Undergraduate Study
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is the undergraduate qualification offered by the School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations. This is administered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
For opportunities for students to get involved in the wider university and community life see the Get Involved web page.
The four majors we offer are:
General Information on this page:
- Blackboard
- Class Formats
- Course Fees
- Course Materials (course readings and textbooks)
- Course Outlines
- Examination
- Information Technology Services (ITS)
Blackboard
Blackboard is Victoria University's online learning facility. Course coordinators, course outlines and the course web pages will tell you whether or not the courses for which you are enrolled are using Blackboard.
Class Formats
Lectures
Each course usually includes weekly lectures at which new material is presented. In addition, courses usually also include discussion and reinforcement sessions, such as tutorials, seminars, or audio-visual classes. Lectures starting before 1.00 pm start on the hour and last 50 minutes (or one hour 50 minutes); lectures from 1.00 pm start 10 minutes after the hour and finish on the hour.
Tutorials
These generally last 50 minutes and involve small groups of students meeting with a staff member, or graduate student tutor. Tutorials provide the opportunity to discuss course content, course work and readings, to exchange ideas and become acquainted with other course members.
Seminars
A seminar is a class discussion group that centres on set readings or on courses prepared and presented by students.
Course Fees
Please visit the online Course Catalogue to see all available courses and course fees.
Course Materials
Textbooks may either be bought from vicbooks (Student Union Building) or from other bookshops. Course materials are also available from the Student Notes Distribution Centre in the Student Union Building. Course Coordinators will tell you which outlet has the reading material for their course.
A second-hand book sale is held by VUWSA in the first week of March: you can sell your old books through them, and you may be able to buy some of the books you require at reduced prices. Second-hand books may, under certain conditions, be bought and sold through vicbooks.
Course Outlines
At the beginning of each course students receive a Course Outline. This contains all necessary information about the course including the number of class meetings, their types and times, booklists, assignments, tests and examinations and mandatory course requirements (minimum class work in order to complete the course).
Examination
Students enrolled in courses that have a final examination are expected to be available in the relevant examination period. Please visit the official University Timetables to check for the examination timetables.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS provides access to all electronic resources for students.
Support is available for students with disabilities through Disability Services.