Study Bachelor of Arts (History and Global Politics) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 65.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
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Degree overview

Enhance your employment prospects by studying History and Global Politics along with a second major of your choice from disciplines in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Taking two majors will develop your capabilities to explore and understand diverse ways of thinking, which is highly regarded by prospective employers.
Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for student satisfaction in the Humanities1.
Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for graduate employability2 and Learning Resources³.
Use this degree as a pathway to further study, including the Master of Teaching (Secondary) and Master of Social Work.
Gain international experience as part of the Global Experience study tours.
Engage with community and industry partners and explore employment pathways through placements and mentoring in the optional Professional Directions Program.

¹ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA Public universities. ²QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey, 2020-22 – Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities. ³ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities. ⁴2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research.

Snapshot

As a student studying the History and Global Politics major you will develop an in-depth understanding of the patterns and processes that have shaped our societies over time and help you analyse and predict events in our contemporary world.

Key areas of study include:

the politics of environmental change in Australia and Asia
framing global politics through film and documentaries
global politics and development
world history trends
global power in the Indo-Pacific region
marginalisation in world affairs.

You will also graduate with writing, presentation, digital, communication, research and problem-solving skills that can be transferable across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

Learn more about how to tailor your Arts degree to suit your interests in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

You could also continue your studies with a Master of Teaching with Humanities and Social Sciences as your learning area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

If you would like to apply directly into the Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary) package option, please apply via SATAC using code 444521.

If you apply to the Master of Teaching packaged degree option, you will apply into the Bachelor of Arts and in your first year select your specialisation as History and Global Politics.

What you'll learn

The History and Global Politics major will highlight the patterns and processes that have shaped our societies over time and help you to analyse and predict events in our contemporary world.

Key areas of study include:

politics of environmental change in Australia and Asia
framing global politics through film and documentaries
global politics and development
world history trends
global power in the Indo-Pacific region
marginalisation in world affairs.

This degree allows you to select two majors ensuring you graduate with a broad knowledge of two areas of interest. You can choose a second major from the following:

In addition to your two majors, you will also be required to complete two core courses, four courses from a selected list of minors (also from the above list), and Professional Directions Program 1 & 2 or two electives.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Truth, Lies and Being Human	HUMS 1060	4.5	Note(s): 1
Global Politics and Development	POLI 1020	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Intercultural Communication	LANG 1054	4.5	Note(s): 1
World History Trends and Transformations	HUMS 1055	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Global Power in the Indo-Pacific Region	POLI 2032	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
OR
Professional Directions Program 1	COMM 2098	4.5	Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Framing the International: Representations of Global Politics	POLI 2030	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
OR
Professional Directions Program 2	COMM 2099	4.5	Note(s): 2
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
The Politics of Environmental Change in Australia and Asia	POLI 2031	4.5
Power and Resistance: 1900 - Present	HUMS 3049	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
United States History and Cultural Identities	HUMS 3055	4.5
Villains, Victims and Outsiders: Marginalisation in World Affairs	POLI 3019	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1,2

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

French Studies

Italian Studies

Japanese Studies

Psychology

Creative Writing and Literature

Applied Linguistics

Sociology

History and Global Politics

Cultural Studies

Law, Policy and Politics

Aboriginal Studies

Criminology and Criminal Justice
Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to complete their second major from: Aboriginal Studies, Applied Linguistics, Creative Writing and Literature, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Cultural Studies, Languages (French/Italian/Japanese), Psychology, or Sociology. Students who wish to complete the Criminology and Criminal Justice major, or a major or minor learning area from the list of available university major and minor options should contact the Program Director for approval and enrolment advice. International student visa holders cannot select Criminology and Criminal Justice as a specialisation or major.

2. Students undertaking History and Global Politics as their first major cannot undertake Law, Policy and Politics as their second major.

3. Students intending to undertake a Master of Teaching (Secondary) should consult with their program director for a schedule of recommended courses.

Notes

1. This course is one of two core courses that provide a foundation for the program.

2. Students complete either Electives or Professional Directions Program courses 1 and 2. Students may be directed to complete English Language courses in place of their electives.

3. A minor consists of four courses (18 units), two of which are generally at Level 1 (Introductory) and two at Level 2 (Intermediate).

4. The Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience course can be chosen in place of the minor sequence and is equivalent to 18 units. Students who choose this option will swap their first year (Level 1 Introductory) minor sequence to Elective 1 and Elective 2. Students can then choose to study the Hawke course in their second year (Level 2 Intermediate). Students will be required to complete the two available Level 2 Intermediate course options at second year in the opposite study period to undertaking the Hawke course.

