Bachelor of Arts

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the Graduate Attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcomes

GA1: Intellectual rigour Apply critical analysis, reasoning and reflexivity to social and cultural situations and problems. Demonstrate the ability to develop a persuasive independent argument incorporating a range of perspectives and evidence.

GA2: Creativity Develop innovative and creative responses to contemporary and historical social, environmental and cultural issues.

GA3: Ethical practice Investigate and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and equity and according to ethical conventions.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of society and culture in chosen disciplines of study. Apply disciplinary knowledge to diverse contexts.

GA5: Lifelong learning Access, evaluate, interpret and present information using academic conventions to inform decision-making and action.

GA6: Communication and social skills Communicate effectively in academic and professional settings in a variety of forms, including through working autonomously or collaboratively.

GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate a commitment to multicultural perspectives as well as the ability to engage in a culturally competent way with Indigenous peoples.

The Bachelor of Arts focuses on human cultures, values and beliefs that will broaden your mind with challenging ideas. This course fosters transferable skills that are highly valued across all sectors – qualities such as communication, analysis, critical thinking and problem solving.

At Southern Cross you have the opportunity to apply those skills to the real world through community engagement as you delve into contemporary social and environmental issues. Graduates develop cultural awareness and a deeper understanding of how to build their creative capacities and communication effectiveness.

The Bachelor of Arts is a very flexible degree – you can tailor your studies through the choice of a major in History, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, Digital Media, Politics and International Relations or Social Science, or choose a shared major from a wide range of disciplines across the University.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Australia, Asia and the World
• Critical Thinking for Digital Times
• World Politics and Global Environmental Challenges
• Create: Innovate: Change.

Plus there’s a selection of majors and electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Arts, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

• 6 core units (72 credit points); AND
• 1 major (96 credit points) and 10 university-wide electives (120 credit points); OR
• 1 major (96 credit points) and 1 shared major (96 credit points) and 2 university wide electives (24 credit points); OR 
• 1 major (96 credit points), a second major (96 credit points) and 2 university wide electives (24 credit points).

No unit will be credited to more than one major.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Choose a single or double major from the following:

History

Historical study fosters critical approaches to evidence and argument and the ability to interpret and communicate complex ideas, as well as insight into how personal and cultural values are shaped over time.

Creative Writing

This major offers a rich blend of fiction and nonfiction, experimental writing, journalism, life writing, poetry, writing for stage and screen, and writing for young adults. It is taught by published writers from the Northern Rivers arts community and beyond.

Cultural Studies

Cultural Studies introduces you to critical approaches in the study of different cultural forms and practices and the political dynamics of contemporary culture.

Digital Media

This major introduces key digital media production skills and theories. It provides a background in media history and theory, as well as practical experience in design, journalism, narrative forms and audio-visual media production.

Politics and International Relations

This major takes a strong social justice approach to cover political, cultural and economic relations from local government to international organisations.

Social Science

This major examines how institutions, the economy, individuals and groups interact; movements for change and crucial issues of social concern. You'll learn a range of methods of analysis and ways of doing research, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Shared majors

You can also choose a shared major as part of your degree.

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

Indicative total fee $34,000

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.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

Learn more about SCU.

Explore SCU courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR: 60 or equivalent.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

• Overall - 6.0
• Listening - minimum 5.5
• Reading - minimum 5.5
• Speaking - minimum 5.5
• Writing - minimum 5.5.

Candidates who completed an Associate Degree of Creative Writing or the Associate Degree of Arts may be granted advanced standing for up to sixteen (16) units towards the Bachelor of Arts.

Where a student has completed multiple awards of the same level below AQF level 7, only one will be assessed for Advanced Standing.

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit for knowledge and skills you have already acquired. Credit gained through prior learning, experiences and qualification can reduce the duration and cost of your course.

The Digital Media major in this degree includes a compulsory 70-hour placement.

An optional professional placement in the other majors provides students with the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace and to establish key contacts. In the Bachelor of Arts, students can undertake learning opportunities in the community through a number of units as well as through assessment opportunities.