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QTAC code (Australian and New Zealand applicants): Online: 909405; Toowoomba campus: 909441; Springfield campus: 929441

CRICOS code (International applicants): 009258A

This program is currently undergoing internal reaccreditation. This may result in changes to the program for 2022.

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Program aims

The Bachelor of Arts aims to produce graduates who are critical and creative thinkers with the transferable skills to respond to the demands of a rapidly changing labour market, who will contribute to the long-term improvement of societies and economies, both local and global, and who can reconcile deep disciplinary knowledge in the Humanities and Social Sciences with broader forms of knowledge based on the sense of justice and civilization that is essential to effective citizenship within a democratic society.

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Program objectives

On successful completion of the program, students should be able to:

• productively transfer discipline-based competencies in the Humanities and Social Sciences to further learning and professional contexts

• critically evaluate multiple sources of evidence in developing their own individual viewpoint

• clearly and coherently present ideas and logical arguments in a range of modes that are fit for purpose

• act as responsible, ethical citizens based on respect for diversity of cultures and peoples, both locally and globally

• apply relevant theories to researching, planning, and achieving effective solutions to complex problems

• participate both autonomously and collaboratively in informed debates, discussions and activities to produce new ideas, processes and artefacts.

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Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is a single national, comprehensive system of qualifications offered by higher education institutions (including universities), vocational education and training institutions and secondary schools. Each AQF qualification has a set of descriptors which define the type and complexity of knowledge, skills and application of knowledge and skills that a graduate who has been awarded that qualification has attained, and the typical volume of learning associated with that qualification type.

This program is at AQF Qualification Level 07. Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning.

The full set of levels criteria and qualification type descriptors can be found by visiting .

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Program Information Set

View USQ’s admission criteria, student profiles and a summary of all offers made under via the QTAC website.

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Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Have achieved a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 58, or equivalent qualification.^

• English Language Proficiency requirements for Category 2.

Applicants are advised to also address the following:

• expectations: English (Units 3 & 4, C).

All students are required to satisfy the applicable .

If students do not meet the English language requirements they may apply to study a ¾«¶«´«Ã½app-approved . On successful completion of the English language program, students may be admitted to an award program.

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Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of a students' higher education and students pay a , which varies depending on the courses undertaken. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the .

Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called .

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the

Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called provided they meet the residency and citizenship requirements.

Australian citizens, Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders, Permanent Resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens who will be resident outside Australia for the duration of their program pay full tuition fees and are not eligible for .

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. Students are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the .

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Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts is comprised of 24 single-unit courses as indicated in the table below. Students are not permitted to complete more than ten Level 1 courses as part of this program.

Second major, minor and/or elective courses from other USQ undergraduate programs

Students may select a second major, minor and/or elective courses from other USQ undergraduate programs, subject to meeting prerequisite requirements and with the approval of the Program Coordinator. Typically students tend to consider a second major, minor or elective courses from the Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Communication and Media, Bachelor of Information Technology or Bachelor of Science

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Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 9 years to complete this program.

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Core courses

All students must take the following core courses:

• (students cannot study both and within the one degree).

The recommended pattern for enrolment in core courses by full-time on-campus students:

This pattern can only be varied with permission from the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts. Students who have not completed the required Year 1 core courses during their first year of study may be advised to complete these courses before progressing in the program.

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Major studies

Bachelor of Arts major sequences

A Bachelor of Arts major is a specified group of 8 units that cover specialisation in a recognised field of study within Humanities and Social Sciences. A major must have courses over three levels and contain at least two Level 3 (usually indicated by a 3000 code). The following majors are offered in this program (refer to recommended enrolment patterns for lists of specific courses):

Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of people and analyses what it means to be human in a wide range of contexts and places: from the study of material culture to popular culture, public health policies and the world’s religions. Anthropology can be used to address some of society’s most compelling questions on war, gender, discrimination, racism and other divisions of power. Students of the Anthropology Major go beyond the traditional idea of studying remote societies and cultures to look at the social and cultural experiences of our own lives; they will delve deeper into the questions they ask about the world, and be given the academic skills needed to make a difference.

Archaeology

Archaeologists give us the chance to see how people lived in the past, and how they interacted with one another and the environment. Studies of the material traces of the past also help people to make important decisions about property, resources, and cultural heritage in the present day. Students taking the Archaeology Major at USQ will open a window to the past under the direction of some of Australia's most respected archaeologists, with opportunities for practical archaeological training, including field methods and laboratory analysis.

Contemporary Media Studies

How people engage with their society is closely related to our use of media technologies, from print to screen, or from everyday interactions to social networks. This major combines the study of communications and media theories with applied studies in contemporary media institutions. Students of Contemporary Media Studies analyse the areas of film, social media, television and popular culture more broadly, all of which dynamically shape people’s lives in a media-driven world.

