So, you think you might study a BA, but you’re not sure which majors might be the best Bachelor of Arts majors to choose.
One of the great things about this degree is the huge range of topics you can explore. With over 40 Bachelor of Arts majors (and several minors) available, you have plenty of choice.
But this can also make the program a bit scary. Each arts major sounds fascinating in its own way, so how can you possibly narrow it down to just one or two?
Well, we’d suggest starting with our interactive quiz to discover which arts majors best align with your passions. Then you can learn more about the majors that piqued your interest below.
Which arts major should I choose?
One approach is to choose an arts major that naturally leads to your dream job. But plenty of students have no idea what job they want when they start at uni – and that’s perfectly fine. A Bachelor of Arts gives you the freedom to focus on what interests you personally while you work out what appeals to your professionally.
So, if you don’t already have a career in mind, consider what you’re passionate about. Then explore the best Bachelor of Arts majors for that passion:
- arts majors for connecting with other cultures
- arts majors for improving society
- arts majors for telling stories and engaging audiences
- arts majors for addressing global issues
- arts majors for exploring the past to create a better future
- arts majors for helping people
You’ll notice many Bachelor of Arts majors fall under multiple categories. We love a versatile degree.
The best Bachelor of Arts majors for connecting with other cultures
From working in a multinational organisation to teaching English abroad, the UQ Bachelor of Arts opens countless careers in which you can connect with other cultures.
Asian language majors
UQ Bachelor of Arts students can major in Chinese, Chinese Translation and Interpreting, Indonesian, Japanese, Japanese Advanced, and/or Korean. We also offer a minor in Russian.
European language majors
As part of your UQ Bachelor of Arts, you can major in French, French Advanced, German, Italian, and/or Spanish. We also offer a minor in Russian.
We set our students on the road to success by developing their intercultural communication skills, critical thinking and understanding of self and others.
Discover the benefits of studying a language major
English language majors
- Gain a deeper understanding of the English-speaking world and English-language culture with an English major.
- Take a deep dive into novels and other written works with an English Literature major.
- Prepare to teach English overseas with an English as an International Language major.
- Investigate the roots of English and all language with a Linguistics major.
Learning to analyse literary texts makes us better readers and better, more sensitive analysts of the world around us and the tales we are told.
Find out where an English Literature major could take you
Indigenous Studies
Develop rich connections with First Nations peoples and communities with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies major. This major will help you become a creative, critical-thinking citizen ready to create positive change in any industry or role you pursue.
Australian Studies (minor)
Enrich your understanding of Australia’s identity, history, society and challenges with an Australian Studies minor. You’ll gain a deep sense of what makes Australia unique and what has influenced our country’s culture. This is excellent knowledge to take into a wide range of careers, from politics and diplomacy to business and tourism.
Explore another passion area ⬆
The best Bachelor of Arts majors for improving society
The world is constantly changing, so why not change it for the better? From anthropology to politics, a UQ Bachelor of Arts can prepare you to make a real difference in the world.
International Relations
Becoming a global citizen can equip you with the skills and worldly knowledge to create real change at home. With an International Relations major, you’ll get a greater awareness of cultural differences and a rich understanding of Australia’s role in global affairs. And that’s just the beginning.
Whether you want to make a difference or make a fortune, International Relations prepares you well to pursue the career of your dreams.
See why our International Relations professors love this major
Peace and Conflict
Knowing what causes conflict and what can resolve it is key to building a better, more peaceful society. The Peace and Conflict Studies major covers topics like humanitarian intervention, reconciliation processes, international peacekeeping, and conflict-prevention strategies.
Criminology
Crime influences the overall quality of a society, and it isn't just about how much crime happens. Factors like why crime occurs and how perpetrators are treated can also have a huge impact on a community. In the Criminology major, you’ll learn how criminal justice systems work and develop the skills to use evidence-based crime policies and practices.
Sociology
Enhance your perspective of the world and society with a Sociology major. Your studies will explore how factors such as gender and ethnicity, socioeconomics, education and religion shape us as people and communities. You'll also learn how these influences can help you overcome the barriers and issues in our society.
