University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Arts offers a broad curriculum that combines core disciplinary study with opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning. Students choose from a wide range of majors and minors across subjects such as History, Philosophy, English and Creative Writing, Media Studies, Politics and International Relations, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Linguistics and modern languages (for example Indonesian, French, German, Japanese, and Chinese).

First-year study introduces foundational skills in research, academic writing and critical analysis, while later years allow deeper disciplinary focus and specialised elective units. Typical components include:

• Majors and minors: Most students complete one or two majors and may add minors or a second degree stream for breadth.
• Core units: Foundational courses in critical thinking, research methods and academic communication.
• Capstone or advanced units: Final-year seminars, research projects or honours preparation where students consolidate learning and undertake substantial independent work.
• Language pathways: Intensive language study options and exchange preparations for students studying a modern language.
• Interdisciplinary options: Possibilities to combine Arts study with units from Business, Education, Law, STEM or Health disciplines for a tailored degree.

Students may also be eligible to undertake an integrated honours year after completion of the Bachelor of Arts, or to pursue work-integrated learning units and industry-linked projects depending on their major.

Structure

The degree structure is modular, typically comprising a mix of lower-division (introductory) and upper-division (advanced) units across the chosen majors and electives. The flexible structure allows full-time and part-time enrolment and the option to undertake study abroad or exchange programs in approved partner institutions.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and based on a combination of academic achievement and the University’s selection criteria. Applicants may be admitted through the following pathways:

• School-leavers: Admission based on secondary school qualifications and the University’s selection rank system.
• Alternative admission: Mature-age entry, recognised tertiary study, or completion of recognised bridging or foundation programs.
• International students: Entry based on completion of an equivalent overseas secondary qualification and meeting the University’s English language requirements.

Certain majors or units may have additional requirements, such as prior study in a language for advanced language streams or portfolio submissions for some creative specialisations. Applicants should consult the University’s official admissions pages for detailed information about documentation, recognition of prior learning, and English language conditions.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts develop versatile skills valued across many sectors. Common career paths include:

• Communications, journalism, public relations and media roles.
• Policy, research and administrative positions in government and non-government organisations.
• Education and teaching pathways (often combined with postgraduate teacher training where required).
• Marketing, human resources, and corporate roles leveraging critical thinking and writing ability.
• Arts and cultural management, publishing, and creative industries.
• Further study in specialised postgraduate programs such as law, business, social sciences or research-focused degrees.

The degree’s emphasis on writing, analysis, intercultural awareness and problem-solving supports employment across both public and private sectors, and provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurial and freelance careers.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers an arts education within a research-led environment on a scenic campus in Perth. Students benefit from small-group teaching in many units, access to academic staff active in research, and opportunities for study abroad through international partnerships. UWA’s residential colleges, student societies and industry engagement programs provide practical experience and networking while support services assist student transitions and career planning.

UWA’s flexible degree design allows students to tailor their studies to personal and professional goals, combining discipline depth with interdisciplinary breadth and opportunities for experiential learning and research preparation.