Study Bachelor of Arts (Cultural Studies) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MBAA

SATAC Code
444593 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 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.

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
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Enhance your employment prospects by studying Cultural Studies with a second major. Taking a second major will develop your capabilities to explore and understand diverse ways of thinking, which is highly regarded by prospective employers.
Use this degree as a pathway to further study, including teaching.
Have the opportunity to study part of your degree overseas, as part of our international exchange study programs.
Gain real-world connections and experience with the Hawke Professional Experience Program.
Engage with industry partners and organisations as part of your studies through the optional Professional Directions Program.
Study at a university ranked No. 1 in SA for learning resources in Creative Arts¹ and quality education in Arts and the Humanities².
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities³, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
Use this degree as a pathway to further study, including the Master of Social Work.

¹ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
²ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities.
³UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings

Snapshot

As a student studying the Cultural Studies major you will explore the complex and diverse economic, cultural, social, historical and political legacies that influence modern-day society.

You will:

develop a sophisticated body of knowledge regarding cultures and their contexts
undertake cultural analysis including weighing evidence, explaining varying perspectives and communicating effectively
research and analyse real world problems
explore contemporary cultural contexts including computer games, music and popular culture.

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. If you finish your degree with a credit or higher-grade point average (GPA) you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

What you'll learn

The Cultural Studies major will explore the complex and diverse cultural, social, economic, historical and political legacies and relations of power that influence our everyday lives and the ways we make meaning through our engagement with various texts, objects, routines and practices.

You will:

develop a sophisticated body of knowledge regarding cultures and their contexts
develop an in-depth understanding of how we represent ourselves through various forms of popular culture (film, TV, literature, social media) and what the effects of such representation are
research and analyse real world problems
explore contemporary cultural contexts including computer games, music and popular culture
research and analyse real-world problems.

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:

* Please note that this major is only available to students whose second language is English.

In addition to your two majors, you will also be required to complete four courses from a selected list of minors (also from the above list), and two elective courses in an area of your interest.

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
Introduction to Cultural Studies	HUMS 1054	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
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
Cultural Policy, Activism and Advocacy	HUMS 1061	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)		4.5
Everyday Cultures Now and Then	HUMS 2037	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
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)
Understanding Popular Culture	HUMS 2045	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
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)
Gender, Sexuality, and the Queer Image	VSAR 2031	4.5
Researching Culture	HUMS 3050	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Space, Place and Culture	HUMS 3048	4.5
Contemporary Ideas in Creative Arts and Humanities	HUMS 3047	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1

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, History and Global Politics, Languages (French/Italian/Japanese), Psychology, Sociology, or Law, Policy and Politics. 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 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 (Cultural Studies)

This degree increases your employment prospects by enabling you to gain expertise in two different areas of interest. This degree explores the complex and diverse economic, cultural, social, historical and political legacies that influence modern-day society. This is a top ranked degree for student satisfaction – in fact we’re ranked in the top ten in Australia for student satisfaction for Humanities, Culture, and Social Sciences¹.

There is also an opportunity to study a portion of your degree overseas, as part of the University’s Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience Program (full semester) or Hawke Professional Experience Program (part 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 one major and one minor Learning Area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

¹ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2018-19 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Postgraduate). Public universities only.

Real-world connections

As part of this degree you may have the opportunity to complete a placement, either overseas or locally as part of the as part of the University’s Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience Program or Hawke Professional Experience Program. These are great opportunities for you to build professional relationships and networks.

You can also make industry connections and gain valuable work experience by taking part in any of the following:

micro placements in over 100 organisations though the Professional Directions Program in second year.
a wide range of international NGOs through the Hawke Ambassador Program.
attending regular University-wide employee master classes, employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

This program helps you develop many transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers including:

critical analysis
real-world, contemporary research strategies
cultural awareness
effective communication

The nature of this degree means the employment prospects are broad and diverse. You may choose a career in project management or research working in either the public service sector, all tiers of government or private organisations.

Graduates go on to enjoy rewarding careers in a range of industries, including:

media and creative industries
arts and project management
public service and government
research.

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

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

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

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or 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. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

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