Curtin University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Arts gives you a core of interdisciplinary humanities and social science subjects alongside one or more majors and optional minors. Typical majors include Media and Communications, English and Creative Writing, International Relations, History, Languages, Anthropology, Sociology, and Cultural Studies. You will study foundational units in research methods, critical thinking, academic writing and digital literacy, then progress to advanced, discipline-specific units.

• Core skills: academic research, critical analysis, ethics in the humanities, digital communication and reflective practice.
• Media and Communications: media theory, digital media production, journalism, public relations, multimedia storytelling and practicum units with industry projects.
• English and Creative Writing: literary analysis, writing workshops, rhetoric, contemporary prose and poetry forms, editing and publishing studies.
• International Relations and Politics: global governance, international security, diplomacy, development studies and policy analysis.
• History and Cultural Studies: historical methods, cultural heritage, museum studies, Indigenous histories and local/regional studies.
• Languages: structured language courses at varying levels, applied linguistics and language acquisition, often with opportunities for language-intensive study abroad or exchange.
• Social sciences: introductory and advanced units in anthropology, sociology and social research methods that support careers in community research and policy.

The degree is typically structured over three years full-time (or equivalent part-time), with flexible pathways to combine majors and minors. An optional Honours year is available for eligible students who wish to undertake a supervised research project and prepare for postgraduate study. Many majors include industry-focused units, internships or work-integrated learning to build practical experience.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on completion of secondary school qualifications or an approved equivalent. Domestic applicants usually need a recognised high school certificate and may be considered on ATAR-equivalent results or through portfolio and bridging programs where applicable. International applicants must meet Curtin's standard undergraduate English language requirements (for example, recognised test scores or completion of approved English preparation programs).

• Mature-age entry and alternative admission pathways are available for applicants without recent formal qualifications, often involving previous study, work experience or a bridging program.
• Certain majors may have specific prerequisites or recommended background study (for example, language study for advanced language majors or portfolio material for some creative disciplines) — applicants should check the specific major requirements before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts enter a wide range of sectors where communication, analytical thinking and cultural literacy are valued. Common career paths include:

• Journalism, media production and digital content creation
• Public relations, marketing and communications roles in public, private and NGO sectors
• Policy analysis, international development and government administration
• Community development, cultural heritage and museum work
• Publishing, editing and freelance writing
• Teaching (with additional teacher education qualification), research and further study in postgraduate humanities or social sciences

The degree also provides transferrable skills for careers in project management, research, advocacy and commercial roles where writing, research and interpersonal skills are essential.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin emphasises practice-oriented learning and industry engagement, giving Arts students opportunities for work-integrated learning, placements and collaborative projects with local and international partners. The university has a diverse international community and multiple campus locations that support exchange and study-abroad experiences for language and international studies majors.

• Strong links with media organisations, cultural institutions and government agencies to help secure internships and industry projects.
• Access to digital labs, media production facilities and editing suites for practical learning in multimedia and communications subjects.
• Support services for students including academic skills development, career advice and language support to help you transition into study and the workforce.
• Pathways to honours and postgraduate study, including research centres and supervisors across humanities and social sciences.