Bachelor of Arts
at La Trobe University, Victoria.
A three-year arts degree at La Trobe's Melbourne (Bundoora) campus and online, with around 50 majors and minors across the humanities, social sciences and more (ranks shown are for Melbourne). VCE prerequisite is a Units 3 and 4 study score of at least 20 in English other than EAL (or 25 in EAL).
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the La Trobe Bachelor of Arts for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 55.50 | delta.vtac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 55.50 | delta.vtac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 60.65 | delta.vtac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through VTAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
Students choose a primary arts major, then add secondary majors, minors and electives. Majors include anthropology, archaeological and heritage studies, Asian studies, classics and ancient history, creative and professional writing, crime, justice and legal studies, digital media, English, ethics and social justice, international studies, philosophy, politics and psychological science. Several majors can also be applied for through their own VTAC codes.
Placement and industry experience
Students can take a Work Based Learning placement to apply their studies in a professional workplace.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work in writing, editing and publishing roles across media, government and the not-for-profit sector.
- Many alumni pursue policy and research positions in the public service or NGO sector.
- Common further-study pathways include teaching, law (graduate JD) and a research Honours year.
Typical first jobs
- Policy officer in Victorian or Commonwealth public service
- Research assistant or analyst
- Communications or media officer
- Editorial assistant or journalist
- Electorate or political staffer
- Community-sector programme coordinator
- Marketing or content coordinator
Graduate starting salary
$55,000 - $70,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
Graduates work in communications, policy, community services, media and research. La Trobe also offers course packages that pair the Bachelor of Arts with the Juris Doctor or a Master of Teaching.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Strong readers who enjoy long-form non-fiction and academic writing
- Students who like building arguments and defending them in writing
- People drawn to politics, history, language or culture
- Independent learners comfortable with light timetables
- Writers who want to develop a research portfolio
It is probably not for you if
- Students wanting a single, clear job outcome at graduation
- Those who dislike heavy reading and frequent essay writing
- Students who prefer maths-heavy or lab-based subjects
- People who need tight structure and contact hours
Related courses at La Trobe
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the La Trobe University website and on VTAC before applying.