Bachelor of Arts

On successful completion you will be able to

• Integrate recent and established theories and principles across a range of disciplines.
• Evaluate and apply recent and established principles and concepts in one or more disciplines.
• Apply methods of inquiry and analysis from within disciplines in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
• Critically analyse arguments, assumptions, concepts and data to make appropriate judgement.
• Independently identify and solve problems in the context of academic studies and/or community environments.
• Communicate knowledge and ideas effectively to peers, academic audiences, professionals and non-specialists.
• Use literacy, numeracy, digital and interpersonal skills to acquire, synthesise and communicate credible information in written, graphic and visual forms.
• Identify opportunities for and plan future professional development through independent learning, self-reflection and critique.
• Interact and collaborate with others from diverse disciplines, backgrounds and cultures to achieve personal or common objectives.
• Apply high standards of ethical conduct to learning and research activities.

The Bachelor of Arts (OUA) at Macquarie University is a distinctive course that equips its graduates with knowledge and skills that can be applied in any career or in further study. No other course offers as much flexibility and a wide range of study options as the Bachelor of Arts. You will be given the opportunity to turn your passion into a career while developing a strong set of core transferable skills valued by industry and the society. In consultation with industry, the Bachelor of Arts (OUA) places a strong emphasis on skills for success in the 21st century workplace. You will be taught by active researchers, leading academics and award winning teachers.

Recommended study pattern

CORE ZONE: 16 subjects

Essential Subjects: 

Complete the following 3 subjects:

• ARTX1000  Humanities and the World
• PHIX1037   Critical Thinking
• ARTX3500   Arts Capstone*

*Capstone Subject

Elective units :

Complete one of the following units:

• ABSX1000 Introducing indigenous Australia
• ANTX1051 Human Evolution and Diversity
• ENGX1050 Grammar and Writing

Major: 8 Subjects

Choose a major from the course's major schedule.

Minor: 4 Subjects

Choose a minor which corresponds to a major from the course’s major schedule. At least 2 of these subjects must be at 2000 level or above.

FLEXIBLE ZONE

Electives: 8 Subjects

You can use your flexible zone to enrol in any subject for which you meet the pre-requisites. You may also use your flexible zone to complete a second major or minor(s).

Total Subjects required: 24

A core zone essential unit or elective unit cannot be double counted towards a core zone major or specialisation in the same course.

Please note:

On completion of admission you are bound by the University Terms and Conditions and must comply with present and future By-laws, Rules and the Student Code of Conduct of Macquarie University.

The degree will normally be three years in duration for full-time students, but part-time students may take longer to complete subjects towards the BA degree.

Award requirements

To qualify for a Bachelor of Arts degree through Macquarie University students must complete 24 subjects of study, comprising of the following :

• 4 essential subjects.
• 8 subjects for the major chosen
• 4 subjects for the minor chosen
• Any other 8 subjects.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students can choose to study from 10 BA Majors. Students must complete eight subjects from their chosen major:

1. Ancient History
2. Creative Writing
3. English
4. Critical Indigenous Studies
5. International Relations
6. Modern History
7. Philosophy
8. Politics
9. Sociology

Minor - 40 credit points

Choose one minor from the following options:

• Ancient History
• Creative Writing
• English
• Critical Indigenous Studies
• International Relations
• Modern History
• Philosophy
• Politics
• Sociology

Electives

• Students are required to complete eight electives.
• Students can use choose to enrol in any subject for which they meet the pre-requisites. This includes Macquarie subjects or any OUA undergraduate subject.
• Students may also complete a second major or minor(s).

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Core Zone: Essential Subjects

• Major in Ancient History

• Major in Creative Writing

• Major in English

• Major in Critical Indigenous Studies

• Major in International Relations

• Major in Modern History

• Major in Philosophy

• Major in Politics

• Major in Sociology

• Level 1 Macquarie Electives

• Level 2 Macquarie Electives

• Level 3 Macquarie Electives

Students are eligible to register for the Macquarie Bachelor of Arts after successfully completing 2 OUA higher education subjects with a credit average or passing at least four subjects. These subjects can be completed with any OUA provider. Students must follow the degree structure in place at the time of their BA registration with the University. Registration is free for all students.

Please be advised that as from Session 1, 2020, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) and HECS are not available for this degree for new students. However, subject to your eligibility, other HELP loans may be available. Students who have already been admitted into a Commonwealth Supported Place will not be affected by this change.

Note:

Once you have been admitted into your degree, you must enrol in at least one subject in the study term immediately following admission, and you must remain enrolled past the census date. If not, your admission will lapse and you will need to re-apply for the degree again. Deferment is not available for OUA students. Visit Studying a degree through OUA for further information.

Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy will not be permitted to register in Macquarie University degrees offered through OUA. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $44,125

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University.

Explore Macquarie courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

10

• 4 OUA Undergraduate subjects at pass level from any OUA provider; OR
• 2 OUA Undergraduate subjects at credit grade level from any OUA provider

A competitive ATAR of 75, a Selection Rank of 75 or equivalent  OP of 12.

Visit Macquaire for detailed information regarding alternative Macquarie Admissions pathways.

Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent.

All applicants for undergraduate coursework studies at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English.

You may satisfy the English language requirements if you have completed:

• senior secondary studies equivalent to the NSW HSC
• one year of Australian or comparable tertiary study in a country of qualification

For more information see English Language Requirements.

If you have completed prior study at Diploma level or higher, you may be eligible for credit towards your Bachelor at Macquarie which can reduce the duration of your program.

For more information see our Recognition of Prior Learning page or submit an enquiry.

Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University and OUA offer a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others.

All unit materials are delivered fully online. Students with special needs can apply for alternative assessment arrangements. Contact us at Macquarie special consideration student resources for further information.