Gender Studies (minor)
Passionate about fighting for social justice and improving the status of women and girls around the world? The Gender Studies minor could be a perfect addition to your Bachelor of Arts program, especially if you’d love to work in public policy, politics, analysis or research.
Political Science
Equip yourself with the practical skills and knowledge to address issues, both local and global, with a Political Science major. You’ll graduate with a flexible skill set and a comprehensive understanding of political processes. This is perfect for a career in defence and intelligence, government and policy, humanitarian and community services, or diplomacy and foreign affairs.
A Political Science major will help you better understand the complex, contested and often ambiguous world in which we live.
Discover what makes Political Science such a valuable major
Anthropology
Explore the impact culture has on humanity’s past, present and future with an Anthropology major. In this major, you’ll get to investigate the causes, consequences and potential solutions of issues all over the world – as well as problems closer to home.
Philosophy
One way to make positive change in the world is through understanding morals and the roots of why people think and behave the way they do. In a Philosophy major, you’ll get to explore key ideas about ethics and build practical logic skills (such as how to evaluate theories and construct clear, persuasive arguments).
Economics
Studying an Economics major can help you understand the constantly evolving world around you. This puts you in a better position to respond to risks and opportunities whenever and wherever they arise. You’ll also develop a keen understanding of how society is shaped (and how it can be improved) by the availability of resources, as determined by economics, development, globalisation, and sustainability.
Explore another passion area ⬆
The best Bachelor of Arts majors for telling stories and engaging audiences
Whether it’s running an international film festival or writing a bestseller, a Bachelor of Arts can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to share your voice with the world.
Writing majors
Got a passion and/or talent for the written word? Hone your skills and turn them into a career by majoring in Writing, English Literature, or Professional Writing and Communication.
If you want to become a better thinker, writer and storyteller, a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Writing is the degree for you.
Explore where studying writing at university can take you
Journalism and media majors
Share information and keep you fellow citizens well informed with a Journalism and Mass Communication major. Or always stay one step ahead of emerging online trends with a Media and Digital Cultures major. Either way, you’ll acquire a versatile set of skills for telling and spreading stories across all kinds of platforms.
Music majors
In addition to the well-rounded Music major, the UQ Bachelor of Arts also offers
- a Popular Music and Technology major (great for aspiring audio engineers and producers)
- a minor in Music Psychology (an excellent way to combine your love of music with a passion for helping people).
Film and Television Studies
The history and emerging trends of film and TV paint a fascinating picture of our world’s past and potential futures. With a Film and Television Studies major, you’ll learn to critically analyse and examine this media from a variety of perspectives. You’ll graduate ready for a career in film culture, festivals and events, education, publicity, marketing, or film distribution.
Art History
Expand your perspective by seeing the world and its history through the unique lens of art. The Art History major equips you with a wide knowledge of art traditions and a strong visual literacy. This will set you on the right track for a fulfilling career in private galleries and public art institutions or as a curator, arts writer, registrar or education officer.
Discover where the Art History major could take you
Drama
UQ’s Drama major is one of Australia’s most comprehensive curriculums. It allows you to examine, experience and create a wide variety of theatre. You’ll get to work with world-leading practitioners in specialised studio facilities.
UQ Drama encourages students to examine, experience, and create theatre in a program that offers one of the most comprehensive canonical curriculums in Australia.
Explore what you could do with a Drama major
Explore another passion area ⬆
The best Bachelor of Arts majors for addressing global issues
Current global issues require passionate individuals to lead the charge on finding global solutions. A UQ Bachelor of Arts paves the way to make a living out of addressing issues around the world.
Politics, peace and international relations majors
Prepare to make a positive impact on the global stage by majoring in International Relations, Political Science, or Peace and Conflict Studies. Each of these majors provides a unique perspective on the way the world works. You'll graduate with the skills to be a well-informed and effective global citizen.
Sociology
Enhance your perspective of the world and society with a Sociology major. Your studies will explore how factors such as gender and ethnicity, socioeconomics, education and religion shape us as people and communities. You'll also learn how these influences can help you overcome the barriers and issues in our society.
