Study a Bachelor of Arts
Understand the world and people around you
5 Stars
for median graduate salary1
Flexible learning
Attend classes on campus, online, or study independently
5 Stars
for student support1
- Study a flexible, future-focused degree that aligns with your interests and goals.
- Choose from 11 majors, or combine two to focus your expertise.
- Learn to analyse, question and interpret the world around you with academic depth.
- Develop highly transferable skills in communication, research and critical thinking.
- Graduate ready to contribute to government, NGOs, education, social policy and more.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Cairns, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in research, social policy, aid and development, heritage or intercultural consulting. Anthropology graduates apply their knowledge in government, NGOs and private sectors to support community engagement, policy development and cultural understanding.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Cairns, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in Indigenous, maritime or historical archaeology, cultural heritage, conservation or consulting. Archaeology graduates find roles in government, mining, environmental planning and heritage organisations both in Australia and internationally.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in law enforcement, corrections, youth justice, policy development or research. Criminology graduates contribute to criminal justice systems, social services and policy reform across a wide range of sectors.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Cairns, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in publishing, communications, education, editing or the creative industries. English graduates also apply their skills in government, cultural institutions or academia, with opportunities in research, writing and content development.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Cairns, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in museums, archives, education, policy, journalism or research. History graduates bring critical thinking and contextual understanding to roles across the public and private sectors.
Fast facts
Location: Cairns, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in urban planning, disaster management, environmental consulting or policy. Human Geography graduates contribute to sustainable development, infrastructure planning and community resilience.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Cairns, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in community outreach, case management, welfare support, crisis response or social policy. Human Services graduates help improve lives through direct service and systemic advocacy.
Fast facts
Location: Cairns, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in Indigenous affairs, education, policy, heritage or community development. Graduates are valued for their cultural competence and ability to support respectful engagement and inclusion.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Cairns, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in public policy, foreign affairs, international development, political journalism or government. Graduates influence decision-making and policy at all levels.
Fast facts
Location: Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in counselling, behaviour support, human resources, research or social services. Graduates can also pursue postgraduate pathways toward psychology registration.
Fast facts
Location: Online, Cairns, Townsville
Starts: May, September, January
Entry requirements:* ATAR: 59
Recommended knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C)
*This web page is intended as a general guide for domestic students commencing 2026 or later. Prospective domestic students and all international applicants should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. Information is correct at the time of publishing. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.
What career possibilities are there?
You could work in policy, research, social services, education or advocacy. Sociology graduates apply analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex social issues.
"I highly recommend studying a BA at JCU to anyone interested in humanities and/or social science. The faculty's expertise and dedication, coupled with a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and hands-on experiences, create an ideal environment for personal and academic growth. The university's commitment to providing opportunities for practical learning, combined with its supportive community, makes it an excellent choice for aspiring students in the field of Arts."
Elena Reynolds
Bachelor of Arts (majoring in English and Politics and International Relations) – Alumni
"I would 100% recommend studying a BA at JCU to others. The lecturers are extremely helpful and are very responsive if you have to email them any questions you might have regarding the subject. As an external student, I have found that the LearnJCU site for the subjects is well organised and the subject outlines are very detailed."
Patrick Cowan
Bachelor of Arts (majoring in History) – Alumni
"During my time studying Anthropology at JCU, I learned how to understand the complexities of the world, both politically and socially, through the perspectives of different cultures. By understanding how different cultures interact and perceive their environments, it allowed for a deeper appreciation of our world through our individual belief systems. Collaborating and working alongside my classmates and my professors allowed me to develop unique outlooks, enabling me to better understand human existence."
Georgia Noble
Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Anthropology) – Alumni
Confirm that you meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree and note the QTAC code.
To apply for entry into the Bachelor of Arts degree please submit your application via QTAC.
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