Bachelor of Arts

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Critically review theory, research and practice in the humanities, social sciences and creative arts;
2. Critically reflect on the patterns of social, cultural, historical and political experience of society;
3. Plan, execute and communicate research and critical inquiry into the lives of communities of diverse places, experiences, discourses and time;
4. Exhibit a high degree of proficiency in active reading of complex texts, including collection and analysis of resource materials including the composition of oral and written material;
5. Demonstrate independence, self-reflection and creativity to meet goals and challenges in professional and academic pursuits;
6. Employ advanced interpersonal and collaborative skills, consistent with professional and ethical practice, when working with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Throughout your arts degree, you’ll get work-ready with practical and workplace learning and opportunities to connect with VU’s strong network of community and industry partners.  

In your third year of study, you’ll focus on a key professional piece of work in your area of specialisation, known as a ‘capstone’ project. This project will help you develop skills in organisation, teamwork and project management.

Take advantage of VU’s industry-standard facilities and state-of-the-art creative learning spaces.

Our media production precinct at Footscray Park Campus includes: 

• television studio and radio studio (including HD cameras and green screen)
• post-production labs
• hair, makeup and costume facilities and a green room
• professional audio recording equipment and editing software.

You’ll start your first year studying engaging, relevant and timely core arts units with VU First Year College®, a unique learning experience designed to set you up for success at university, no matter where you’ve come from.

Be supported by our multidisciplinary team of specialist educators, who ensure you develop the skills, confidence and knowledge to successfully complete your degree.

Depending on your specialisation, you could participate in a real-world project with our industry and community partners for your ‘capstone’ project in your third year of study. You’ll get valuable workplace experience and industry connections before you even graduate.

Some of our past industry-based projects include:

• Big West Festival
• Doutta Gala Aged Care Services mural
• Melbourne Fringe Festival
• Parliamentary internship
• Footscray Centenary
• Offset creative arts journal.

Our wide range of industry partners have included Malthouse Theatre, Penguin Books, Beat Media, ABC, Channel 10, SBS, HistorySmiths, St Vincent de Paul, local councils and the Parliament of Victoria.

Our arts degree is not about rote learning and sitting tests. It's about developing skills that are applicable in the work place.

One of the ways you will demonstrate these skills is in your capstone project.

This is an exciting opportunity to create a professional piece of work in your an area of specialisation.

Examples include:

• an exhibition of your art or photography
• an in-depth report based on community, workplace or historical research
• a performance of a play you have written
• showing your short film
• creating and presenting a website
• producing and presenting creative writing.