Philosophy and religion majors
An understanding of different philosophies and religions can better equip you to work with diverse communities around the globe and closer to home. Making meaningful change in the world means considering the perspectives and attitudes of everyone. Majoring in Philosophy or Religious Studies can help you achieve this.
As our communities become increasingly diverse, religious literacy is increasingly important.
See what makes Religious Studies such an eye-opening major
Geography
Population growth and climate change are some of the trickiest challenges the world faces today. Graduates with a Geography major are uniquely positioned to take their skills and knowledge into roles that address these issues. You may find yourself working in a field like wildlife conservation, natural resource management, transport and planning, or ecotourism.
Our graduates have found rewarding careers in government agencies, non-profit organisations and consulting firms in Australia and overseas.
Discover what you could do with a Geography major
Economics and mathematics majors
So much of what is right – and wrong – in the world comes down to numbers and statistics. Studying an Economics major can shine some light on how societies around the globe are impacted by factors such as resource availability. Or a Mathematics major can equip you with the practical and algorithmic skills to tackle some of the world’s most complex issues.
Explore another passion area ⬆
The best Bachelor of Arts majors for exploring the past to create a better future
Your passion for learning about the past can lead to a variety of fascinating and fulfilling career pathways with the UQ Bachelor of Arts.
History majors
If you’ve got a passion for the past, the UQ Bachelor of Arts provides plenty of options for exploring it in detail. Enrol in a History major, an Ancient History major, or a combined Ancient History / History major.
Ancient language majors
Combine your fascination with history and love of languages by learning about some of the world’s oldest languages. With a UQ Bachelor of Arts, you can study an Ancient Greek major or a Latin major.
Archaeology
Visit historic locations around the world. Excavate dig sites. Work with ancient materials in a lab and curate significant artefacts in museums… this enthralling career path starts with an Archaeology major. You’ll learn about all kinds of archaeological techniques and methods, from conducting your own field surveys to interpreting collections.
Anthropology
Explore the impact culture has on humanity’s past, present and future with an Anthropology major. In this major, you’ll get to investigate the causes, consequences and potential solutions of issues all over the world – as well as problems closer to home.
Studying anthropology will expand your view of what it means to be human. You will learn about different cultures around the world and what makes people different.
Discover where an Anthropology major can take you
Philosophy
Develop a strong understanding of morals across time and the roots of why people think and behave the way they do. In a Philosophy major, you’ll get to explore key ideas about ethics and build practical logic skills (such as how to evaluate theories and construct clear, persuasive arguments).
Explore another passion area ⬆
The best Bachelor of Arts majors for helping people
Whether your passion is around social justice or mental health, a UQ Bachelor of Arts can prepare you for numerous careers that involve helping people.
Psychology
Graduates with a Psychology major can improve people’s quality of life and help them cope through hard times. This path can lead to roles such as behavioural therapists, community health officers and mental health practitioners.
Have a knack and/or love for music? You may even consider studying a minor in Music Psychology.
Criminology
Crime influences the overall quality of a society, and it isn't just about how much crime happens. Factors like why crime occurs and how perpetrators are treated can also have a huge impact on a community. Graduates with a Criminology major often find work as a correctional case officer, family services specialist, fraud investigator, crime prevention officer, and many other roles that enable you to support individuals and benefit your community.
Sociology
Enhance your perspective of the world and society with a Sociology major. Your studies will explore how factors such as gender and ethnicity, socioeconomics, education and religion shape us as people and communities – as well as how understanding these influences can help you improve the lives of people you treat/work with.
Sports Studies
Take your passion for sport and turn it into a career that helps people with a Sports Studies major. You’ll learn about the important role sport plays in people’s lives, as well as how social factors can influence their participation and motivation.
Legal Education
Give back to the next generation of students by equipping yourself to become a high school teacher in legal education. With a Legal Education Studies major, you’ll have the chance to be a positive influence on students as you help create the lawyers of tomorrow.
Explore another passion area ⬆
Ready to kickstart your exciting future in the arts? We can't wait to see what you'll achieve with your UQ Bachelor of Arts major(s). Learn more about the BA.