5. Students are advised to select their minor from within the majors offered by the MBAA Bachelor of Arts.

6. The Justice & Society Study Tour course can be chosen in place of an elective course as part of this program. Additional fees apply for the study tour component of this course, and enrolment is conditional upon successful application in a competitive Expression of Interest process as well as successful completion of 36 units.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

individual and group presentations
critical analysis
essays
reflective journals
research assignments
portfolios
case studies
online quizzes
reports
assignments.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Arts (History and Global Politics)

This degree increases your employment prospects by enabling you to gain expertise in the global contexts of both politics and history, including understanding Australia’s role domestically and within the broader currents of regional and global politics. Alongside your history and global politics major, you will further develop your expertise through the study of a second full major chosen from any of those offered within the Bachelor of Arts program.

You will have opportunities to engage with industry partners and organisations as part of your studies through the optional Professional Directions Program

There is also an opportunity to study a portion of your degree overseas, as part of the Global Experience study tours or Hawke Professional Experience Program (full semester). As part of this program you will volunteer with an international non-government organisation (NGO), usually in an overseas destination.

You could continue your studies with a Master of Teaching with Humanities and Social Sciences as a Learning Area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

Real-world connections

As part of this degree, you will have opportunities to engage with community, build industry connections and gain valuable work experience. Such opportunities include:

Placements in over 100 organisations though the Professional Directions Program in second year.
Attending regular University-wide employee master classes, career development planning, employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

This could be you

UniSA’s Bachelor of Arts is taught by world-class educators and researchers and enables you to pursue two areas of academic interest at once. Hear from UniSA student Luke Heathorn and Program Support Coordinator Louis Everuss on what it's like studying our Bachelor of Arts degrees.

Career outcomes

Your career

Your knowledge of history and global politics, combined with strong analytical and research skills, can lead to further study or a career in such diverse fields as:

government and diplomacy
media
education
policy and research in governments, companies, NGOs or think tanks
community and social services
defence, intelligence, and securities.

Further career pathways are available depending on your combination of majors.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Social Sciences
UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences)
SAIBT Diploma of Arts

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

As an arts student, you will have access to:

An on-campus Multimedia Languages Lab, where you can connect in real-time with native speakers from around the world
The Hartley Playhouse Theatre – a 200-seat auditorium ideal for live performances
An on-campus TV Studio featuring one of the largest green screens in SA and home to national television shows aired on Channel 44
A broadcast-standard digital radio studio that produces UniCast, a 24 hour online radio station
A purpose built, multi-room ProTools recording studio for live band, multitrack, ADR and foley recordings
A purpose-built high-end Media Suite with Dolby Atmos for screening for industry meetings and client screenings.

Your program director

I am Director of the Bachelor of Arts Programs, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, and Fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Academy, UK.

My academic background is in Languages and Applied Linguistics (BA Hons, PhD), following extensive experience in clinical practice across a range of health and medical domains in Australia. My work places a strong focus on developing reciprocal, trusting relationships in my teaching, mentoring and engagement with students, and in my research in partnership with colleagues, community and industry. My teaching and research inform each other. I coordinate and teach core courses in the Bachelor of Arts, and my research focuses on language and communication in professions and organisations in various contexts. These include state and nationally funded projects in health care, aged care, education, counselling, and policing.

The upshot is that our Bachelor of Arts program develops each student’s interests, strengths and aspirations, enabling each student to explore and prepare for a wide range of career and life goals. The unique double major structure combines theory and practice with real-world experience to develop strong interdisciplinary skills that are highly valued by industry, government and community.

Dr Fiona O'Neill

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Fiona O'Neill

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

What others are saying

My studies have helped me create the foundation needed to have a successful career. I have developed hard skills such as writing, editing and analytical skills, as well as soft skills which make me a good employee and coworker, and include effective communication, listening, etiquette and decision making. These skills are required daily in my role as Email Marketing Strategist for POD Marketing Inc., based in Calgary, Canada. Studying history, cultural studies, and international relations also gave me the opportunity to gain further understanding of the world around me. It provided me with invaluable insight into current social issues and taught me new methods of how to approach conversations and conflicts.

Maddy Hosking

Email Marketing Strategist | POD Marketing

Maddy Hosking

Email Marketing Strategist | POD Marketing

The Bachelor of Arts program is creatively designed to be suitable for diverse needs. The degree has enabled me to gain deeper knowledge about global and national politics, as well as classical and contemporary social theories. My writing, analytical and critical skills have significantly improved since commencing my studies. I believe this program encourages students to think deeper about political and social issues in today’s climate.

Muzafar Ali

Bachelor of Arts Double Major in Sociology & Law, Policy and Politics