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.
To be eligible for selection, applicants are required to have:
Completed the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE); and
completed 200 credits of subjects;
achieved a grade of C* or better in the Personal Learning Plan, 20 credits of literacy, 10 credits of numeracy and the Research Project at Stage 2;
achieved a grade C- or better in an additional 60 credits at Stage 2;
obtained a competitive ATAR.
* For Stage 2 subjects a grade of C- or better is required
OR:
completed the equivalent secondary education qualifications as required for University entry under SACE and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma, obtaining a minimum score of 24 points and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
completed or partly completed a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
completed at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at the appropriate level and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
completed an award from TAFE or from another registered training organisation at AQF Certificate IV level or above and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
qualified for Special Entry and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements;
completed the University Foundation Studies program.
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
English language test
IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
The program aims to provide students with a sound basis in the theory and practice of professional, technical and creative writing, the construction of texts, rhetoric and communication, and an understanding of the ways cultures and contexts shape all forms of discourse and communication.
Content & Structure
The Bachelor of Arts (Writing and Creative Communication) is equivalent to three years of full time study or 108 units. The program includes:
a professional major of seven courses (6 x 4.5 unit courses plus 1 x 9 unit course - total 36 units);
four common core courses (4 x 4.5 unit courses - total 18 units);
a six course sub-major (6 x 4.5 units - total 27 units);
one course in Indigeous Australian Studies (4.5 units);
four electives (4 x 4.5 unit courses - total 18 units); and
one Free Elective (1 x 4.5 unit course) selected from courses across the University.
1. The professional major of 36 units is made up of:
4 x 4.5 unit core courses: COMM 2051 Professional and Creative Communication 1; COMM 1051 Professional and Technical Writing: An Introduction or COMM 2047 Language and Context; COMM 1045 Writing and Text Workshop; COMM 2052 Professional and Creative Communication 2. Students have the option of choosing either 1 x 9 unit course plus 2 x 4.5 unit courses towards their major, or 2 x 9 unit courses. If students choose to complete only one 9 unit course the 2 x 4.5 unit courses may be chosen from the professional major optional courses listed in the program schedule above. The 9 unit course(s) may be selected from the following: COMM 3047 Advanced Editing and Publishing; COMM 3042 Creative Writing Practice; COMM 3046 Literary Texts and Practice; COMM 3045 Writing and Professional Practice.
2. A Common Core course is one available to students enrolled in most undergraduate programs offered within the School of Communication, International Studies and Languages. In addition to the two common core courses on the schedule, students select two of the listed Common Core Options, as above.
3. A sub-major (27 units) can be taken in a wide range of disciplines. Not all sub-majors are available on each campus. Students enrolled in a professional major on one campus may enrol in a sub-major on another campus. Courses making up each sub-major are detailed in the Majors, Sub-majors, Minors home pages - see above link. Students who choose a language or any other discipline requiring sequential enrolment may need to seek enrolment advice from the Program Director.
4. Students take 4 x 4.5 units of electives chosen from any courses offered in the University, including courses from the field of their professional major, sub-major or minor. Electives may be selected from the professional major optional courses listed on the schedule.
5. Students who are taking or have already taken COMM 1045 Writing and Text Workshop towards the sub-major in Literary Practice must take either COMM 1051 Professional and Technical Writing: An Introduction or COMM 2047 Language and Context instead.
6. The following restrictions apply to enrolment in these courses:
COMM 2047 Language and Context is not available to students who have completed COMM 2029 The English Language: An Introduction.
COMM 3042 Creative Writing Practice is not available to students who have completed COMM 3036 Advanced Writing Workshop.
COMM 3045 Writing and Professional Practice is not available to students who have completed COMM 3033 Writing: Community and Professional Contexts and/or COMM 2027 Language and Society: Introduction to Sociolinguistics.
COMM 2044 Creative Nonfiction is not available to students who have completed COMM 2031 The Informed Writer.
COMM 2045 Writing Place is not available to students who have completed COMM 3038 Writing the City.
COMM 2053 Reworking the Canon is not available to students who have completed COMM 2022 Shakespeare Reworked.
COMM 2057 Writing and Reading Poetry is not available to students who have completed COMM 3038 Writing and Reading Poetry.
COMM 2058 Writing and Reading Short Fiction is not available to students who have completed COMM 2032 Writing and Reading the Short Story.
7. All students complete at least one 4.5 unit Free Elective part of their undergraduate program of study. See undergraduate elective courses home page.