Courses, Subjects and Qualifications

Courses, Subjects and Qualifications

Courses



Year 2011 2012


Subjects

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts BA

Introduction

The Bachelor of Arts is a flexible three-year degree that allows you to study a wide range of subjects, while specialising in two areas (your major and minor, or a double major). Arts graduates are employed in many fields including tourism, the news media, government agencies, museums, libraries, banking, publishing and teaching.

Features of the BA at UC

  • Flexible, broad-based three-year degree
  • Develops communication, research and analytical skills
  • Over 30 major subjects to choose from
  • Option of an internship course in third year
  • Wide range of postgraduate options and career opportunities

Subjects

Available as a major or minor

Available as a minor only

Other subjects

The following subjects are not available as majors or minors but have a course (or courses) that counts as an Arts course towards the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Recommended preparation

Entry to the BA degree is open to all students with entry to the University. Although successful study to Year 13 is recommended for advanced Mathematics courses, all Arts subjects, including languages, can be started at first-year university level without previous study. A good standard of oral and written English is important. Courses in writing and study skills are available.

Degree structure

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires a minimum total of 360 points.

  • At least 255 points must be from Arts courses.
  • The remaining 105 points can be from either Arts courses or courses from other degrees.
  • At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

In addition, students must also meet the requirements for either a major and a minor, or two majors (double major).

  • A major consists of a minimum of 135 points in a single Arts subject. Of these 135 points, at least 60 points must be at 300-level and at least a further 45 points at 200-level or above.
  • A double major must meet the majoring requirements for two separate Arts subjects.
  • A minor consists of a minimum of 75 points in a single Arts subject, including at least 45 points above 100-level.
  • Any given course may contribute to only one major or minor.

Some majors have other requirements.

For the full degree requirements see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Arts (University Regulations website).

You should include courses in your first year that allow you to advance to 200-level in at least two, and preferably three, subjects.

BA degree structure diagram

Double degrees

It is possible to combine study towards an Arts degree with studies in other degrees such as Law, Commerce or Science. It is normally possible to complete the two degrees in five years (some degree combinations may take longer). Students considering a double degree should seek advice from a College of Arts Student Advisor.

See the double degrees page for more information.

Further study

Postgraduate and graduate study is stimulating, challenging and ultimately rewarding – intellectually and in whichever direction your career takes you. At postgraduate level you can focus in depth on an area you are passionate about. Individualised attention and smaller classes make learning stimulating and rewarding, and you will gain a marketable qualification which will make you more employable and qualified for higher-paying jobs.

In the College of Arts we have a wide range of options for postgraduate and graduate study with excellent research facilities, including specialised research centres such as the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, the Social Science Research Centre and the National Centre for Research on Europe.

Postgraduate and graduate qualifications include:

Contact

For more information email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone in NZ 0800 VARSITY (827 748).

For assistance with planning your programme of study contact a College of Arts Student Advisor (advancing students) or Student Liaison (new students) or visit Student Liaison's course planning page (new students).