Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Townsville: January, September
- Cairns: January, September
Fees
$12,120.00+
+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
4 years full-time
Entry Requirements
ATAR 66.5
Recommended Knowledge
English (Units 3/4,C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C),Chemistry, General Maths or Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C) – Mathematical Methods recommended for the Majors in Maths, Physics, and Data Science.
QTAC Codes
- 311511
- 321511
Course detail
Be equipped with a diverse skill set appropriate for a career with unlimited potential. The Bachelor of Arts — Bachelor of Science joint degree develops your communication and research skills while also advancing your ability to critically analyse information. Combining this with a thorough understanding of basic and specialised scientific principles will make you stand out to future employers for your well-rounded abilities and knowledge base.
The Bachelor of Arts — Bachelor of Science double degree, involves studying across four years (full-time) or eight years (part-time). You will complete a major from the arts disciplines and one from the science disciplines, and a selection of core subjects and electives from both areas.
The arts disciplines will help you understand how humans recognise, record, and debate human practices, meanings, and values and show you how to apply this understanding to historical and contemporary social and cultural contexts. The arts disciplines include Anthropology, Archaeology, Criminology, English, History, Human Geography, Human Services, Indigenous Studies, Politics and International Relations, Psychology Studies and Sociology.
The science disciplines will show you how observation and experimentation generate knowledge of the physical and material world and how to use this knowledge in various theoretical and practical scenarios and real-world situations. The science disciplines include Aquaculture, Chemistry, Data Science, Environmental Earth Science, Geology, Marine Biology, Mathematics, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Zoology and Ecology.
The Bachelor of Arts — Bachelor of Science will help you develop advanced communication and research skills. You will also learn sophisticated analytical techniques and build a thorough understanding of basic and specialised scientific principles. Your intimate knowledge of humanity, society, cultures and trends will broaden the spectrum of your research and learning capabilities in the sciences. You will develop a deeper understanding of the interrelationship between people and their natural and built environments. You will have the opportunity to undertake real-world research in unrivalled locations, including the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. You will have access to state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities like JCU’s The Science Place. Your well-rounded abilities and extensive knowledge base will make you stand out to future employers.
Throughout your degree, you will develop key employability skills as well as valuable hands-on experience in your chosen science and arts disciplines. With the option to participate in field trips and research in the Bachelor of Science degree and opportunities for practical work placements in the Bachelor of Arts degree, you can graduate with confidence in your knowledge, skills and experience.
View the handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.
Bachelor of Arts and Science
JCU’s Bachelor of Arts and Science at Queensland offers students the perfect interdisciplinary course to keep scientific pursuits and research grounded in the concerns and principles of society. Graduates of this 4-year joint degree can become experts in their chosen fields without becoming prohibitively specialised. In other words, you can pursue a detailed understanding of marine biology and ecology while also becoming proficient in media marketing or sociology. You can use a major in anthropology to draw links between how different cultures approach scientific research and become an international advisor. The point of the Bachelor of Science and Arts is to open doors for your future, and it can do so without closing dozens of others.
Your Career Prospects
Employers love a specialist. However, they do have a preference for a specialist who is also well-rounded. After all, when everyone in an industry studies the same ideas, a fresh perspective becomes invaluable. With a joint degree, you are simply navigating the saturation of qualifications in whatever industry you choose. It is no longer enough to be qualified; you must be innovative, bold, and even revolutionary to bring something new to your field. That is why JCU graduates of the Bachelor of Science and Arts in Queensland have access to so many full-time opportunities: They have a diverse background that qualifies them to work in dozens of industries.
Consider the impact of globalisation on scientific institutions. Research does not exist in a vacuum. Facilities all over the world collaborate across languages and disciplines. Journals and publications are expanding their subject matter to include new disciplines. Different groups now seek funding from corporations using media influence. In other words, scientific institutions need to be media savvy and connected to truly function.
That is where someone with your degree comes in. Picture, for instance, your value as a graduate of both Zoology and Sociology. Employers might see you as someone who understands what motivates people, someone who can bring positive attention and funding to their research. As a graduate of both English and Chemistry, you are scientifically literate enough to edit for any renowned publication in chemistry.
Bachelor of Science and Arts at JCU: Flexibility and Pacing
The Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Science is a demanding joint degree that pushes students into challenging territory. It involves a great deal of coursework and study. On account of the required energy investment, the full-time degree may not align well with students who also have employment or children to worry about. That’s why JCU offers the degree as both a full-time and part-time pursuit. The course takes 4 years to complete full-time and 8 years studying part-time.
