Major structure
Overview
Your course structure
The Bachelor of Arts requires the successful completion of 24 subjects (300-points), including at least one major. Most students study eight subjects each year (usually four subjects in each semester) for three years full-time, or the part-time equivalent.
Most Arts majors require 75 points of study (usually six subjects) for attainment. Arts minors require 50 points of study (usually four subjects) for attainment. This means you have the opportunity to achieve two majors or one major and one minor in your course. You will also complete breadth studies and other complimentary Arts subjects.
Completing your studies
If you are taking Ancient World Studies as a major, you must complete:
- 37.5 credit points (usually three subjects) of Level 2 major elective subjects (usually in second year)
- One (12.5 credit point) Level 3 Capstone subject (usually in third year)
- 25 credit points (usually two subjects) of Level 3 major elective subjects (usually in third year)
Please note - Foundation Subjects:
A Major begins at second year. Each discipline has one or more first-year Foundation subjects which provide excellent preparation for the Major. Please note the Capstone subject in this Major requires the completion of a first-year discipline Foundation subject as a pre-requisite.
If you are taking Ancient World Studies as a minor, you must complete:
- 25 credit points (usually two subjects) of Level 2 minor elective subjects (usually in second year)
- 25 credit points (usually two subjects) of Level 3 minor elective subjects (usually in third year)
Please note – Foundation Subjects:
A Minor begins at second year. Each discipline has one or more first-year Foundation subjects which provide excellent preparation for the Minor. It is recommended students take one foundation subject in the discipline.
Breadth studies
Breadth is a unique feature of the Melbourne curriculum. It gives you the chance to explore subjects outside of arts, developing new perspectives and learning to collaborate with others who have different strengths and interests — just as you will in your future career.
Some of our students use breadth to explore creative interests or topics they have always been curious about. Others used breadth to improve their career prospects by complementing their major with a language, communication skills or business expertise.
Sakina Nomanbhoy
Sakina Nomanbhoy is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Art History and Ancient World Studies. She is also studying a concurrent Diploma in Languages (Arabic).
After trialling subjects from a few different areas, I enrolled on a whim in some Ancient World Studies subjects. They were exceptionally engaging and encouraged me to not only think critically but to also be creative and imaginative.
The most enjoyable aspect of the BA has been interacting with objects during tutorials, which happened in most of my Ancient World Studies classes. In the subject Egypt Under the Pharaohs I was lucky enough to hold a 5,000-year-old vase. It has been simply phenomenal and has really helped me relate theory to practice.
Outside of the classroom I have been given numerous opportunities including conducting research at the Ian Potter Museum on campus for the program Talking Art Library, as well as the Baillieu Print Collection. These opportunities have introduced me to the inner workings of museum and collection spaces as well as various collection handling techniques.
My internship with the University’s Ian Potter Museum allowed me the opportunity to share my passion and knowledge of ancient Hellenic art with the visually impaired community.
Explore this major
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this major.