Arts Majors and Minors | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Arts Majors and Minors

Majors and minors available in the Bachelor of Arts

Major

Develop specialist skills through your choice of majors.

Creative Writing and Publishing
Major

If you have a way with words and a passion for language, then consider studying Creative Writing and Publishing. Learn to master the art of storytelling and work towards your dream career as an author, editor, freelancer, or communications strategist.

Criminology and Justice
Major

This major explores issues of crime, criminal justice, and crime prevention. You will learn how the justice system works, why people commit crimes and develop the skills and knowledge to contribute towards preventing and controlling crime and social problems.

English
Major

Learn to master the art of storytelling and work towards your dream career as an author, editor, freelancer, or communications strategist. Your studies will equip you with the skills to succeed in a broad range of publishing contexts. Experiment with different genres of writing, including novels, short stories, poetry and screenwriting, with all creative outcomes workshopped by supportive peers and enthusiastic staff.

Geography
Major

Geography focuses on identifying and understanding the processes of natural and built environments and exploring their causes and consequences. Geographers collect, analyse and report this information to enable informed decision-making. In this major, you will learn skills across various fields, including drone mapping, coastal geomorphology, the changing planet and globalisation, development and indigenous peoples.

Global Sustainable Development
Major

NEW in 2025: Global sustainable development is one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century, and the way we manage the challenges we face will impact generations to come. This Major takes an interdisciplinary approach to contemporary global development challenges and priorities, from a social and environmental perspective. The key areas of focus are environmental change, poverty and social exclusion. The Major will have immediate practical value, as graduates will be able to plan for careers in Australia or overseas, in the public, private or non-government sectors.

History
Major

People and places all have a history. From ancient empires to pop culture, history teaches us about the things that have shaped the world we live in today. In this major, you will take a look at topics that will be valuable regardless of where your career takes you. You will examine the history of nations and cultures, environmental history, heritage and the uses and abuses of history as part of your studies.

International Studies
Major

International studies will help you understand and navigate the many challenges facing the contemporary world order. By taking a closer look at international justice and human rights, politics, and security, you will gain the knowledge you need for a career in foreign affairs, international business, government and non-governmental organisations, media, or development.

Japanese In-country (Major)
Major

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a semester of in-country learning. Learn to communicate with others in Japanese while also building your knowledge of Japanese society, culture, and history. You will advance your language skills through introductory and intermediate language courses, gain greater fluency and develop the creative, transformative and critical thinking abilities that come with being multilingual. Returning from your in-country experience, you’ll complete advanced courses that examine various forms of Japanese media and language in the workplace.

Japanese Studies
Major

Learn to communicate with others in Japanese while also building your knowledge of Japanese society, culture and history. You will advance your language skills through introductory and intermediate language courses. You’ll also develop the creative, transformative and critical thinking abilities that come with being multilingual.

Journalism
Major

If you enjoy keeping abreast of the latest in current affairs and want to experience the buzz of a newsroom, then consider studying Journalism. Journalists play an integral role in modern society, ensuring the public stays informed on the latest in local and global news.

Screen Media
Major

Screens are everywhere in the digital age and used as an important tool to educate, communicate and connect communities around the globe. Studying Screen Media will teach you how to make and distribute impactful screen content so that you can create meaningful stories and engender change in the world.

Sociology
Major

Sociology is the study of society through scientific analysis. It involves identifying social rather than individual explanations for social issues such as unemployment, prejudice, inequality and disadvantage. In this major you take a closer look at Australian and global society, the digital world, social justice, gender and cultural diversity, the sociology of sport, and international community development.

Theatre and Performance
Major

If you have a passion for the performing arts or aspire to a life on the stage, then consider studying Theatre and Performance. Your studies will allow you to experience the thrill of live performance and guide you towards success as a performer, director, educator, or stage manager.

Minors

Complement your skill set with your choice of minor.

Counselling Skills
Minor

Help people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. You will be exposed to the key areas of counselling knowledge applicable to a variety of career pathways, as well as being taught skills to work ethically in client-facing situations.

Creative Writing and Publishing
Minor

If you have a way with words and a passion for language, then consider studying Creative Writing and Publishing. Learn to master the art of storytelling and work towards your dream career as an author, editor, freelancer, or communications strategist.

Criminology and Justice
Minor

This major explores issues of crime, criminal justice, and crime prevention. You will learn how the justice system works, why people commit crimes and develop the skills and knowledge to contribute towards preventing and controlling crime and social problems.