To apply for either option, you can click on the link to JCU’s Online Application Portal below. You can also learn more about other double arts degrees, such as the Bachelor of Arts and Business and the Bachelor of Arts and Laws.
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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 - Bachelor of Science.
Majors
There are 11 majors within the Bachelor of Arts for you to choose from.
Anthropology
Study history, languages, politics, economics, and social systems. Understand cultural and ethnic differences 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 those 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, communicating explanations, analysing data and relevant computing techniques. Graduates develop recommendations to assist in solving 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.
There are 9 majors within the Bachelor of Science for you to choose from.
Aquaculture Science and Technology
Discover the sustainable practices of aquaculture with lecturers who are world-leaders in tropical aquaculture research and development. Access to the JCU Marine and Aquaculture Research Facility will enhance your knowledge and provide current practical skills.
You will explore the scientific and practical applications of breeding, rearing and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments. You will understand the biodiversity of species and how they are farmed, the design of aquaculture systems and the basics of nutrition.
With a focus on tropical species, our researchers’ strong links to industry will give you a sound professional network when you graduate. Career opportunities include jobs in hatcheries, stock nutrition programs and management, fresh water and marine farming or aquaculture research.
Chemistry
Study in award-winning laboratories and experience excursions to local companies in the chemistry industry. You will benefit from small class sizes and the personalised approach of our lecturers.
Gain current, industry-relevant skills and explore the many areas of chemistry including analytical chemistry, synthetic, organic and inorganic chemistry and kinetics and mechanisms of chemical reactions. In your third year, you will learn a number of instrumental techniques widely used in the industry.
Accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), this chemistry major will open up career opportunities both nationally and internationally. Working across a number of industries, you could work as an analytical chemist, research chemist, clinical diagnostician, forensic scientist or environmental scientist.
Please note: mid-year entry is not available for the Chemistry major.
Data Science
Data and analytics capabilities have accelerated in recent years. The volume of available data has grown exponentially, more sophisticated algorithms have been developed and computational power and storage have steadily improved.
Data scientists work in every industry – from defence departments to internet start-ups and financial institutions – and tackle big data projects on every level. Skills in data science, big data and analytics are among the most sought-after jobs in the tech world today.
The Data Science major packages existing data science subjects together with new subjects on Data Visualisation, Big Data and Machine Learning.
Environmental Earth Science
Study Environmental Earth Science and gain practical skills related to biodiversity, climate management and relevant scientific processes.
Gain a thorough understanding of rocks, soils, rivers, coasts and climate and how they affect people and are influenced by human activities. With access to the diverse environments of North Queensland, including JCU Fletcherview Research Station, JCU Orpheus Island Research Station, the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, and the Environmental Research Complex, your learning will be grounded in real-world applications.
Through this specialisation, you’ll develop expertise within field work processes, data analysis and report writing, preparing you for diverse and exciting career opportunities across many sectors. Graduates with a major in Environmental Earth Science may work in consultancy, government or industry. You could pursue a career as a geologist, geographer, hydrologist, soil scientist, climatologist, environmental scientist or oceanographer, to name a few.
Explore Environmental Earth Science
Geology
Become an innovative problem-solver and explore the broad applications of geology, a field concerned with the structure and composition of the earth.
Build an in-depth understanding of geoscience with a focus on sedimentology, geographical mapping and structural geology. You’ll benefit from flexibility through subject choices, equipping you to explore a combination of geochemistry, critical mineral exploration or environmental process, depending on your interests.
JCU’s unique location and strong connections with industry mean you’ll find numerous opportunities for hands-on learning. Develop your on-site experience through field trips and build connections with industry partners in mining, engineering and conservation. Seize the opportunity to participate in current geological research projects through JCU’s on-campus Economic Geology Research Centre.
Graduate with practical analysis and investigation skills that will equip you to take on opportunities within the mining and minerals sector, renewable energy or environmental assessment. Those with a specialisation in Geology excel in roles such as geoscientist, environmental geologist, management consultant, palaeontologist, teacher or academic.
Marine Biology
Learn from lecturers who are world-leaders and be equipped to address critical challenges facing marine and coastal ecosystems. You will study in a location that gives you access to one of the most diverse and fragile marine ecosystems in the world, the Great Barrier Reef.
By studying the surrounding habitats of the Great Barrier Reef, you will discover the impact that humans have on the marine environment and how the oceans and atmosphere interact. You will gain valuable employability skills through practical experiments and opportunities to visit the JCU Orpheus Island Research Station.
