Bachelor of Arts

School of Arts & Sciences

Are you looking to cultivate your creative and critical thinking skills through study? A Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Notre Dame Australia will provide you with the transferrable skills required in a global workspace. Our range of subject areas includes traditional humanities disciplines such as History, English Literature, Politics & International Relations to more industry-focused disciplines of Archaeology, Journalism, Theatre Studies, and Environmental Management. Our flexible structure means you can design your degree around a single Major, a Double Major or a Major and Minor. Alternatively, you can combine your arts degree with another degree from within the School of Arts & Sciences or from another School to complete a double degree. Contact us today to start your study journey.

• Why study this degree?

  If you are looking for a degree that offers flexibility and choice, the Bachelor of Arts is the perfect degree for you. A Bachelor of Arts at Notre Dame will give you the freedom to choose, thus enhancing your personal development, future employment prospects and potential to contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of the broader community.

  No matter what you specialise in, completing a Bachelor of Arts allows you to work almost anywhere in the world. You might decide to travel during your degree, with both long and short-term opportunities available through our Study Abroad or Experience the World programs.

  You can develop all these skills while following your personal and professional interests across a broad range of Majors and Minors in various discipline areas.

  The Bachelor of Arts has a unique Major in Social Justice. The courses in this Major are open to students studying any discipline. The concept of social justice challenges you to step out of traditional mindsets and become involved in making a difference in your chosen career and our world. You will begin to understand the causes of the complex problems in our society and consider lasting solutions.

  Service-learning, part of our Social Justice discipline and open to all students in the Bachelor of Arts, combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Placements are in the local community, but there is also the opportunity to take up an international placement and travel to locations such as Cambodia.

• Program summary

  To complete a Bachelor of Arts you will study 24 courses. These include the core curriculum and a compulsory academic writing course, your eight-course Major, and elective courses with which you might study a second Major or six-course Minor:

  • 3 core courses in Philosophy, Ethics and Theology
  • 1 course in academic writing
  • 8 courses for your Major
  • 12 elective courses from the School of Arts and Sciences, which can be used to form a second Major (8 courses) or Minor (6 courses)

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Majors & minors

  Majors (8 courses)

  Students must complete at least one of the following Majors. Each Major is comprised of eight courses – some required and some electives.

  • Archaeology
  • Behavioural Science
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Management
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Social Justice
  • Sociology (Sydney)
  • Theatre Studies
  • Theology

  Second Majors in the Bachelor of Arts (8 courses)

  Students may use elective courses to form any of the following second Majors in the Bachelor or Arts:

  • Archaeology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Behavioural Science
  • Business Studies
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Management
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Marketing and Public Relations
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Social Justice
  • Theology

  Minors in the Bachelor of Arts (6 courses)

  Students may use elective courses to form any of the following second Minors in the Bachelor or Arts:

  • Archaeology
  • Behavioural Science
  • Business Studies
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Management
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Marketing and Public Relations
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Social Justice
  • Theology

  Specialisations in the Bachelor of Arts (4 courses)

  Students may use elective courses to form any of the following Specialisations in the Bachelor or Arts:

  • Photomedia (Specialisation)

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  * Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Entry requirements NSW

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

  OR

  • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 2 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
  2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
  4. Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
  5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
  6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
  7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others; and
  8. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences.

• Practical component

  An internship of 80 hours is available but not required.

  Internships: Each discipline area offers you the opportunity to take part in our Internship program where you will learn on location in a real work environment and get credit towards your degree. Overseas internships are possible.

  Service-learning: Service-learning through our Social Justice area combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Placements for some courses are in the local community and there is also the opportunity to take the international version of this course and travel to locations such as Cambodia.

• Career opportunities

  Career opportunities are diverse and depend on the majors you choose. Options for graduate employment could include an intelligence analyst, community project officer, change manager, research officer, disability services coordinator, family participation officer, client services, coordinator, youth housing officer, employment consultant, assessment and referral officer, or intercountry adoption support coordinator.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. While not a requirement, internship courses and work-integrated learning opportunities are available to enable you to gain on-the-job experience with professionals in your chosen field.

• Honours

  An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• Student profile data

  ATAR and selection rank profile

  The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.

  Explore our detailed overview of ATAR offers and student profiles to find the ideal degree that matches your interests and aspirations.

  View our ATAR and selection rank profile data.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome

  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne

  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007