Bachelor of Arts

The University of Western Sydney’s Bachelor of Arts combines advanced academic knowledge with practical real life training. It is designed to equip students with a broad range of skills and knowledge in research and critical inquiry, and is sufficiently flexible to cater to a range of career aspirations and personal interests.

We see our programs of study as the first big step in your path of lifelong learning. And we see our students as critical participants in future social change. As much of this change will occur in and through the workplace, we make sure our courses have a real world emphasis, so our graduates are highly adaptable in today’s changing employment market.

UWS houses one of Australia's leading schools for the study of the humanities, bringing together scholars in the humanities and communication arts with broad teaching and research interests, including anthropology, art history, film, media and visual cultures, history, literature and philosophy.

We are committed to providing innovative programs forging new directions in cultural research, and participating in the global movement that is reassessing the role of the academy and intellectual work in broader public cultural debates.

We also encourage students to appreciate cultural continuities and traditions. This means studying the historical, social, philosophical, aesthetic, political and technological dimensions of cultural change from before the birth of the modern world to the postmodern world of the 21st century.

Part time-study is only available to local students and is generally completed by day classes as there are limited night classes.

Course Structure

All students must enrol in and complete Bachelor of Arts core units; either the accredited Key Program in Psychology, or a major (see the list of majors below); and elective units. Electives may be used toward obtaining an additional approved major or sub-major.

Bachelor of Arts Majors

There are twelve majors in the Bachelor of Arts. Refer to the pages below for detailed information about the major and its specific career opportunities:

»» Asian Studies and International Relations
»» Cultural and Social Analysis
»» English, Text and Writing
»» Global Studies
»» History and Political Thought
»» Islamic Studies
»» Indigenous Australian Studies
»» Language
»» Linguistics
»» Media and Visual Cultures
»» Psychological Studies
»» Religion, Anthropology and Philosophy

Career Opportunities

Bachelor of Arts graduates find employment in diverse areas including: communication and media industries; education; psychology and counseling; cultural, political and social policy analysis; writing and publishing. The Bachelor of Arts is a three-year degree designed to provide knowledge and generic skills that form the basis for lifelong learning.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the Apply Now pages.

All international applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made via the International Student Admission Application form. Step by step instructions are available on the International Admissions pages.