Creative and Critical Writing

The Creative and Critical Writing major allows students to gain deep understanding of the theoretical and philosophical understandings of writing and writing practices that then inform the students’ own practice as writers. Courses have a thematic focus so students acquire the skills to write effectively, but also learn to think critically about how, why, where and when we write about experiences, landscapes or people.

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology is the social scientific study of crime and society’s response to crime. By undertaking a major or extended major in criminology and criminal justice, students can expect to develop important employability skills in the areas of critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving. These skills are developed through a range of fascinating studies about why people commit crime, crime prevention and intervention, the prevalence of crime, crime and the media, youth and juvenile justice, victimology, investigating crime, the history and purpose of punishment, race and crime, and green criminology.

English Literature

English Literature fosters students' passion for great writing and develops skills in forming critical arguments, conducting research, and documenting evidence. ¾«¶«´«Ã½app in this area encourages students to be analytical and to develop a clear and expressive writing style in a range of modes. Students explore both the great works of literature as well as innovative and contemporary works of poetry, prose, drama, film, new media and critical essays.

History

The historian, like a detective, examines clues, assesses the reliability of witnesses and seeks out the reasons and truth behind an event. Historians have insights into what events have happened and why. Through critical thinking and real-world application, students learn to piece together information from the past and apply it to current events and issues. Students will examine world civilisations, historic and contemporary Australia, race relations in Australian history, European history, modern Southeast Asia, and the 20th century.

Indigenous Studies

Indigenous studies at USQ will give students an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives and ways of thinking. Students learn about Indigenous issues and elements that have shaped and influenced Indigenous communities in Australia. Indigenous staff will enable students of this major to develop the ability to work with and within Indigenous communities in culturally appropriate and effective ways.

International Relations

This major is designed to strengthen students’ understanding of Australian domestic and external affairs. A range of theoretical perspectives is examined, including institutional structures, policy frameworks, political systems and ideologies, economies and security regimes in various regions. Students will also study the complexities of cross-cultural interaction and issues which will be developed analytically through issue-based, problem-solving approaches.

Journalism Studies

The Journalism Studies major is designed for students who wish to become journalism scholars, researchers, and media commentators and specialists. Students will learn about the history and development of the free press and theories and principles that govern the practices of news institutions in the modern world.

Languages (Cross-Institutional ¾«¶«´«Ã½app)

Students wishing to undertake a Languages major can choose a major through cross-institutional study. This provides students with a broad range of language options through other institutions. Students intending to study a language must contact usq.support@usq.edu.au for further details and assistance with their cross-institutional enrolment.

Students may undertake one of the following language major options cross-institutionally:

• 4-unit language minor

• 8-unit language major

• 12-unit extended major

• 16-unit double major

Legal Studies

The Legal Studies major gives students the chance to learn how to analyse case studies, debate key legal concepts, be introduced to legal research, and study possible methods of resolving conflicts, including litigation. Students will examine Australian foreign policy and Australia's historic and contemporary relations on a global basis.

Public Relations Studies

With this major students will gain the skills and knowledge to review communication policies within an organisation and develop and implement communication programs and strategies. Students of the Public Relations Studies major will also develop skills required in the industry, such as creating public awareness campaigns and improving organisation, public and media relations. Students learn to identify communication problems of organisations through appropriate research and strategic planning.

Social Justice Studies

The Social Justice Studies major is a field of study intended for those who want to work with people - in the public sector, non-governmental organisations, and more - to deliver community welfare and social justice. This requires a blend of critical appraisal and consultative skills in tasks including community consultation and policy analysis, skills which are useful in a changing labour market and which help students to make more sense of their lives. Students study social justice issues in local, national, and international arenas to become more informed citizens and community leaders.

Bachelor of Arts discipline extended majors

An extended major is a specified group of courses that cover deeper specialisation within a recognised field of study or cross-disciplinary studies offering coherent connections, with a value of twelve units. Extended majors consist of courses over three levels and normally will contain at least three Level 3 courses (usually indicated by a 3000 code). The following extended majors are available (refer to recommended enrolment patterns for lists of specific courses):

Anthropology & Archaeology (Extended)

Students undertaking an Anthropology & Archaeology (Extended) major gain a thorough understanding of the close connections between the study of the material traces of past peoples and our knowledge of people and cultures in the present.

Criminology and Criminal Justice (Extended)

Students who are interested in pursuing post-graduate studies in criminology and criminal justice, or would like to prepare for a career within the criminal justice system or associated agencies with a broader scope of knowledge are encouraged to complete the extended major.

Other non-Arts majors in the Bachelor of Arts

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts are expected to develop a broad base of skills and knowledge, so they may take any approved combination of courses from those offered across other USQ undergraduate programs. For Bachelor of Arts purposes, a major in these areas comprises eight units of which at least three must be at Level 3. Enrolment in these majors is subject to any pre-requisites, quota availability and timetabling constraints. Please note that non-Arts majors may also require permission from the relevant Faculty before a student can commence an academic plan including these majors.

The Bachelor of Arts at Springfield

A limited number of majors and minors are available on-campus at Springfield as indicated.

