Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts

School of Arts & Sciences

Do you have an interest in science and the arts? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s double degree in Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Art offers flexibility and cross-disciplinary strength. This degree opens the door to opportunities in various careers if you have diverse interests. You will develop a broad skill-set making you an asset in many workplaces. As part of this double degree, you will undertake placements in areas of employment-related to your studies, which will allow you to make professional contacts and hone your knowledge and skills to become a confident and work-ready graduate!

• Why study this program?

  The Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts double degree gives you the best of both worlds.  You will study core interdisciplinary Science courses, including experimental design, mathematics, biology, chemistry and ecology. These courses provide the basis for strong skills in scientific investigation, including data collection and analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. This ensures you will be a versatile graduate. These skills are highly sought after by employers and applicable to many workplaces within and outside the field of Science.

  Building on these core Science courses, you will deepen your study of Science by selecting a Science Steam that matches your interests: Biology & Environment, Environment & Heritage, Human & Medical Science, or Multidisciplinary Science. Each Stream ensures in-depth knowledge and skill development through practical hands-on experience in the classroom, the laboratory, and the field.

  In the Bachelor of Arts component of this double degree, you will study a Major in an area such as Journalism, Film & Screen Production, Photography, Social Justice, Politics and International Relations, History, or Theatre Studies, which will give you in-depth, specialist knowledge and skills that will allow you to contribute effectively to the cultural and intellectual life of society.

  The Arts component will develop your ability to analyse, interpret, deliberate, draw conclusions and communicate. You will be able to consider multiple perspectives and handle ambiguity and uncertainty. These are the skills needed in the 21^st-century workplace.

• Program summary

  Courses	Number of courses
  Core Curriculum courses	2
  Compulsory Science core courses	8
  Science Stream courses	7
  Arts Major courses	8
  Elective Arts courses	4
  Elective courses: These 2 courses can be combined with the Arts Elective courses to form a Minor (6 courses)	2
  Total number of courses in the double degree	32

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

  Please note: The availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science graduates will be able to:

  1. Articulate the methods and philosophy of Science and explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable
  2. Explain the role and relevance of Science in society
  3. Apply broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge with depth in one or more disciplines
  4. Synthesise and critically evaluate information from a range of sources
  5. Design scientific investigations, collect and interpret data and draw conclusions showing creativity in problem solving
  6. Conduct investigations using practical and theoretical approaches
  7. Communicate results, information and arguments to audiences for a range of purposes and in a variety of modes
  8. Apply current regulatory frameworks and exercise high personal and professional ethical standards
  9. Work independently as a reflective, self-directed learner and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
  2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
  4. Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
  5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
  6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
  7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others
  8. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences

• Practical component

  You will be required to complete the SCIE3900 Science Internship, which includes an industry placement of at least 225 hours.

• Career opportunities

  Career paths across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors are diverse and depend on the Science Stream and Arts Major you choose (see individual Streams and Majors for more inspiration).

  Career opportunities include work as a curator or you can work in science communications, community development, planning and sustainability, journalism, documentary film making, environmental/heritage/communications/public affairs consultancy, conservation, diplomacy, public health, youth work, human rights, policy development, corporate liaison, and research.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Honours

  An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Science (Honours) regulations, or by contacting the School of Arts & Sciences.

• Study abroad

  A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  
  

  CSP
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at university where the government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  • The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.
  • The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  
  

  HECS-HELP
  The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  
  

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees Page.

• Student profile data

  The tables below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

  Fremantle Student Profile Data

  TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  Applicant background	Semester 1 2022
  	Number of students	Percentage of all students
  (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	N/A	N/A
  (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	<5	N/P
  (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	N/A	N/A
  (D) Recent secondary education: Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR  (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	N/A	N/A
  where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	N/A	N/A
  on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)	<5	100%
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	N/P	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers	ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) *	Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]
  Highest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Median rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Lowest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A

  Notes:  

  “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
  N/A – Students not accepted in this category
  N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

  In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?

  Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.

  
  

  For more information, please call our Prospective Students Office on +61 8 9433 0533 or email future@nd.edu.au.

  
  

  All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.