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Bachelor of Arts

Seek and solve problems to improve life on earth
You have reached the maximum of 6 degrees.
Transform your passion into purpose. When you study the Bachelor of Arts at UNSW, you'll broaden your horizons and gain valuable, highly sought after skills in today's job market, while studying what fascinates you. Shape your learning experience to pursue what you love, deepen your understanding and develop skills the world needs.
Commencing Terms
Term 1, 2 & 3
Duration
3 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
UAC code 422000
Program code 3409
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2024 lowest selection rank
80.0
View all admission criteria
Fees
2025 Indicative first year full fee
$13,500*
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$40,500*
UNSW Coop Photoshoot

Overview

Broaden your horizons and pursue your passions with a Bachelor of Arts. Whether you’re interested in history, literature, international relations, or any other discipline in the humanities, creative arts, or social sciences, this flexible program offers a wealth of opportunities and challenging ideas. Prepare to question your assumptions and apply new thinking to academic traditions and real-world problems. How can we think differently about climate change, human rights, the ethical future of technology, social justice or cultural diversity?

With a Bachelor of Arts, you'll broaden your understanding of the world and gain valuable and versatile skills that are highly sought after in today's job market: critical and independent thinking, problem-solving, evidence-based reasoning, effective communication and creativity. What’s more, you’ll develop these skills while studying what fascinates you.

Key features

Design your degree 
Personalise your degree according to your unique interests, aspirations and career goals. You can learn new skills or even a new language while exploring cutting-edge knowledge from over 30 disciplines ranging from art history and theory to sociology. In the single degree, you can choose from more than a dozen additional specialisations in areas like design, communications, international business and marketing.

Work experience opportunities
Learning from real-world experience is vital to getting ready for your next steps. Put theory into practice with a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course. We'll help you arrange unique professional experience with internships, diverse work placements and industry networking opportunities.

Global opportunities 
Broaden your horizons with a study exchange as part of your degree, with more than 300 partner universities to choose from.

Honours 
After completing your degree, deepen your expertise in a specific area of your choice with guidance and support from an academic expert. An additional honours year involves independent research where you'll be supported and inspired to develop advanced skills and knowledge to expand your options upon graduation.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

  • We are ranked 4th in Australia and top 50 globally for Arts & Humanities according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
  • Freedom to design your degree, your way

Without set core courses, you’ll have complete freedom of choice over what you study. We offer contemporary topics that address current world issues to ensure your education stays relevant in today’s rapidly changing world. 

  • A diverse and inclusive community

At UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA), you’ll become part of a supportive community that continually pushes you to go beyond what you think and know. 

  • World-class teachers and leading researchers in their fields

Engage with accomplished practitioners, innovators and thought leaders who enrich the classroom with their extensive expertise.

  • Equip yourself for career success

Gain hands-on work experience, tap into our extensive industry connections and global partnerships, and become part of a thriving global alumni network.

Program Code
3409
CRICOS Code
001916C
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
422000
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
144

Entry requirements

2024 Lowest Selection Rank 1
80.0
2024 A levels 2
10.0
2024 IB Diploma 3
29.0
2024 Lowest ATAR 4
65.9

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:

  • 1-year Diploma: 48 UoC (equivalent to first year)
  • 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC (equivalent to first year and a half)
  • 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC (equivalent to two years)

Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at UNSW, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined. 

Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.

Portfolio Entry 

At UNSW ADA, you will find the freedom and support to design the future you want. An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice. For more information and to see specific guidelines for portfolio submissions visit UNSW Portfolio Entry. , opens in a new window

Prerequisites

You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.

Adjustment Factors


We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

HSC Plus 
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points. 

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL) 
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS), opens in a new window
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW. 

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes of SEIFA criteria, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to UNSW. 

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study. 

UNSW Prep Program

If you want to study at UNSW but faced challenges in year 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the UNSW ACCESS Scheme, but you don't meet the cut-off for degree entry, consider UNSW Prep.

