Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and Literature

at University of South Australia - Magill Campus Australia

This degree will provide you with an understanding of psychological theory; psychology research methods; critical and analytical thinking; and counselling and interpersonal skills.

As an honours student you will focus on research methodologies and you will graduate with the ability to design, conduct and evaluate research. UniSA has been ranked number one in South Australia for psychology research1, and as part of your studies you will graduate with specialised knowledge and skills in this area.

What you'll learn

Core psychology courses, along with an Indigenous studies and professional development course, will make up your first three years of study. During your third year you will also select from a number of psychology-specific professional development courses, complementing the degree’s core content. These courses include:

• Health Psychology
• Work and Organisational Psychology
• Language, Context and Social Behaviour
• Conservation Psychology
• Psychophysiology of Sleep
• Psychological Research Experience

Graduates of this degree (the only one of its kind in South Australia) are qualified to work as journalists in any medium, across any platform, and in media organisation newsrooms, local community news sites, niche and community media, and as freelance/entrepreneurial journalists. They are also well qualified to work across communication fields. An emphasis on professional writing opens doors to a wide variety of allied professions, such as technical writing, tender presentations, and marketing and communication.

You can explore journalistic areas of interest such as:

• Science, space and technology
• Data and investigative journalism
• Governments and politics
• International relations
• Economy, business and finance
• Social and legal justice, and inclusion
• Travel writing
• Culture and arts journalism
• Environment and sustainability
• Sports journalism.

As a student studying the Sociology major you will investigate cultural, social and political trends and attain much sought-after skills in critical and creative thinking.

You will:

• Understand the complexities of contemporary social life, addressing social problems and examining issues of ethnicity, globalisation, popular culture and social movements
• Have developed both critical and creative thinking capabilities in order to identify trends, structures and social issues that emerge from cultural, political and economic change.
• Be able to undertake systematic methods of investigation and analysis of societal structures within professional contexts in order to contribute effectively to local, national and international initiatives.

What you'll Learn

This degree will explore social life, social change and social problems. You will develop an understanding of the complexities of contemporary social life; addressing social problems and examining issues of ethnicity, globalisation, popular culture and social movements.

You will develop the critical and creative thinking skills to identify trends, structures and social issues that emerge from cultural, political and economic change.

As a student studying the Creative Writing and Literature major you will explore historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays, films and plays.

What you'll learn

The Creative Writing and Literature major allows you to delve into a variety of creative forms and texts. You will study historical and contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, autobiographies, essays, films, and plays. As you begin to create your own great classics, you will also learn how different written and multimedia texts have impacted cultures around the world. Under the guidance of highly experienced academics:

• Develop analytical skills
• Develop creative writing skills
• Explore how different written and multimedia texts have impacted on the cultures of the world.

What you'll learn

This unique double degree will provide you with expertise in the science of exercise and sport, human thought and behaviour. You’ll develop cognitive and creative skills to solve real-world scientific problems and apply your knowledge in diverse contexts such as sports and mental health.  

You'll learn how to provide exercise advice, deliver strength and conditioning services, do biomechanical analyses, and share skill acquisition knowledge to enhance people's physical and mental wellbeing from children, to elite athletes, to older people. 

Your courses in psychology theory and counselling will help you enter the workforce with a strong understanding of the analytical, communication and interpersonal skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities.

In the first two years, you’ll study exercise and sport science courses, with an introduction to psychology, which will give you a solid understanding of:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Fundamental movement skills
• Skill acquisition
• Physical activity and health

The third and fourth years have a strong practical focus. You’ll develop critical thinking and practice-based skills to:

• Develop influencing skills and intervention strategies
• Gain knowledge of psychological disorders, including their causes and range of treatments
• Study the relationship between psychology and physical activity

The English Language major will equip you with communicative proficiency and intercultural expertise to work in local and global contexts.

You will:

• Develop advanced level English skills to equip you as a career-ready professional
• Gain intercultural expertise to work internationally in a wide range of contexts
• Develop research and project management skills to help you pursue honours, research or postgraduate studies
• Gain a high-level understanding of how English affects the experience of individuals and communities globally.

What you'll learn

The English Language major will equip you with communicative proficiency and intercultural expertise to work in local and global contexts.

As a student studying the Cultural Studies major you will explore the complex and diverse economic, cultural, social, historical and political legacies that influence modern-day society.

You will:

• Develop a sophisticated body of knowledge regarding cultures and their contexts
• Undertake cultural analysis including weighing evidence, explaining varying perspectives and communicating effectively
• Research and analyse real world problems
• Explore contemporary cultural contexts including computer games, music and popular culture.

This degree provides you with a sound knowledge of the political, behavioural and social sciences, and equips you with the skills to work in a range of fields in social work and human services. It has been developed around four major areas of study: social work theory; social work practice and skills; social policy; and social research.

What you'll learn

This degree focuses on four major areas of study:

• Social work theory: you will develop knowledge of various social work approaches as they relate to individuals, families, communities, groups and organisations
• Social work practice and skills: you will work in our custom-built Social Work and Human Services Studio to develop a range of skills needed to work in social practice - in this dedicated space you will work alongside field practitioners and academic staff in simulated, real-life situations
• Social policy: learn how to identify the social policies that affect people’s lives, and the strategic ways that social workers may be able to influence these policies
• Social research: learn how to use, evaluate and construct research

As a student studying the Languages major you will embark on an in-depth study of French, Italian or Japanese language (find out about other languages available through cross-institutional study by talking to the program director). You will also be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen language(s) and culture(s) through our exchange and in-country study programs. 

You will:

• Acquire competence in the speaking and writing of one or more major world language(s) both face-to-face and online;
• Be equipped with transferable language and intercultural skills required for work in international and multilingual professions and industries, part of which can be spent studying the chosen language in-country.
• Be equipped to work independently and collaboratively to construct effective arguments and produce creative and critical texts across a wide range of multilingual genres and media.
• Have a defined set of speaking, writing, editing and relevant analytical skills in the target language that can be used in a broad range of multilingual professional contexts.

You will also graduate with advanced writing, presentation, digital, communication, research and problem-solving skills that can be transferable across a range of roles and languages and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

What you'll learn

Under the guidance of world-class researchers you will embark on an in-depth study of French, Italian, Japanese or English (for non-English speaking students). You will develop your proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in your chosen language, as well as your understanding of the related culture and society.

You will also be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen language(s) and culture(s) through exchange and in-country study programs. This degree allows you to select two majors ensuring you graduate with a broad knowledge of two areas of interest. You can choose your second major from the following:

• Aboriginal Studies
• Applied Linguistics
• Cultural Studies
• Creative Writing and Literature
• History and Global Politics
• Law, Policy and Politics
• Psychology
• Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) will prepare you to engage thoughtfully with Aboriginal Australians, and will provide you with a broad understanding of issues pertinent to Aboriginal people and communities. You will develop an understanding of the complex interface between Aboriginal knowledges and Western knowledge, perspectives, and practices, and engage in critical dialogues with the many voices and priorities of Aboriginal Peoples and communities.

• Key areas of study include: 
• Aboriginal knowledges and cultures 
• Aboriginal history and colonialism 
• Aboriginal governance structures and nation building 
• Globalisation, national and international trends in relation to Aboriginal Peoples 
• Caring for Country and its role in Aboriginal heritage issues. 

This degree will give you the knowledge and skills to think critically about the various issues impacting Indigenous communities locally, nationally, and globally, and will enable you to engage thoughtfully with Aboriginal communities and contribute to ethical and professional practice.

What you Learn
You will engage in analysis, discussion and debate around key issues that are of significance to Aboriginal peoples and international Indigenous Peoples, such as language revitalisation, Aboriginal nation building and the broader pursuit of self-determination, social and economic development, and social justice.

You will build interdisciplinary knowledge, community leadership skills and cultural awareness, graduating with the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly changing global workplace.

You will be given the opportunity to study two majors, ensuring you graduate with advanced skills and knowledge that will set you apart from your competitors in the workplace.?You can choose a second major from the following:

• Applied Linguistics 
• Creative Writing and Literature 
• Cultural Studies 
• History and Global Politics 
• Languages (French, Italian or Japanese) 
• Law, Policy and Politics 
• Psychology 
• Sociology.