Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Online: January, May, September
- Townsville: January, May, September
- Cairns: January, May, September
Fees
$15,540.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2025, which are subject to change in following years.
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry Requirements
ATAR 59
English (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 311039
- 311031
- 321031
Course detail
Learn from world-class lecturers and experience small, friendly classes and personalised support. Practical work placements ensure you are work-ready when you graduate. Depending on your chosen major, you may also have the opportunity to experience an overseas placement.
This three-year, full-time degree is highly flexible and allows you to explore areas of study that focus on your strengths while giving you opportunity to diversify. The course is also available part-time.
You will study a selection of core subjects and your choice of up to two majors, giving you in-depth knowledge and expertise in each study area.
The JCU Bachelor of Arts offers 11 majors to choose from. Not all majors are available at every campus. The handbook provides detail about the subjects you can study within each major.
Additional information
About JCU's Bachelor of Arts Degree in Queensland
Today’s employers are looking for people who can think outside the box and apply critical thinking skills. If you are ready to differentiate yourself and bring fresh perspectives and insightful critiques to your future career, a Bachelor of Arts degree from JCU is the perfect foundation for your future.
Choose the major that most appeals to you - the value of a Bachelor of Arts degree lies in broadening your perspective and gaining practical skills. This broad range of knowledge and skills gives you the tools you need to analyse today’s modern challenges and raise important questions.
What is an Arts Degree?
When you study for an arts degree at James Cook University or any other tertiary level education provider, you will be studying usually a three-year degree with a select group of majors. At JCU, Bachelor of Arts degrees fall under the school of Arts, Society and Education. The majors it is possible to study at JCU include languages, literature, and history, as well as subjects which fall under social sciences such as anthropology, sociology, and indigenous studies. A full list of majors, electives and core subjects is available in the Handbook on the main Bachelor of Arts degrees page.
What You Will Study
When you ask, “What is a Bachelor of Arts degree?” you might be uncertain about what you will actually be studying. In the first year, there are usually core subjects that all students must study to build critical thinking and analysis skills, and to give a foundation in the arts degree they have chosen. There are then electives which students can choose according to their interests.
Any student studying a language degree will have a core linguistic part to their degree to develop proficiency in the language, and in addition, they may study literature, history, politics or media from countries where that language is spoken.
Graduates with an arts degree have many transferrable skills that can be applied to a variety of careers including an excellent command of written and spoken English, research skills, critical thinking and problem solving.
Differentiate Yourself
Distinguish yourself using your breadth of perspective and ability to think clearly. Your critical thinking skills allow you to connect the dots and you will have the ability to apply that perspective and then express your ideas constructively and effectively.
Take advantage of Australia’s unique position in the Asia-Pacific region to learn about cultures and peoples with JCU’s BA in arts. Develop insight into what brings people together and what drives them apart and become a leader in modelling mutual respect.
As you develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, you will apply them to problems on a national and global level. Become a problem solver and provide the answers when others only see questions.
Bachelor of Arts Courses That Lead the Way
By graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree you actively keep your options open for a fulfilling career. Today’s employers are looking for people who can do more than just perform tasks. They want problem solvers, researchers, and thinkers with creative ideas. These are the skills your Bachelor of Arts degree will help you develop.
Your broad knowledge base will give you a perspective others lack. Your knowledge of cultures will position you as a negotiator and peacemaker. Your critical thinking skills will put you at the head of teams identifying and solving problems in business, in the community, or in the world at large.
The world needs a new generation of thinkers ready to reflect on the world’s biggest problems and find relevant solutions. Answer the call with a Bachelor of Arts from James Cook University.
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Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Arts.
Majors
Anthropology
Study history, languages, politics, economics and social systems. Understand cultural and ethnic difference and analyse how people’s beliefs fit into a wider social, political and economic context.
Learn the research, observation and interview techniques that will equip you to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Develop skills critical in decision making for governments, corporations and not-profit organisations.
Archaeology
Develop skills in archaeological site recording and conservation. Participate in field trips to investigate heritage site excavations, and Aboriginal Australian rock art sites.You may also have the opportunity to travel on South-East Asian excursions. You will learn the fundamentals of archaeology, then expand on this knowledge with more specialised offerings in Evolutionary, Forensic, Asian, Australian and European Archaeology.
Criminology
Learn why people are motivated to commit crime, and explore strategies to prevent law-breaking and rehabilitate offenders. Throughout your studies, you can participate in a wide range of extracurricular criminology student activities.
This course equips you with skills to help make a difference in your community. It combines subjects from Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Social Work and Law.
English
Gain critical communication and reasoning skills and develop your understanding of the English language, while growing your passion for reading and writing. JCU English major students examine a wide range of literary periods and genres that provide a comprehensive source of historical and cultural understanding.
Grow your passion for written and visual literature as you study the talents of Shakespeare, diverse forms of cinema, Australian literature, children’s literature and more.
