Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer

You're viewing this site as a domestic an international student

You're a domestic student if you are:

  • a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

You're an international student if you are:

  • intending to study on a student visa,
  • not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
  • not an Australian permanent resident, or
  • a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.
You're viewing this site as a domestic an international student
Change
What can you do with a Bachelor of Arts

What majors are in the Bachelor of Arts?

Study tips
Published 21 Oct, 2022  ·  9-minute read

So, you think you might study a Bachelor of Arts, but you’re not sure which major(s) to choose.

One of the best 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 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 most relevant Bachelor of Arts majors for that passion:

You’ll notice many Bachelor of Arts majors fall under multiple categories. We love a versatile degree.

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.

Dr Angie Knaggs quote

We set our students on the road to success by developing their intercultural communication skills, critical thinking and understanding of self and others.

Dr Angie Knaggs
Senior Learning Designer for Employability, UQ School of Languages and Cultures

Discover the benefits of studying a language major

English language majors

Melissa Dickson

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.

Dr Melissa Dickson
Senior Lecturer and English Literature Major Convener

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 ⬆


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.

Dr Andrew Phillips quote

Whether you want to make a difference or make a fortune, International Relations prepares you well to pursue the career of your dreams.

Dr Andrew Phillips
Associate Professor of International Relations and Strategy

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.

Dr Stephen Bell quote

A Political Science major will help you better understand the complex, contested and often ambiguous world in which we live.

Dr Stephen Bell
Professor of Political Economy

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 ⬆


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.

Dr Tom Doig quote

If you want to become a better thinker, writer and storyteller, a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Writing is the degree for you.

Dr Tom Doig
Creative Writing Lecturer

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

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.

Art History UQ Art Museum

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.

Dr Bernadette Cochrane, Drama Major Convener

UQ Drama encourages students to examine, experience, and create theatre in a program that offers one of the most comprehensive canonical curriculums in Australia.

Dr Bernadette Cochrane
Senior Lecturer and Drama Major Convener

Explore what you could do with a Drama major

Explore another passion area ⬆


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 Studies in Religion can help you achieve this.

Dr Adam Bowles quote

As our communities become increasingly diverse, religious literacy is increasingly important.

Dr Adam Bowles
Major Convener, Studies in Religion

See what makes Studies in Religion 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.

Dr Aude Bernard, Geography Major Convener

Our graduates have found rewarding careers in government agencies, non-profit organisations and consulting firms in Australia and overseas.

Dr Aude Bernard
Senior Lecturer and Geography Major Convener

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 ⬆


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.

Dr Richard Martin quote

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.

Dr Richard Martin
Senior Lecturer in Anthropology and Director of the UQ Culture and Heritage Unit

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 ⬆


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.

Related stories