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Minor Studies

Minor studies are designed to enable students to widen their knowledge and perspectives, or to complement their choice of major. Courses must be taken over at least two levels and should be in the same discipline or recognised multi-disciplinary area. Students may take one of the minors indicated in the section of this Handbook. Students should take courses to the value of at least four units in the selected Minor study. Choice of a minor will depend on the availability of the subject area, timetabling constraints, quotas and other restrictions such as auditions and interviews in certain areas of the Arts, as well as approval by the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts.

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Electives/Approved courses

Elective courses enable students to further increase their knowledge and widen their perspectives. Choice of an elective will depend on the availability of the course(s), timetabling constraints, quotas, and other restrictions such as auditions and interviews in certain areas of the Arts, as well as approval by the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts. Courses available for elective study are generally those found in the section of this Handbook.

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IT requirements

For information technology requirements please refer to the as advised by the ¾«¶«´«Ã½app.

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Exit points

Students may exit with the Diploma of Arts if they have completed 8 courses as follows:

• 7 other courses from the Bachelor of Arts.

Students may exit with the Associate Degree of Arts if they have completed 16 courses as follows:

• 15 other units, with no more than 10 level one units.

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Enrolment

All students are urged to adhere to the recommended enrolment patterns as detailed in the next section of the Handbook. Completion of enrolment requirements will be necessary for a student to be permitted to enrol in more advanced courses.

Given the program structure information, students should plan their enrolment making sure they have fulfilled all core and discipline focus requirements (depending on their choice of enrolment pattern). Enrolment requirements must be satisfied before enrolling in a course. As a guide, full-time students should plan to undertake 8 courses per year and external or online students, who are in employment, a maximum of 6 courses per year. This is exclusive of any semester 3 enrolments, which may be used to maintain progress within an enrolment pattern where required. Students wishing to enrol in more than 4 courses in any semester must first obtain permission from the Faculty of Business, Education, Law and Arts.

Recommended enrolment patterns

In this section:

• Anthropology (8-unit major)
• Archaeology (8-unit major)
• Anthropology & Archaeology (12-unit extended major)
• Contemporary Media Studies (8-unit major)
• Creative & Critical Writing (8-unit major)
• Criminology and Criminal Justice (8-unit major)
• Criminology and Criminal Justice (12-unit major)
• English Literature (8-unit major)
• History (8-unit major)
• Indigenous Studies (8-unit major)
• International Relations (8-unit major)
• Journalism Studies (8-unit major)
• Legal Studies (8-unit major)
• Public Relations Studies (8-unit major)
• Social Justice Studies (8-unit major)

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Anthropology (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Some Level 2 and Level 3 courses are offered in alternate years (see below) and can therefore be taken in either your second or third year of enrolment; however where possible, students should seek to complete Level 2 courses before undertaking Level 3 courses.

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Archaeology (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Some Level 2 and Level 3 courses are offered in alternate years (see below) and can therefore be taken in your second or third year of enrolment; however where possible, students should seek to complete Level 2 courses before undertaking Level 3 courses.

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Anthropology & Archaeology (12-unit extended major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Some Level 2 and Level 3 courses are offered in alternate years (see below) and can therefore be taken in your second or third year of enrolment; however where possible, students should seek to complete Level 2 courses before undertaking Level 3 courses.

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Contemporary Media Studies (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

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Creative & Critical Writing (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Students considering the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) are advised to take either or .

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Criminology and Criminal Justice (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in. Some Level 2 and Level 3 courses are offered in alternate years (see below) and can therefore be taken in your second or third year of enrolment; however where possible, students should seek to complete Level 2 courses before undertaking Level 3 courses.

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Criminology and Criminal Justice (12-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in. Some Level 2 and Level 3 courses are offered in alternate years (see below) and can therefore be taken in your second or third year of enrolment; however where possible, students should seek to complete Level 2 courses before undertaking Level 3 courses.

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English Literature (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

This major is offered fully online – some on-campus offers are restricted to either Springfield or Toowoomba campus.

Students who intend to enrol in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature are advised to take eight units of English Literature subjects, plus (Year 3, Semester 1) or (Year 3, Semester 2) as an elective.

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History (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Some Level 2 and Level 3 courses are offered in alternate years (see below) and can therefore be taken in your second or third year of enrolment; however where possible, students should seek to complete Level 2 offerings before undertaking Level 3 courses.

is a capstone course and a requirement for students majoring in History. It is an essential part of the school curriculum for Education students intending to teach History. It is strongly recommended that students intending to enrol in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) should complete .

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Indigenous Studies (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Students enrolling in the Indigenous Studies major are encouraged to do a major in Anthropology or History for their second major.

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International Relations (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

Students considering Honours or postgraduate study are advised to take either or Independent as an extra final year elective.

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Journalism Studies (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

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Legal Studies (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

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Public Relations Studies (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.

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Social Justice Studies (8-unit major)

Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.