From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
Recent secondary education (Year 12)
- Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.
Higher education study
- Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of an undergraduate certificate (AQF level 5) or higher qualification from a recognised higher education institution.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
- IELTS Overall 6.5
- IELTS Reading 6.0
- IELTS Listening 6.0
- IELTS Speaking 6.0
- IELTS Writing 6.0
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
Equivalent English qualificationsInternational admissions by country
Country | Score |
---|---|
Australia – ATAR | 70 |
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) | 4.80 |
China – Gaokao | 60% |
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | 16 |
India – CBSE and CISCE | 70 |
India – State Board Examinations | 80 |
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | B+ |
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | 2.67 |
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC) | 23 |
Malaysia – Matrikulasi | 2.67 |
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels | 7 |
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels | 8 |
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông | 7.80 |
Why Bachelor of Arts?
What does the future of screen entertainment hold? How will you fit into the picture – and advance our understanding of media?
Explore cinema and film culture from around the world. Examine a range of genres and their conventions. Interrogate the intersection of popular culture in understanding entertainment and identity.
Build the skills to be part of the next generation of screen entertainment, forging connections with local industry, including behind-the-scenes opportunities at the Adelaide Film Festival.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Arts degree is the gold standard both nationally and internationally 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 screen studies, you will develop the skills and knowledge to critically evaluate film texts and industries, developing a deep understanding of theoretical, historical and critical approaches to analysis. You will study cinema and film culture from around the world, deep diving into different genres – from horror and science fiction to crime noir and spaghetti westerns.
Contemporary learning experiences across the degree are underpinned by genuine community and industry engagement. You will have the opportunity to engage in Work Integrated Learning which will enable you to explore professional pathways in sectors aligned with your interests.
Key features
- Study cinema from around the world and explore a range of genres.
- Go behind the scenes of the Adelaide Film Festival.
- Create a unique degree with a double major to graduate with multi- and interdisciplinary expertise.
- Enjoy enhanced flexibility from your first year through a wide range of elective choices.
- Connect with community and industry players through placements and professional learning.
- Graduate with in-demand skills and knowledge.
What you'll learn
You will learn how film has evolved over time, analysing feature films from a range of periods and cultures. You will consider the narrative and stylistic features associated with global ‘art’ cinema.
Deep dive into Hollywood and Asian cinema and explore Australia on screen, analysing the many political and economic constraints.
You will explore issues concerning gender, sexuality and representation, and reflect on how popular culture influences the storytelling choices made on screen.
Go behind the scenes of the Adelaide Film Festival in your final year to investigate the curation, exhibition, and distribution of the films selected and the logistical challenges in the planning.
Core courses will develop key competencies sought by employers. You’ll graduate digitally literate with the ability to collaborate, problem-solve and think creatively.
An internship in your final year will push you to apply your understanding, explore potential career pathways and learn from 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
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Core courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 18 units for all Electives, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
UG Common Core 1
|
Course code
AUXX1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 2
|
Course code
AUXX2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 3
|
Course code
AUXX3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations
|
Course code
LAWS1015
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
The Cinema of Hollywood
|
Course code
MDIA1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Art Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Film Genres
|
Course code
MDIA2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Asian Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA2011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Screening Gender and Sexuality
|
Course code
MDIA2018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Approaches to Screen Studies
|
Course code
MDIA3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia on Screen
|
Course code
MDIA3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Film Festival Cultures
|
Course code
SOCI3001
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Internship or Project
|
Course code
CREA3026
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 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
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
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
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
|
Course code
LINGBARTS
|
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
Sociology
|
Course code
SOCIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Spanish Studies
|
Course code
SPANBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate prepared for a range of careers within the screen, arts and entertainment industries, flexing the knowledge and skills to not only survive but thrive in our rapidly changing world.
You will have a diverse range of employment paths available to you which may include:
- Arts and cultural event management
- Content creator or manager
- Film or media critic
- Film programmer or curator
- Researcher.
This degree also provides a pathway for further postgraduate study or research.
Industry trends
Entertainment and communication in the 21st century centres around screens more than ever so it’s no surprise that demand for film, TV and stage directors is projected to grow by approximately 11% over the coming decade (Labour Market Insights, 2023).
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.
Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.
You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.
You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:
- Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
- Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
- Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
- Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
- Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
- On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
- Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
- An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
- Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
- Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
- A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
- A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.
Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.
Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure.
Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:
- February for Semester 1
- July for Semester 2.
Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail.
For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar.
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.