Some frequently asked questions
(for students considering an Arts degree)
Q. What is a major?
A . An arts degree is made up of 24 courses over 3 years of study. A major is a sequence of 7 courses in a particular area of study, like English. You need to complete 2 majors in a single Arts degree, leaving you 10 elective courses. If you want to do an Honours year you will need to complete 10 courses in the Honours area of study. A combined degree is made up of 16 courses from Arts, and you only need to complete one major.
Q. Do I have to know what my majors are going to be in my first year?
A. No. Your first year is a time for you to explore different subjects before deciding on your major areas of study.
Q. How do I find out what courses I can take?
A. Study @ has everything you need to know about courses being offered, the structure of your degree, majors, prerequisities, etc.
Q. Can I enrol in later year courses if I am only in my first year?
A. In general, students must complete 12 units (2 courses) at first year level in a subject area before being able to enrol in later year courses in that same subject.
Q. What happens if I take too many first year courses?
A. The extra first year units (over 48 units for a ‘straight’ BA and over 24 units for a combined BA) will not be counted towards your degree. “ISIS” (the student computer system) will not keep track of your first year units - you must do this yourself and know how many first year units you have completed.
Q. If I am enrolled in a BA as part of a combined degree, can I take courses outside the Faculty of Arts and have them count towards my degree?
A. For most students NO! Students must complete all 96 units of their combined BA in the Faculty of Arts. There are, however, a few majors in the Faculty of Arts that will allow students up to 12 units outside the Faculty of Arts to complete their major. Before enrolling be absolutely certain you can count a course not listed in the ‘Arts Course Listing’. If in doubt, make an appointment with the Assistant Dean (Academic) to confirm.
Q. Can I go on an exchange overseas and have the courses I do while on exchange count towards my BA?
A. Yes. Students can participate in exchange programs and, provided they go through the course approval process with the Arts Exchange Coordinator, they can count up to the equivalent of 48 units of approved coursework completed overseas towards their BA. If you are planning to go on exchange, make sure you make an appointment with the Arts Exchange Coordinator well in advance of the semester in which you’ll be leaving. The course approval process takes time.