History
Gain an intimate knowledge of humanity by examining past societies and cultures. You will study the history of North Queensland, and develop your understanding of Australian history.
Analyse major historical events in a global context and investigate how political, economic and environmental events shaped different communities. Graduates have the skills needed for careers that demand strong research and communication abilities.
Human Geography
Explore the interrelationship between people and their natural and built environments. Develop specialist skills including urban planning and design, regional sustainability and social and environmental impact assessment.
Become proficient in identifying problems, evaluating explanations, analysing data, and relevant computing techniques. Graduates understand how to develop recommendations to solve major social and environmental problems.
Human Services
Develop skills that will prepare you to work with marginalised and vulnerable people. Study social policy, community planning and development, education and capacity building, organisational practice and social responsibility.
Benefit from JCU’s research culture and working relationships with government agencies and local community groups. You will gain practical skills and experience through field trips and project work.
Indigenous Studies
Expand your understanding of the complex interface between Indigenous and Western knowledge, perspectives and practices in Australia today. Explore Indigenous knowledge and traditions, colonial disruptions, and Indigenous re-assertion in the current era, from the local to the global.
Some subjects include field trips and one includes an optional international trip to an Indigenous community. Graduates are prepared to engage thoughtfully with Indigenous Australians and Indigenous issues in professional and community spaces.
Politics and International Relations
Take a deep dive into the people, institutions and issues involved in Australian and international politics. Explore political processes, policy, diplomacy, political economy, and globalisation of Australia and the Asia-Pacific.
You will examine Australia's global position and role, economic and social policies, traditional and non-traditional threats to security, poverty, and other topics relevant to our modern society.
Explore Politics and International Relations
Psychology Studies
Gain a deeper understanding of the biological, social and cultural factors that influence how humans think, feel and behave. Explore the history of psychology, the nervous system, memory, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, health psychology, personality and psychological disorders.
This major is not accredited. If you want to become a Registered Psychologist, find out more about the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). This major is not available at Cairns campus.
Sociology
Develop the analytical skills to learn how society is organised and how we interact with each other. Study social trends and understand why and how societies and institutions have developed through history.
Gain social science research tools and explore a diverse range of topics. Examine the societal issues of the Tropics, including race, gender identity, poverty and wealth.
Honours
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree is available for high-achieving students. It consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. Refer to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) for eligibility information. Students who have completed their degree with James Cook University or at other universities can apply.
JCU Bachelor of Arts graduates have a diverse range of skills with many career choices.
Your career options vary depending on what majors you select. You could work in areas such as human resources, education, media and communications, policy, research or conservation.
As a JCU Arts graduate, you could take on roles like anthropologist, archaeologist, journalist, public relations officer, policy advisor, psychologist, criminologist, community development officer or historian.
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: 59.00
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Arts for Semester 1, 2024. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2024 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
JCU Townsville
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 95.45 | 99.95 |
Median | 77.60 | 80.80 |
Lowest | 57.90 | 59.50 |
JCU Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 89.00 | 97.00 |
Median | 72.25 | 75.45 |
Lowest | 68.00 | 70.00 |
External
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | <5 | <5 |
Median | <5 | <5 |
Lowest | <5 | <5 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Adjustment factors
James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD15,540.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
JCU Prep provides a pathway into this course. Enrolling in this flexible program will enable you to meet entry requirements including subject pre-requisites and ATARs. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for tertiary study.
*Excludes entry into the Bachelor of Advanced Science, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Marine Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Nursing Science – Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours).
Note the course QTAC code for the location you've chosen. You'll need to enter it as part of your QTAC application.
Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.
ATAR score is indicative only. Entry scores will be finalised in the major offer round.
Real stories
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Student
Cole Brown
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Politics and International Relations
My Bachelor of Arts studies have equipped me with the critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary to better navigate interpersonal and intercultural exchanges with care and clarity.
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Alumni
Elena Reynolds
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and Politics and International Relations
The faculty's expertise and dedication, coupled with a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and hands-on experiences, create an ideal environment for personal and academic growth. The interdisciplinary nature of my studies has prepared me for a dynamic and adaptable approach to various professional paths.
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Alumni
Hannah King
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Anthropology
The Bachelor of Arts degree at JCU was interesting to me because of how flexible it is. There are many interesting majors and subjects to choose from, and I’ve been able to sample different disciplines all under the one degree. While this degree looks at global issues, it also has a great focus on regional challenges.
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Lecturer
Professor Rosita Henry
Professional Chair, Anthropology Lecturer
For anyone who wants to prepare for the future, the Bachelor of Arts allows you to broaden yourself and develop understandings to deal with challenging questions facing humanity. You can tailor your degree in line with your interests. The Bachelor of Arts has the range and flexibility for you to be all you can be.
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Employer
Dr Maddy McAllister
Senior Curator Maritime Archaeology, Museum of Tropical Queensland
The calibre of JCU graduates is exceptional. They have a strong theoretical base that is combined with a willingness to learn the practical, hands-on skills, which are required to work in the industry.