Course overview
An arts degree can take you anywhere.
You could be a tourist in your own city to get a new perspective. You could study community development or international aid – or learn to put your creative thinking to work for government agencies, corporations or organisations anywhere in the world.
The Bachelor of Arts embraces new directions in teaching and practice-based learning to train the thinkers and researchers of the 21st century. Many of the biggest and most vital issues we face today are about human society and the human condition. How can we understand who we are, how we want to live, or what kind of society we want to create, without the insights, knowledge and skills provided by the humanities and social sciences?
In this degree you will learn to put theory into practice in a way that is recognised and valued by employers. You will be empowered to be agile and think creatively so, when the time comes, you will thrive in our rapidly changing world and be a force for change, like Bachelor of Arts student Karis.
3 reasons to study Arts at Murdoch
- Develop skills in an area of the arts you’re passionate about and gain practical experience so you’re job ready when you graduate.
- Use the flexibility of a Bachelor of Arts to customise your degree to suit your dream career.
- Get practical experience with the opportunity to take on internships or industry-led projects as you study.
What you’ll learn
- Build advanced written and verbal communication skills which can make you an asset to any organisation when you graduate.
- Explore theories, research methods and practices in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
- Design and manage projects where you might work with others, lead a team or work independently.
- Learn to identify, analyse and evaluate complex issues in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
- Think creatively as you examine different perspectives and ethical approaches in the arts, humanities and social sciences.
Your future career
Depending on the area you choose to study, your Bachelor of Arts degree could be a step towards an incredible career. You could put your creative thinking and language skills to work in a range of roles, such as:
- Policy and Planning Officer
- Research Analyst
- Electorate Officer
- Communications Advisor
- Human Resources Advisor
- Curator/Archivist/Historian/Librarian
- Media Liaison/Speechwriter
- Actor or Presenter
- International Aid Worker
Majors within this course may have different attendance modes. Please check the relevant major's page for further information. Previous admission information is available at Murdoch Admission Information - Arts.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Majors in this course
Admission requirements
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| University study | Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). | Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
| Enabling courses (after Year 12) | Successful completion of one of the following:
|
Successful completion of the course. |
| University study |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
Minimum English requirementSuccessful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA). |
| Enabling courses (after Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following:
|
Minimum English requirementSuccessful completion of the course.
|
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Total score of 24 or higher. | Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
|
| GCE A Levels | Aggregate of 6 points from:
At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5) |
A Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
|
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) | CPS 54 or higher. | 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
| VET course studied at school | Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| Extenuating circumstances | We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more. | Case-by-case assessment. |
| Overseas Year 12 | Please refer to the information under the country of study. | Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) | Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. | Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) |
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) | 70 | Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementTotal score of 24 or higher. |
Minimum English requirementHigher level (HL): 3 or better.Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
|
| GCE A Levels |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementAggregate of 6 points from:
At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included
A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5) |
Minimum English requirementA Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
|
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementCPS 54 or higher. |
Minimum English requirement50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
| VET course studied at school |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV or higher. |
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| Extenuating circumstances |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementWe'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course.Find out more. |
Minimum English requirementCase-by-case assessment. |
| Overseas Year 12 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study. |
Minimum English requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study. |
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementOverall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. |
Minimum English requirementSound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) |
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirement70 |
Minimum English requirementScaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 | Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. | Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 | Successful completion of a Certificate IV. | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
Minimum English requirementSuccessful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. |
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of a Certificate IV. |
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) | MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) | Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). | Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information. |
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMultiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Minimum English requirementEvidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
Adjustment for Murdoch RISE
Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.
If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.
There’s no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- ATAR results (if available)
- STAT results (if applicable)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- School leavers applying for an Early Offer submit their Year 11 and 12 most recent high school report via TISC
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
- Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
- GS Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
- A copy of your Passport
Recommended documents
- A copy of your visa documents (if available)
- A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
- Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
- Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply through TISC
If you're currently in Year 12 or applying for Vet Science, you can apply to Murdoch through TISC.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.