Why Bachelor of Arts?
Fight discrimination and promote social justice with a deep understanding of human language.
With our Bachelor of Arts majoring in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, you’ll explore the relationship between language, meaning, the self and society and gain expertise in the applications of linguistics to contemporary issues.
Engage with community and industry partners and graduate as a flexible change-maker equipped with in-demand and transferrable skills in critical thinking, advanced research, writing and communication.
Overview
A Bachelor of Arts degree sets the standard for undergraduate study in the humanities and social sciences. With a future-facing approach, the virtues of a traditional degree are orientated toward the increasingly complex challenges facing individuals, communities and societies.
Majoring in linguistics and applied linguistics, you’ll build a deep understanding of human language. Explore the relationship between language, meaning, the self and society. Unpack social views of meaning and gain expertise in the applications of linguistics to contemporary issues.
You will have the opportunity to engage in real-life work experiences, allowing you to explore professional pathways in sectors aligned with your interests.
Key features
Choose two core majors to support your strengths and interests. - Create a unique degree to graduate with multi- and interdisciplinary expertise.
- Enjoy enhanced flexibility from your first year through a wide range of electives.
- Undertake work placements to connect with community and industry.
- Graduate with in-demand skills and knowledge.
What you'll learn
Explore key questions and ways of thinking about human language and consider social views of meaning. You will be introduced to linguistic ethnography as a means of making visible the way people use and experience language.
Build an understanding of language in influence and persuasion. Learn to apply analytical skills to explore how language is used in social and professional interactions.
Common core courses develop the key skills employers are looking for. You’ll graduate digitally literate with the ability to collaborate, problem-solve and think creatively. You can also add a second major to your Bachelor of Arts, and pursue two areas of interest to boost your employment prospects.
Research potential career pathways and destinations in sectors aligning with your disciplinary interests. An internship in your final year will enable you to apply your understanding of potential career pathways and focus on mentoring and networking experiences.
Majors
The Bachelor of Arts is also available with majors in the following:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Archaeology and Classical Studies
- Art History and Visual Culture
- Anthropology
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Creative Writing
- English Literature
- Environmental Management
- French Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Geography
- German Studies
- History
- International Development
- International Security
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Population and Migration Studies
- Screen Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors, and
- 18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for all Electives
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Language, Meaning and the Self
|
Course code
LING1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Meaning, Context and Inference
|
Course code
LING1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Architectures of Meaning
|
Course code
LING2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linguistic Ethnography
|
Course code
LING2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Narrative and the Linguistic Self
|
Course code
LING2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Language, Influence and Persuasion
|
Course code
LING3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Language, Meaning and Discourse
|
Course code
LING3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Critical Moments and Communicative Expertise
|
Course code
LING3003
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 1
|
Course code
SOCI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Studies
|
Course code
ABORBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Archaeology and Classical Studies
|
Course code
ARCYBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Art History and Visual Culture
|
Course code
ARTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing
|
Course code
CREWBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
English Literature
|
Course code
ENGLBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
French Studies
|
Course code
FRENBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Geography
|
Course code
GEOGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
German Studies
|
Course code
GERMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese Studies
|
Course code
CHINBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Cultural Studies
|
Course code
CULTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
History
|
Course code
HISTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Development
|
Course code
INTDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Italian Studies
|
Course code
ITALBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Japanese Studies
|
Course code
JAPNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Philosophy
|
Course code
PHILBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Politics
|
Course code
POLIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Sociology
|
Course code
SOCIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Spanish Studies
|
Course code
SPANBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
|
Course code
SOCRBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Kaurna Languages
|
Course code
KAURBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
Your arts degree will empower you to uncover a wide range of career choices that align with your values and interests. Graduate with the knowledge and skills to thrive in our rapidly changing world and make change for the better.
You will have a diverse range of employment paths available to you. Some of these may include roles in:
- Corporate communication
- Defence, intelligence and security
- Foreign affairs
- Government, diplomacy and trade
- Healthcare communication
- Humanitarian organisations
- Justice and corrections
- Policy, research and development
- Project management.
This degree also provides a pathway for further postgraduate study or research.
Industry trends
Over the next 10 years, it’s predicted that 92% of new jobs created will require post-secondary education (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, employers are increasingly seeking a workforce with high level communication and problem-solving skills, creativity, adaptability and leadership capabilities. As an arts graduate with a major in linguistics you’ll be well placed to meet the demands of the future workforce.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
