Universities Australia is certainly part of that.

Learn more about Murdoch University.

Explore Murdoch courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

26

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

31

Transferring from another degree or university

If you have successfully completed university studies equivalent to at least 2 subjects (6 Murdoch credit points) you can apply to transfer to Murdoch University using your previous studies.

For all other minimum entry requirements and pathways, please refer to the course you are interested in on Murdoch University website.

Successful completion of 2 subjects at Open Universities Australia (OUA), or an Australian University.

School leavers gain an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) from four degree subjects completed during Year 12, or OP (Overall Positions) in Queensland.

To apply to Murdoch University after Year 12, you must achieve English competency and have achieved your WA Certificate of Education (WACE) or its interstate equivalent along with the ATAR (or OP) relevant for your chosen degree.

An ATAR of 70.00 or higher (or a Queensland Overall Position of 14 or less) is required for admission to a Commonwealth Support Place in this degree.

If you have successfully completed a Certificate IV or higher you can apply for admission into a Commonwealth Support Place.

At Murdoch University, we value diverse abilities and motivations. If you’re a domestic student without a selection rank of 70 through ATAR, IB scores, AQF qualifications, or enabling programs, our Experience-Based Entry might be for you. This pathway considers your academic, vocational, and life achievements, including employment, volunteering, work experience, sports coaching, and leadership roles. Further information including the point calculation, document requirements, and the application form can be found at here: Experienced based entry.

Other Entry Options:

• Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT): A national test for mature age students assessing aptitude for tertiary learning. Minimum scores: 140 in Written English and 135 in Qualitative or Multiple-Choice sections.
• Completed Secondary Education: If completed more than two years ago.
• Enabling Programs:
  • STAT Preparation Course: Complete the course and sit the STAT.
  • Murdoch University OnTrack Flex: Successfully complete this program to apply for a Commonwealth Support Place.

Additional information

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre
• For further admission information about this degree, please refer to Murdoch Admission Information - Arts.

To demonstrate English language competency you will need a scaled mark of at least 50 in ATAR English, Literature or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD). Or equivalent of an Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0.

If you’ve previously studied or have professional work experience in a relevant field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your Murdoch degree. Known as advanced standing, this recognition of prior learning could reduce your overall study load and shorten the length of time before you’re able to graduate. Find out if you are eligible and apply atRecognition of Prior Learning.

Proof of citizenship is not required for admission; however, it is required for access to Higher Education Loan Programs (HELP). Please upload a scanned copy of your birth certificate or Australian passport or citizenship certificate along with your application.