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Programme structure - Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts allows students the flexibility to design an individual programme to meet their academic, personal and professional aspirations.

To make the most of the opportunity, prospective students are advised to discuss their degree path with the academic staff at the School of Arts.

Normally, students complete eight one-semester units at each year level. However, students may vary this basic structure, provided they satisfy the following general requirements:

  • an arts major (a minimum of eight units taken over three years);
  • an arts minor (four units taken over two years);
  • another first-year arts sequence (two units);
  • another two arts units at first, second or third-year level;
  • a minimum of six units at third-year level;
  • a maximum of 10 first-year units;
  • a minimum of 16 arts units in total;
  • additional arts or non-arts units to make a degree total of 24 units.

Most units may be taken towards either the second or third year of the degree, though some units are available at first-year level only.

Units from other schools

Students have the option of completing a portion of their degree in units taught by another Monash school, depending on academic and professional aspirations. However, to qualify for the Bachelor of Arts, students must complete a minimum of 16 units taught by the School of Arts.

Normally, students must complete a minimum of six units taught by the school at first-year level, and at least eight arts units at second/third year. In addition students must complete another two units at first, second or third-year level. Students must complete at least one major and one minor in units taught by the School of Arts.

Majors and minors

A major is a three-year specialisation in an area of study consisting of a total of eight units, with two units taken at first year level and six units taken at second and third-year levels (with a minimum of three units at third-year level). Some areas have special requirements for the completion of a major. These special requirements are outlined under the Descriptions of the individual majors.

Students may take two majors in the Bachelor of Arts degree. One of these majors may be completed from those majors offered by another school (subject to approval by the Head of the School of Arts and the other school). The choice of major will depend on academic interests and professional goals.

A minor is a two-year sequence in an area of study. A minor generally consists of two units at first-year level and two units at second/third-year level.

A sequence consists of two one-semester first-year units.

Majors and minors are available in:

  • Communications and Media Studies
  • Comparative Literature & Cultural Studies
  • Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • International Studies
  • Sociology
  • Philosophy
  • Psychology
Minor units are available in English Literature and French. A sequence is available in Global Studies.

First-year level

At first-year level, students must take at least three pairs of units from those offered by the School of Arts. It is possible to take two first-year units taught by another school.

The following first-year arts units are available:

Child and Youth Development

  • Child and Youth Development Context
  • Child and Youth Development Levels

Communications and Media Studies

  • Media Studies
  • Introduction to Communication Studies

Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • Understanding crime
  • Criminal Justice & Criminology

English

  • Reading Africa: An Introduction
  • Centres and Margins

French

  • French Studies 1 (for students with little or no prior knowledge of French)
  • French Studies 2 (for students with little or no prior knowledge of French)

Geography and Environmental Science

  • Introduction to Physical Geography
  • The Global Challenge

Global Studies

  • Global Studies
  • Global Research

International Studies

  • Contemporary Worlds 1
  • Contemporary Worlds 2

Journalism

  • Journalism 1
  • Journalism 2

Sociology

  • Introduction to Sociology 1
  • Introduction to Sociology 2

Philosophy

  • Introduction to Philosophy A
  • Introduction to Philosophy B or Ethics at Work

Psychology

  • Psychology 1A
  • Psychology 1B

Second/third-year level

In second year, students will generally concentrate on three areas of study, then focus on two areas at third-year level, although it is possible to vary this structure. Students can take up to two majors in the BA degree.

See also: