Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Arts)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Liberal studies (Arts) program aims to provide flexible course options by offering access to a diverse pool of subjects, thereby increasing the potential for students to meet a wider range of vocational needs in an increasingly broad variety of environments.

Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Arts)

This course aims to provide flexible course design options for undergraduate students of arts by providing access to a diverse pool of subjects requiring a wide range of skills for active and successful participation. The aim of this approach is to increase the potential for students to meet a wider range of vocational needs in an increasingly broad variety of environments.

On completion of the degree, students will:

• be equipped with knowledge, skills and expertise in a variety of areas of endeavour
• be instructed in the methods of discovery, advancement and utilisation of knowledge
• have enhanced transferable skills such as proficient written and oral communication.

Associate Degree in Liberal Studies (Arts)

The aims of this course are to provide:

• students with formal arts qualifications that reflect a generalist level of study
• an understanding of conceptual tools, theories and methodologies in nominated areas of study in arts
• an orientation to the purposes, functions and practices within nominated areas of study.

This course is an exit point from the Bachelor degree.

University Certificate in Liberal Studies (Arts)

The course will provide students with knowledge, skills and attitudes outlined in the Associate Degree at an introductory level, dependent on subject selection. This course is an early exit point from the Bachelor degree.

Course flexibility

Students undertaking a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Arts) may desire the structure, or the particular employment/graduate opportunities that a traditional degree may offer. The Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Arts) offers students a chance to engage in a different style of degree, while also providing them with opportunity to undertake subjects which make up alternative degrees.

Upon successful completion of a number of these subjects, it may be possible for students to transfer into an alternate course, such as the Bachelor of Arts. Likewise, students currently undertaking other courses within the Faculty of Arts may transfer into the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Arts) in order to take subjects that could not previously be counted towards their degree.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1; Session 2; Session 3