Benefit from our researchers’ strong links with industry including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), TropWater and CSIRO Townsville. As a marine biologist, you could work in conservation biology and policy, environmental and resource management, fisheries biology, ecosystem restoration and marine impact assessments.
Mathematics
Develop the problem-solving, analytical and quantitative reasoning skills that are highly sought-after by employers worldwide. With small class sizes, you will receive the one-on-one support required to excel as a mathematician.
Understand advanced mathematical techniques, data analysis and multivariate statistical methods. You will learn how to formulate mathematical models to illustrate science and engineering problems and use various techniques to help find solutions.
To enhance your employability skills, you have the flexibility to combine this major with another science major. As a mathematician, you can work in many sectors such as information technology, animation, business and finance, astronomy and space exploration, climate study or meteorology, cryptography and applied research.
Molecular and Cell Biology
Learn how to amplify and edit DNA sequences and conduct laboratory-based and field-based projects. Throughout your degree, you will study the basis of health and disease at a molecular level and analyse the functions of a whole cell.
Benefit from hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment and techniques. Study biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology and bioinformatics and gain an in-depth understanding of molecular genetics. These structures and processes form the basis of all living matter and provide insights into complex biological interactions.
Develop the foundations needed to work towards developments in modern medicine and biotechnology. You will have the knowledge to work across a breadth of industries — job opportunities include working in research laboratories, hospital and diagnostic departments and biotech or pharmaceutical companies.
Explore Molecular and Cell Biology
Zoology and Ecology
Learn from lecturers with global standing, study amazing rainforests and diverse species and go on field trips to Borneo or the Galapagos Islands. Offered at both our Townsville, Bebegu Yumba and Cairns, Nguma-bada campuses, you will study in one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia.
Study the biology of plants and animals and their natural habitats. Discover many of the environmental threats to the Tropics by studying the effects of deforestation, infrastructure expansion, habitat fragmentation, over-hunting and invasive species.
You will access the various environments of the Wet Tropics and our Daintree Rainforest Observatory to learn about biosecurity, behavioural ecology, conservation biology and ecological modelling. You could find work as a wildlife or environmental consultant, zoologist or ecologist for a conservation, quarantine or biosecurity organisation.
Refer to the handbook for a detailed overview of each major and minor available.
Honours
Honours is available in each discipline as additional 24 credit points of study. Refer to either the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), or the Bachelor of Science (Honours) Handbook for eligibility information.
Open up a whole realm of future opportunities with a combined degree in Arts and Science.
Pursue a career that combines your skills in the arts with your passion for science, such as environmental science or technology.
JCU Arts-Science graduates find employment in roles such as technical writers, communication and media advisers, managers and consultants across the private sector, government and research organisations.
If you enjoy sharing your learning with others, you could undertake additional study to teach in schools. Alternatively, develop your passion for your major further and go on to postgraduate study or a research degree.
Depending on your majors, you may be eligible for membership or registration for professional bodies within your chosen field of study, such as the Australian Academy of Science, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology, and more.
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: 66.50
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Science 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 | 96.75 | 96.75 |
Median | 81.25 | 87.25 |
Lowest | 76.05 | 78.05 |
JCU Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 97.30 | 99.95 |
Median | 68.00 | 71.00 |
Lowest | 64.80 | 68.00 |
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: $AUD12,120.00
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).
Applicants who gain entry into the Bachelor of Arts can study a combined degree with the Bachelor of Science. Students must also satisfy the additional entry requirements for their selected science discipline - refer to Bachelor of Science.
Real stories
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Student
Rhys Malcolm
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Science
Through my degree, I’ve had the opportunity to study at Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan. Even if you only intend to build a career from one of your degrees, the skills you can learn, and experiences you can gain from your second degree will be highly transferable and will broaden your career options.
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Alumni
Stuart Hodgson
Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Science
If you are having trouble choosing between two disciplines, why not do both? I had interests in both the Arts and Sciences and would have been unable to pursue those interests through a single course. They complement each other well, with Arts training critical reasoning, and Science teaching analytical techniques.
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Lecturer
Dr Tasmin Rymer
College of Science and Engineering
JCU is recognised globally for its excellence in research in several areas. Our small class sizes provide students with access to lecturers who genuinely care about their progress and their studies. Our courses are also embedded with work-integrated learning, making JCU graduates highly sought after in the workforce.
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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.