Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is a one-year course for high-achieving Bachelor of Arts graduates. It is an opportunity to produce a research project that explores an area of your interest and prepares you for a deeper contribution to knowledge making through doctoral studies.
During the course, you'll work closely with your research supervisor to develop a high-quality research thesis or a sustained creative work project with exegetic analysis. At CDU, you'll have the one-on-one support and flexibility to design a bespoke research project that aligns with and develops your talents and interests.
Critical thinking is one of the most important skills for the future workforce, which is why the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) is designed to hone your thinking skills and prepare you for independent research work. In a world where everyone has an opinion, you'll learn to critically evaluate ideas, concepts and information to deliver a unique perspective on your research topic.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in a wide range of fields. The knowledge and skills you acquire through this degree will prepare you for a research role in a range of government and statutory authorities such as land councils, museums, training and research organisations, diplomacy, policy advisor, communications, media, or consultancy particularly where these organisations engage with central and northern Australia and Asia.
Completion of honours at the highest levels will open up possibilities of a research career by allowing you to enrol in a PhD.
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
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2024 is AUD $27,096.00. This equates to $ $3,387.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
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 course is comprised of 80 credit points of core, and elective units. The core units are designed to be undertaken consecutively with honours thesis units making up the remainder of the course requirements.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (2 units) | 30cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 30 credit points as detailed below: IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) |
| Research Units (2-3 units) | 50cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 50 credit points selected from the units detailed below: |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- 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 commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time or standard part time load.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research Unit |
SEMESTER 1 ENTRY - FULL TIME STUDENT
Research Focus
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO |
| IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R | IAS713 Thesis (30cp) | R |
Creative Research Focus
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO |
| IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R | IAS711 Thesis (10cp) | R |
| IAS714 Research Exegesis (20cp) | R | ||
SEMESTER 1 ENTRY - PART TIME STUDENT
Research Focus
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO |
| IAS711 Thesis (10cp) | R | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R | IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R |
Creative Research Focus
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO |
| IAS711 Thesis (10cp) | R | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R | IAS714 Research Exegesis (20cp) | R |
Students Commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time or standard part time load.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research Unit |
SEMESTER 2 ENTRY - FULL TIME STUDENT
Research Focus
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | ||
| IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO | ||
| IAS713 Thesis (30cp) | R | ||
Creative Research Focus
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | ||
| IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO | ||
| IAS711 Thesis (10cp) | R | ||
| IAS714 Research Exegesis (20cp) | R | ||
SEMESTER 2 ENTRY - PART TIME STUDENT
Research Focus
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO | IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R |
| IAS711 Thesis (10cp) | R | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R | ||
Creative Research Focus
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS502 Research Methods 2 (10cp) | CO | IAS714 Research Exegesis (20cp) | R |
| IAS711 Thesis (10cp) | R | ||
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS712 Thesis (20cp) | R | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent international qualification in an arts-related discipline or field with at least a credit average (GPA of 5.00).
Additional admission requirements
You must contact CDU's Faculty of Arts and Society by email to fas@cdu.edu.au prior to submitting an application to discuss a potential project and supervision arrangements.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
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 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with 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
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2023.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2023) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | <5 | N/P |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | N/P |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | <5 | N/P |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
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.
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.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
Share this course