Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts
2021
The Bachelor of Arts is a highly flexible, new-age degree featuring a choice of nine majors, each offering a unique perspective on the world around you and your role in it. You'll learn how to improve your decision making, generate new ideas, and think critically and creatively. At a time when some jobs are disappearing, others are evolving and new jobs are emerging, these are the transferable skills that will future proof your career.
CDU's Bachelor of Arts develops both the breadth and depth of your knowledge. It gives you the freedom to focus on your area of interest, while also studying other subjects from a wide range of fields. At CDU, you'll benefit from a unique focus on Indigenous leadership and the issues and opportunities facing Northern Australia and South-East Asia.
You'll also have the flexibility to study online, on campus or a mix of both, part time or full time. With 24/7 access to learning materials and online collaboration tools, you can study when it suits you.
Choose from nine majors:
Communications, Literature and Digital Media: Explore how the digital age is changing communication, interaction and the way information is shared. Learn about social media, media ethics, creative and professional writing, and multi-screen communication.
Society and Culture: Learn how philosophy, sociology and Indigenous perspectives influence the way we think about the world and make decisions. You'll explore the social issues facing Northern Australia and Southeast Asia and the cultural drivers that impact change.
Global Humanities in a Digital Age: Examine the impact of today's digital environment on politics, public policy and government decision making in Australia and South-East Asia, and understand how lessons learned from the past can inform the government decisions of the future.
Indigenous Governance and Policy: Develop the knowledge and skills to develop meaningful policy and implement change for Australia's Indigenous peoples. You'll learn about the sociological, economic, historical and cultural drivers that impact Australia's Indigenous policy making and governance.
Contemporary Indigenous Australia: Gain the skills and knowledge to work with Indigenous cultures and communities in a culturally-competent way. This major focuses on developing your inter-cultural practice, with an emphasis on the role of Indigenous languages, cultural sites, land rights and resources, community engagement and advocacy.
Languages and Linguistics: Learn a new language and examine the role of language and linguistics in our communities - Chinese, Greek, Indonesian or one of three Indigenous languages (Yolngu, Arrernte or Bininj Kunwok). Explore how languages are written and preserved, and offers opportunities to advance your language skills with an in-country study program.
Creative and Digital Arts: Gain the skills, knowledge and portfolio to succeed in the creative and digital arts industries. Learn about creative theory and business practices and complete a range of creative projects using new and emerging design technologies.
Music Making, Production and Performance: Learn to make, produce and perform music using an instrument of your choice. You'll complete a combination of theory-based and hands-on subjects using new and emerging technologies, and gain industry experience through community-based projects.
Architectural Design: Explore the concepts and theories of architectural design, focusing on Australia's north, the tropics and South-East Asia. Learn how to represent your ideas, understand space and the built form, and use industry-standard tools, technologies and architectural techniques.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in a wide range of fields. The knowledge and skills you acquire through this degree will prepare you for work in a range of government and statutory authorities such as land councils, museums, training and research organisations, diplomacy, policy advisor, communications, media, or consultancy particularly where these organisations engage with central and northern Australia and Asia. Study with a focus on creative endeavours will support your career as a artist, writer, designer or performer, particularly if you can combine your study with some work in entrepreneurship and business management.
Credit transfers and pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Guaranteed credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
International applications
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There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate IV level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 135 (or a score of 145 if prior to May 2010).
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Navitas Academic English (will not be accepted from 2021 onwards) | A minimum overall pass and 55% in Academic English 3. (Note: this score will not be accepted from 2021 intakes onwards). |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Course structure
The Bachelor of Arts offers students a pathway into diverse specialist and interdisciplinary thematic areas with nine majors available including; communications, literature and digital media; society and culture; global humanities in a digital age; Indigenous governance and policy; contemporary Indigenous Australian; languages and linguistics; creative and digital arts; music making, production and performance; and architectural design.
As a student, your journey through this program will develop core communication, critical and creative thinking skills to prepare you to participate in a multi-disciplinary and global workforce.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Students are required to:
- complete the four (4) compulsory core units
- complete all requirements from one of the majors. You may choose to undertake a second major and/or units within the entire course.
- pass at least 30 credit points at level 300 to complete a major
- take a minimum of 60 credit points of level 300 units
- take a maximum of 100 credit points from level 100 units
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (4 units) |
40cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below:
IAS101 Indigenous Australia |
| Specialist Electives (8 - 17 units) |
80 - 180cp |
Specialist Elective units selected from one of the Majors as detailed below: COMMUNICATIONS, LITERATURE AND DIGITAL MEDIA IAS111 Introduction to Australasian Literature SOCIETY AND CULTURE IAS121 Critical and Creative Thinking GLOBAL HUMANITIES IN A DIGITAL AGE IAS131 Colonising Australia INDIGENOUS GOVERNANCE AND POLICY IAS131 Colonising Australia CONTEMPORARY INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIA IAS131 Colonising Australia LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS IAS161 Language Studies 1 (repeatable) CREATIVE AND DIGITAL ARTS IAS171 Creative Studio 1 (20cps) MUSIC MAKING, PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE IAS184 Digital Composition ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN IAS191 Architectural Design 1 (20cp) Professional Skills, Cross Cultural Awareness, Independent Study, In-Country and Placement Electives IAS401 Foundations for Professional Practice and Skills (repeatable) |
| General Electives (2 - 12 units) |
20 - 120cp |
Units totalling between 20 - 120 credit points may be selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. You may take between 2 and 12 general elective units, which are selected from undergraduate units offered by CDU, including units offered within the Bachelor of Arts program that are not part of your major. When selecting electives, choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. Undergraduate units are coded at 100 to 300 level, therefore units coded as IAS1xx, IAS2xx and IAS3xx would be first, second and third year units respectively. Note: students must not exceed 100 credit points at 100 level units. |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
Of the total 240 credit points: (unless specified in the specific course structure above)
* not more than 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units
* a minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | IAS102 Northern Exposure | CO |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | IAS202 Northern Futures | CO |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE |
Students commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
Full-time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS102 Northern Exposure | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | IAS202 Northern Futures | CO |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE | ||
Students Commencing in Summer Semester (from 2021 Summer Semester is no longer available for entry)
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in summer semester and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
♦ ensure Common Units are completed in the first year of study;
♦ maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
♦ check the assumed knowledge for each unit as some 200 and 300 level units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the subject area at a lower level. 200 level units have the unit code which includes a number starting with 200 i.e. PMO201.
| Legend: | CU = Common Unit | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester (not available from 2021) |
|||
| Year 1 (revised for SS 2020) | |||||
| IAS102 Northern Exposure | CO | ||||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | IAS202 Northern Futures | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 100 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective - 200 level | SE | Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective - 300 level | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective - 300/400 level | SE | ||||
Course fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) Australian Citizenship; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study of 80 credit points (1.0 EFTSL) for commencing students in 2021 is AUD $25,328.00.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.