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. Prepare for your future career while you study, with the opportunity 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
- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Population and Migration 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 30 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Global Art Cinemas
|
Course code
MDIA1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Popular Screen Cultures
|
Course code
MDIA2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Approaches to Screen Studies
|
Course code
MDIA3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Film Festival Cultures
|
Course code
SOCI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australia on Screen
|
Course code
SOCI3002
|
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
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
|
|
|
Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
|
Course code
SOCRBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Kaurna Languages
|
Course code
KAURBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 6 units from Year 1 selectives, and
- 12 units from Year 2 selectives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Cinema of Hollywood
|
Course code
MDIA1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Understanding Film
|
Course code
MDIA1008
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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
|
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).
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.
