Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2024
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
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Entry requirements
Entry into the Honours program will be available to students who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent with an overall grade point average of 5 or above (credit level average). In addition applicants need to have achieved:
- An average grade of credit or better in their undergraduate degree in the topic area they wish to study at honours level; and
- In the case of graduates from another approved degree a record of academic achievement equal to a credit or better in the topic area they wish to study at honours level
Applicants are selected on the basis of academic merit and the availability of a supervisor in the proposed area of research.
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
This program is not currently open for applications
Degree overview
- Develop your ability to independently undertake research.
- Learn from world-class educators and researchers in your chosen area of interest.
- Study at a university ranked No. 1 in Australia for research impact and engagement1
- Ranked No.1 in South Australia for Teaching Quality, Student Support and Learning Resources in Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences2
- Join South Australia's No. 1 university for Creative Arts Campus Facilities3, and Learning Resources4.
- Pursue further education after graduation, such as Master of Research or a doctoral qualification.
- Complete your own thesis and graduate with in-depth knowledge in your chosen field of specialisation.
12018 ARC Engagement and Impact Assessment (EI), Combined Impact –Approach to Impact and Engagement on Assessed Fields.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20, SA public universities.
3ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
42021 Good Universities Guide – Undergraduate.
Snapshot
This one-year Honours degree will equip you with advanced skills in research, critical thinking and writing.
Under the guidance of an appointed academic supervisor you will complete your own thesis or artefact-plus-exegesis project, and graduate with an in-depth understanding of your chosen field of specialisation.
What you'll learn
The key focus of the Honours degree is research and the production of a pure thesis or artefact-and-exegesis at the end of your studies. Your research could be based on one of the following subject areas:
- Australian Indigenous knowledge and Australian studies
- International relations, politics, peace and security studies, Asian studies, and international risk
- Applied linguistics and language studies
- Sociology, social work and social studies
- Communication, media and cultural studies, and public relations
- Professional and creative communication, including creative writing
- Literary studies
- Journalism, professional and technical writing
- Digital media studies
- Film and television production, screen studies and performing arts
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
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 at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- essays
- research proposals
- annotated bibliographies
- research methodologies
- review of methodologies
- seminar presentations
- the Honours thesis or an artefact-plus-exegesis
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.
Honours
This one-year Honours degree equips you with advanced skills in research, critical thinking and writing. You will receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance. You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher level qualification than a Bachelor degree.
Your Honours year will prepare you well for a career in industry or put you on a pathway to postgraduate research.
Why Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
This program is a substantial research degree that allows you to develop expertise in a particular area of study of your choice, under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor. Graduating with an Honours degree will set you apart from the crowd, ensuring you have a competitive edge and are well-placed for a career in industry, research or further postgraduate study.
In this Honours degree, you will be taught by our world-class educators and researchers, with expertise in complementary disciplines such as linguistics, language studies, screen studies, media and communications, sociology, politics, psychology, social work, human services, arts and Aboriginal studies.
Our relationships with industry and government bodies enables our students to contribute toward improving public policy, community development, and social, creative and economic outcomes in Australian society.
Real-world connections
You will work alongside experienced academics when you complete research and a thesis, or an artefact-plus exegesis, during this one-year degree. This affiliation not only provides exceptional learning opportunities, but is also an important networking opportunity. We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
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.
Your career
Arts students go on to enjoy rewarding careers in a range of industries, including:
- Publishing
- Creative industries
- Government and diplomacy
- Media
- Education
- The arts
- Arts management
- Community and social services
- Policy and research
As an Honours student you may also choose to pursue a career in research – graduates with Honours are highly sought after by prospective employers, particularly in academia and research environments.
Before applying, you will need to discuss your proposed topic with an academic staff member who is willing and able to supervise you; if you are unsure of whom you should approach about this, contact the Program Director, Dr Brad West.
To be considered for entry, you must:
- have spoken to a potential academic supervisor about your proposed project
- s part of your application, provide a 500 word summary of your proposed research topic (covering issues such as what your proposed research project is about, how you will carry it out, what discipline areas or fields of research you are working within).
Please note: Honours applicants need to provide extra documentation as part of their application. If you do not provide this information, your application cannot be considered as the Academic Unit needs to ensure that it has the appropriate supervision required for the project to be undertaken.
To apply 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
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
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.
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 study spaces
As an arts student you will have access to:
- The on-campus Multimedia Languages Lab, which connects users from around the world in real-time
- The Hartley Playhouse, a 200-seat auditorium
- TV and radio studios, including our internet radio station UniCast
Your program director
I am a Senior Lecturer in Screen Studies at the University of South Australia. I am also an internationally recognised researcher who specialises in film, media and visual culture studies, often bringing film into dialogue with other disciplines in the humanities. Prior to academia, I worked as an Assistant Curator of Exhibitions with the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, where I helped to curate a number of film programs, exhibitions, screen and art related events for the public. I believe my commitment to high-quality, interdisciplinary research and teaching, as well as its real-world application will enable Honours students to achieve their best in this degree.
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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.
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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.
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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.
What others are saying
"The best part about doing Honours was the opportunity to specialise in an area I'm passionate about. Through writing a thesis, I developed skills and knowledge in issues-based communication and PR in the Defence industry, a field I want to work in after graduating."
Lisa Ranson
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Senior Communications Advisor, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
