Bachelor of Arts (Major: Liberal Arts)
School of Arts & Sciences
You should consider this varied and thought-provoking degree if you have broad academic interests. Completed in three years of full-time study, our Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Liberal Arts ranges from classical Greek, Latin and Hebrew to European history, philosophy, applied science and English Literature. This combination of scientific studies and traditional arts disciplines will prepare you for various future careers – from teaching to social policy research. Contact us today to start your learning journey.
-
Why study this degree?
Students at the earliest European universities undertook an eclectic range of courses, often combining scientific, legal and arts subjects in a single degree. At The University of Notre Dame Australia, we have brought this concept of a broadly based classical arts degree into the 21st Century.
Our Liberal Arts Major brings together subjects as diverse as Latin, Cosmology, Mathematics, Psychology and Creative Writing, allowing you to follow several academic interests during your undergraduate years rather than pick one stream.
By covering such a broad range of subjects, you will be able to develop a high level of critical thinking and an appreciation of quite distinct academic disciplines. Liberal Arts can be studied as a single major or combined with another stream of study, such as Journalism, Politics & International Relations, Social Justice or Sociology, as part of a double major. Graduates may pursue various career options, such as education, social policy research and administration.
-
Program summary
Two compulsory courses- ENGL1020 The Western Literary Tradition
- PHIL1030 Critical Thinking
One Foreign Language course
(to be chosen from the following):
- THEO2002 Introduction to Greek
- THEO2001 Introduction to Hebrew
- THEO2003 Introduction to Latin
- SPAN1000 Spanish for Beginners
Two Science/Applied Science courses
(to be chosen from the following):
- PHIL2060 The Philosophy of Science
- PHIL3310 Cosmology and Philosophy of Science
- PSYC2210 Social Psychology
- PSYC3330 Abnormal Psychology
- MATH2010 Mathematics and Technology
- History and Philosophy of Mathematics
One History course
(to be chosen from the following):
- HIST3000 Writing Lives: Personalities in History from Antiquity to the Present
- HIST2018 Australians and the World Wars
- HIST2023 Making History and the Politics of the Past
- HIST2028 Visual Evidence: Art and Artefacts in the Western Tradition
One History course
(to be chosen from the following):
- Age of Empire and Revolution: Europe 1789-1989
- HIST2013 A History of Ancient Greece
- Rome: The History of a Civilisation
- HIST2026 The European Middle Ages, c.450-c.1250
- HIST2027 Renaissance to Enlightenment, 1250-1789
Two Language/Literature courses
(to be chosen from the following)
- ENGL3000 Children's Literature
- ENGL3030 Gothic Literature and its Legacy
- The Theory and Practice of Creative Writing
- ENGL3410 Drama in the Age of Shakespeare
- ENGL3820 Freedom from Oppression: Literature that Changed the World
- ENGL3160 Australian Literature and the Postcolonial Challenge
- PHIL2070 The Philosophy of Language
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
Plus 12 electives which may form another Major or Minor (undertaken during Years One, Two and/or Three).
Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.
Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.
-
Entry requirements
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;
- Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
- Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
- Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
- Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
- Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
- Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
- Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others; and
- Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences.
-
Career opportunities
Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; many employers will welcome the transferable skills. The following careers are open to graduates of this program: teaching, human resources management, content editor, market research, social service, and community health.
-
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.
-
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. Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session.
Phone: 1800 878 916
Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008International 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 International Office
Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959Sydney and Melbourne International Office
Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007
Connect with Notre Dame on Social Media
Australia
Fremantle
Broome
Sydney