Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts is a highly flexible, new-age degree featuring a choice of six majors, each offering a unique perspective on the world around you and your role in it. You'll learn how to improve your decision-making, generate new ideas, and think critically and creatively.
At a time when some jobs are disappearing, others are evolving and new jobs are emerging, these are the transferable skills that will future proof your career.
CDU's Bachelor of Arts develops both the breadth and depth of your knowledge. It gives you the freedom to focus on your area of interest, while also studying other subjects from a wide range of fields.
At CDU, you'll benefit from a unique focus on Indigenous leadership and the issues and opportunities facing Northern Australia and South-East Asia.
You'll also have the flexibility to study online, on campus or a mix of both, part-time or full-time. With 24/7 access to learning materials and online collaboration tools, you can study when it suits you.
Choose from six majors:
Media Studies, Literature and Creative Writing: Explore how the digital age is changing communication, interaction and the way information is shared. Learn about social media, media ethics, creative and professional writing, and multi-screen communication.
Society and Digital Culture: Learn how philosophy, sociology and Indigenous knowledge traditions influence the way we think about the world and make decisions. You'll explore the social issues facing Northern Australia and Southeast Asia and the cultural drivers that impact change.
Australian Indigenous Knowledges: Gain the skills and knowledge to work with Indigenous cultures and communities in a culturally-competent way. This major focuses on developing the knowledge and skills for meaningful policy-making and implementing change for Australia's Indigenous peoples. You'll learn about the sociological, economic, historical and cultural drivers that impact Australia's Indigenous policy-making and governance.
Languages, Linguistics and Culture: Learn a new language and examine the role of language and linguistics in our communities - Chinese, Greek, Indonesian or one of three Indigenous languages (Yolngu, Arrernte or Bininj Kunwok). Explore the mechanics of language, the role of languages in our socioeconomic and political lives, and how languages shape our identities and strengthen communities. Opportunities exist to advance your language skills with an in-country study program.
Interdisciplinary Studies: Adopt a variety of knowledge and skills from various disciplines across the University to explore special interests and advance your employment options in an ever-changing world.
Justice Studies, Peace and Truth-Telling: This major provides students with the opportunity to carefully consider the world hidden in plain sight. Units in this major explore climate justice, violent power structures, practices of social transformation and their challenges. Graduate in this major with the skills to solve wicked problems.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals, whether you study Indigenous governance and policy, creative and digital arts, communications, architectural design, or one of many other majors.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study arts at CDU?
Future-proof your career when you study arts with us. You'll learn to think critically and creatively in a rapidly changing world. Our courses are highly flexible and tailored to fit your interests and career goals.
- #2 in Australia for creative arts starting salaries (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for humanities employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Learn from leaders in Indigenous and Asia Pacific knowledge, with close ties to important research initiatives
What will I study?
The Bachelor of Arts offers students a pathway into diverse specialist and interdisciplinary thematic areas with six majors available including; media studies, literature and creative writing; society and digital culture; Australian Indigenous knowledges; languages, linguistics and culture; interdisciplinary studies; justice studies, peace and truth-telling.
Course structure
As a student, your journey through this program will develop core communication, critical and creative thinking skills to prepare you to participate in an interdisciplinary and global workforce.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Electives (4 units) | 40cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 40 credit points as per list of units detailed below: IAS101 Indigenous Australia |
| Specialist Electives (8-16 units) | 80-160cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 80-160 credit points from ONE of the majors detailed below: NOTE: Students may also choose to complete a second major.
Complete 20cp from the following 100 level units: IAS123 Sociological Perspectives PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 200 level units: IAS223 Representing and Recording Country PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 300 level units: IAS321 Indigenous Sovereignty and Challenges of Reconciliation
Complete 20cp from the following 100 level units: LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 200 level units: LWA221 Human Rights Law PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 300 level units: IAS302 Language, Crime, and the Law: Forensic Linguistics
SOCIETY AND DIGITAL CULTURE (Complete 80cp as indicated) Complete 20cp from the following 100 level units: IAS121 Critical and Creative Thinking PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 200 level units: IAS203 Artificial Intelligence and Human Societies Complete 30cp from the following 300 level units: IAS303 Indigenous Philosophies and The West MEDIA STUDIES, LITERATURE AND CREATIVE WRITING (Complete 80cp as indicated) Complete 20cp from the following 100 level units: IAS111 Introduction to Australasian Literature PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 200 level units: IAS203 Artificial Intelligence and Human Societies PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 300 level units: IAS300 Trans and Sex/Gender Diversity
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (Complete 80cp as indicated) Complete 20cp from the following 100 level units: LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 200 level units: MAN204 Project Management PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 300 level units: CRA302 Interdiscplinary Project
LANGUAGES, LINGUISTICS AND CULTURE (Complete 80cp as indicated) Complete 20cp from the following 100 level units: CHN161 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 1 PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 200 level units: CHN261 Chinese Language (Mandarin) 3 PLUS Complete 30cp from the following 300 level units: IAS301 Diversity in First Nations Languages |
| Capstone Units (0-2 units) | 0-20cp | Capstone units totalling 0-20 credit points may be selected from the list below. You may, in consultation with the coordinator of your major, choose to undertake units from the capstone units listed below. These units are an invaluable opportunity to gain experience before entering the workforce or starting postgraduate study. They are designed to build on the particular strengths and skills you have acquired whilst studying your major. The units are only available for manual enrolment. To enrol, complete the Special Enrolment eForm via the eForms tile through the CDU Portal. IAS401 Foundations for Professional Practice and Skills |
| General Electives (2-8 units) | 20-80cp | General Elective units totalling between 20-80 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. You may take between 2 and 8 general elective units, which are selected from undergraduate units offered by CDU, including units offered within the Bachelor of Arts program that are not part of your major. Students completing ONE major can select up to a maximum of 40cp of 100 level units. Students completing TWO majors can select up to a maximum of 20cp of 100 level units. When selective electives, choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. Undergraduate units are coded at 100 to 300 level, therefore units coded as IAS1xx, IAS2xx and IAS3xx would be first, second and third year units respectively. |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points may be taken from 300 level units, or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | CRA101 The Creative North | CO |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | IAS200 Creatives of Time and Place | CO |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | CRA101 The Creative North | CO |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | IAS200 Creatives of Time and Place | CO |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Year 6 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CRA101 The Creative North | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | IAS200 Creatives of Time and Place | CO |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CRA101 The Creative North | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | IAS200 Creatives of Time and Place | CO |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Year 5 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Year 6 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Year 7 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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