UNSW Prep is a one-year (18 months for Engineering) pathway to a UNSW degree place. You'll study subjects that allow you to develop your academic skills, including maths skills if needed, so that you can achieve your best results. You also study degree level courses from week one, to give you a realistic introduction to university level study. If you do well in these courses you can earn course credit towards your degree.

Learn more

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page. 

International direct entry

Qualifications Direct entry requirement
International ATAR
75.0
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA
6.9
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
10.0

All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1.

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
27.0

Entry criteria is based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2024 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB Diploma or Bilingual Diploma can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
1130.0

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their UNSW degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:

  • 1-year Diploma: Up to 48 UoC
  • 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC
  • 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC

Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.

Prerequisites

You don’t need to have completed prerequisite courses, but we do assume you have a Year 12 (or equivalent) level of knowledge.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page. 

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Study areas

With a flexible degree tailored to pursue your passion and interests, you'll learn to think critically, communicate across boundaries, and solve problems creatively. Develop these highly demanded skills as you learn to create real-world solutions that apply to a range of exciting career opportunities.

 

Where can you study communications and public relations? In our Bachelor of Media., opens in a new window

Program structure

There are 24 courses in a Bachelor of Arts single degree. You’ll typically study eight courses a year if you study full-time. You can study part-time, and also take advantage of a flexible study load.

In your Bachelor of Arts you will typically complete two specialisations. You can choose to complete an optional third specialisation. Specialisations are organised into majors and minors. You’ll typically find eight courses in a major and six courses in a minor.

When you complete a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be eligible for further study at a postgraduate level. If you’d like further information about this degree and its learning outcomes, take a look at our student handbook, opens in a new window.

Future careers

UNSW’s arts graduates stand out with a combination of insights, skills, and real life experience developed through our degrees.  
 
We work closely with industry partners to ensure our degrees provide the skills they’re going to need now and in the future. Beyond your first job, you’re setting yourself up with transferable skills for wherever your career might take you. Find employment anywhere in the world with an arts degree – consider NGOs, consultancies, public relations, media, creative arts, the Australian government, and so much more.

Potential careers

  • Academic
  • Activist
  • Actor
  • Advocate
  • Creative consultant
  • Content producer
  • Diplomat
  • Gallery manager
  • Government administrator
  • International representative
  • Journalist
  • Office administrator
  • Media consultant
  • Museum manager
  • Politician
  • Political strategist
  • Policy consultant
  • Public servant
  • Publisher
  • Research assistant
  • Social media producer
  • Set manager
  • Writer

Explore your career options

Many career options lie ahead in your future. If you don’t know what you want to do yet, it’s ok. University is the time to test your ideas, discover potential career paths, or develop the knowledge to create a job that doesn’t even exist yet. 

Along with flexible course options, degrees from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture include opportunities to experiment with professional roles in internships and work placements. Wherever the future takes you, you’ll be set for life with experience and contacts among your classmates, lecturers, and UNSW graduates worldwide.

Our alumni

Cody Williams headshot

"Studying a Bachelor of Arts at UNSW really made the world my oyster. The breadth of disciplines meant that I could craft my degree to study exactly what I needed to shape my career."

Cody Williams

Public Diplomacy Assistant, Australian Embassy Tokyo

Double degrees

Combine talents and passions to open future opportunities suited to your unique strengths. Despite the name, double degrees are not double the workload! You'll study core courses in two areas of expertise, graduating with two qualifications in less time than it takes to complete two consecutive degrees. 

Double your knowledge, skills, and career options with the Bachelor of Arts and:

How to apply

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website, opens in a new window and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website, opens in a new window for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC), opens in a new window for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2025 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$13,500*
2025 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$40,500*

Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 4

*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.

The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.

2025 Indicative First Year Fee
$49,000*
2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$153,500*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.