Bachelor of Arts

Three years full-time
Four years full-time with Honours

Many prospective students ask, ‘What is an arts degree?’ At the University of Sydney, arts degrees offer a range of subjects unmatched by any other university in Australia. More than 20 languages are offered at beginners or advanced level, along with a choice of over 50 subject areas, each offering several units of study.

You can graduate with a major (specialisation) in up to two areas. This makes the Bachelor of Arts (BA) very attractive to people who wish to develop skills that will give them a competitive edge in the employment market or as the foundation for further specialised postgraduate study.

An arts degree is very versatile. All areas of study teach students to develop their capacity for critical analysis and argument as well as an awareness of the value of language as a political, intellectual and creative tool. These attributes are highly sought-after in every area of employment. If you are unsure about the career path you wish to pursue, an arts degree from the University of Sydney offers you freedom of choice in how you structure your degree while providing many attractive opportunities.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

One year full-time

After completing their Bachelor of Arts (pass) degree, as many as one third of students undertake a year of specialised research training to gain the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree. While the honours year is usually taken in one area, it is possible to combine two related honours programs in a joint honours year, or to undertake double honours over two years.

Student Profile

The vast range of subjects that can be studied in the Bachelor of Arts was something that first attracted me to the degree. As someone who has a broad interest in the humanities and social sciences, I have found that the Bachelor of Arts is one of the best degrees available that caters to this – I feel spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting what I want to study! One thing is certain, there is no 'typical' Bachelor of Arts student – some study Australian Literature, others Chinese, some do Anthropology and others major in Political Economy. The staff in the faculty are supportive and encourage learning both in and out of lectures and tutorials – this can be by telling us about guest speakers coming to the University or encouraging involvement in student clubs and societies that might have a focus on the discipline. One of the fantastic things about the degree is that it allows students to develop skills in critical thinking and research – something invaluable in the workplace. I’m really happy that I chose to study the Bachelor of Arts at Sydney – it’s broadened my world view and helped me develop not only the way I think, but also how to engage with ideas. It has given me a very solid base with which I can choose to either pursue further study or launch myself into the outside world!

Courtney Tight
Bachelor of Arts

Pathways

Year One		Year Two		Year Three
Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 1	Semester 2
Arts (Part A) Major Junior Unit	Arts (Part A) Major Junior Unit	Arts (Part A) Major Senior Unit	Arts (Part A) Major Senior Unit	Arts (Part A) Major Senior Unit	Arts (Part A) Major Senior Unit
Arts (Part A) Junior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A) Junior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A) Senior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A) Major Senior Unit	Arts (Part A) Major Senior Unit	Arts (Part A) Senior Unit Choice
Arts (Part A) Junior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A) Junior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A or B) Senior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A or B) Senior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A or B) Senior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A or B) Senior Unit Choice
Arts (Part A or B) Junior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A or B) Junior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A or B) Senior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A or B) Senior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A or B) Senior Unit Choice	Arts (Part A or B) Senior Unit Choice
24 credits	24 credits	24 credits	24 credits	24 credits	24 credits
Core units of study and semester offerings are subject to change					Total 144 credits
Each box represents a unit of study worth 6 credit points. This diagram is a sample structure only, and is based on a standard full-time progression over 3 years.