Digital Humanities
Minor

The Digital Humanities minor highlights the importance of humanities in a digital world, drawing attention to cross-cutting issues of politics, communication, culture, globalisation, and power. This multidisciplinary Minor helps students to contextualise their humanities expertise within an increasingly complex, globalised and digitised present and future.

English
Minor

Learn to master the art of storytelling and work towards your dream career as an author, editor, freelancer, or communications strategist. Your studies will equip you with the skills to succeed in a broad range of publishing contexts. Experiment with different genres of writing, including novels, short stories, poetry and screenwriting, with all creative outcomes workshopped by supportive peers and enthusiastic staff.

Environmental Humanities
Minor

The Environmental Humanities minor highlights the importance of humanities in understanding our environment and facing challenges such as climate change, globalisation, population pressures and biodiversity collapse. This multidisciplinary Minor draws from geography, politics, history and design to help students to contextualise and promote their humanities expertise in understanding and addressing a wide range of environmental issues.

Geography
Minor

Geography focuses on identifying and understanding the processes of natural and built environments and exploring their causes and consequences. Geographers collect, analyse and report this information to enable informed decision-making. In this major, you will learn skills across various fields, including drone mapping, coastal geomorphology, the changing planet and globalisation, development and indigenous peoples.

Geospatial Analysis
Minor

Develop a GIS skillset that compliments your other areas of expertise, such as Geography, Sustainability, or Planning.

History
Minor

People and places all have a history. From ancient empires to pop culture, history teaches us about the things that have shaped the world we live in today. In this major, you will take a look at topics that will be valuable regardless of where your career takes you. You will examine the history of nations and cultures, environmental history, heritage and the uses and abuses of history as part of your studies.

Indigenous Studies
Minor

This minor explores significant socio-cultural, educational, historical and contemporary factors that have and will continue to shape the lives of First Nations peoples, families, cultures and communities. The interdisciplinary approach taken in this Minor is designed to enhance students’ understanding of a wide range of local, national and international issues and policies, as well as the diverse ways in which Indigenous peoples engage with, think about and document their worlds.

International and Human Rights
Minor

This minor will help you understand and navigate the human aspects of international justice, politics, security, and foreign affairs. Students are encouraged to reflect on the moral and ethical elements of international and domestic human rights issues, and examine how economic, socio-cultural, environmental and technological influences shape the way societies approach a wide range of political challenges.

International Studies
Minor

International studies will help you understand and navigate the many challenges facing the contemporary world order. By taking a closer look at international justice and human rights, politics, and security, you will gain the knowledge you need for a career in foreign affairs, international business, government and non-governmental organisations, media, or development.

Japanese Studies
Minor

Learn to communicate with others in Japanese while also building your knowledge of Japanese society, culture and history. You will advance your language skills through introductory and intermediate language courses. You’ll also develop the creative, transformative and critical thinking abilities that come with being multilingual.

Journalism
Minor

If you enjoy keeping abreast of the latest in current affairs and want to experience the buzz of a newsroom, then consider studying Journalism. Journalists play an integral role in modern society, ensuring the public stays informed on the latest in local and global news.

Music
Minor

Music is not just an art form, it’s a business. USC’s Music major is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to integrate into the music industry as a professional in a variety of roles.

Screen Media
Minor

Screens are everywhere in the digital age and used as an important tool to educate, communicate and connect communities around the globe. Studying Screen Media will teach you how to make and distribute impactful screen content so that you can create meaningful stories and engender change in the world.

Sociology
Minor

Sociology is the study of society through scientific analysis. It involves identifying social rather than individual explanations for social issues such as unemployment, prejudice, inequality and disadvantage. In this major you take a closer look at Australian and global society, the digital world, social justice, gender and cultural diversity, the sociology of sport, and international community development.

Sustainability
Minor

Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues facing contemporary society, and a multidisciplinary skillset is required to navigate its many questions and challenges. This Minor, which is aligned to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), provides students with the building blocks they will need to embark on a wide range of sustainability-focused careers in sectors such as environmental management, community planning and development, and government and public service.

Theatre and Performance
Minor

If you have a passion for the performing arts or aspire to a life on the stage, then consider studying Theatre and Performance. Your studies will allow you to experience the thrill of live performance and guide you towards success as a performer, director, educator, or stage manager.