Bachelor of Arts (Dean's Scholar)

Overview

The Dean's Scholar Degree provides an academic space for high-achieving single degree Arts students. With a limited intake of students per year, it aims to provide an enriched educational experience for highly motivated Arts students who are hoping to make a contribution to their field of study through teaching or research, or by working as professionals in their chosen area of study.

To remain in the program, Dean's Scholars must maintain an average of 75% in each year of study. If the student's average falls below 75%, the student will be transferred into the Bachelor of Arts 702.

As a Bachelor of Arts degree, the Dean's Scholar degree is flexible. For example, Dean's Scholars have the opportunity to attempt subjects not normally available to first-year students. They may be granted exemption from certain first-year subjects and may be permitted extended subject loads, enabling them to complete the degree in under the normal time and enter Honours in their third year. Each Dean's Scholar has an academic mentor, a member of academic staff who undertakes to offer advice in the scholar's major area of study.

Dean's Scholars are able to use the University's student exchange program to undertake a period of study overseas, and several Dean's Scholars have competed successfully for places in the Australian National Internship Program which enables them to undertake a one-session placement in Canberra, usually on the staff of a member of parliament or the Internship Program that places them in the Capitol in Washington D.C.

The Dean's Scholar degree is not a scholarship. Students intending to apply for a place in this degree are encouraged to apply for a University of Wollongong undergraduate scholarship separately.

Majors and Minor studies

Dean's Scholars must undertake one major study from the Faculty of Arts and may take any of the minor studies areas as set out under the earlier in this Handbook under the entry for the Bachelor of Arts 702.

For information on Advanced Standing see the entry for the Bachelor of Arts course code 702.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Bachelor of Arts (Dean's Scholar) is based on a UAI set by the Faculty and interview.

Course Requirements

To qualify for award of the degree of Bachelor of Arts 702 a Dean's Scholar a student must complete a total of at least 144 credit points from subjects listed in the Course Structures of the Bachelor of Arts offered by member units of the Faculty of Arts and other subjects as approved by the Faculty.

The 144 credit points shall include:

a) the subjects prescribed for one of the majors listed in the Course Structures for that degree and offered by member units of the Faculty of Arts;

b) for majors offered by the member units of the Faculty of Arts 24 credit points at 300 level at a pass grade or better in subjects offered by member units of the Faculty of Arts;

c) not more than 60 credit points in 100-level subjects;

d) maintain an average mark of 75% or better.

Students may count no more than 26 credit points of PC (Pass Conceded) or PR (Pass Restricted) grades towards the 144 required for the degree.

Where a double major is taken, both shall meet the requirements of the majors as prescribed by the faculty. A candidate for course code 702A who has registered for two major studies, for which there are common subjects at any level may count one subject twice towards the requirements of the major studies, but may only count the credit points once towards the credit points required by the course.

Minor studies for course code 702A consists of a minimum of 28 credit points of which no more than 12 credit points at 100 level. Students may not cross count subjects from a nominated minor into any other minor or major.

Major Study Areas from the Faculty of Arts

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts within the Faculty of Arts must take one of these majors:

− Aboriginal Studies

− Asia-Pacific Studies

− Australian Studies

− Community, Culture and Environment*

− Employment Relations

− English Language and Linguistics

− English Literatures

− European Studies

− French

− Gender Studies

− History

− Information Studies

− Italian

− Japanese

− Media and Cultural Studies

− Philosophy

− Politics

− Resource and Environmental Studies

− Science, Technology and Society

− Sociology

− Spanish

− War and Society

*available at the Shoalhaven Campus and the Bega, Batemans Bay and Moss Vale access centres only. For details see the Bachelor of Arts (Community and Environment).

Minor Studies

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts within the Faculty of Arts may choose from the following minors:

− Aboriginal Studies

− Asia-Pacific Studies

− Australian Studies

− Employment Relations

− English Language and Linguistics

− English Literatures

− Environmental Studies*

− European Studies

− French

− Gender Studies

− History

− Information Studies

− Italian

− Japanese

− Media and Cultural Studies

− Philosophy

− Politics

− Resource and Environmental Studies

− Science, Technology and Society

− Sociology

− Spanish

− War and Society

*available at the Shoalhaven Campus and the Bega, Batemans Bay and Moss Vale access centres only.

Internship and International Subjects

(See subject descriptions for more information on these subjects)

Assessment

Assessment in this course varies between subjects and programs, but typically includes a combination of essays, tutorial/seminar presentations and in-class tests and/or exams. Some subjects may have an additional practical component. The assessment requirements of each subject are set out in the individual subject outlines which students receive in the first week of session.

Honours - see Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts (Dean's Scholars) Degree will be accepted into the Bachelor of Arts (Honours), provided that supervision is available in the Faculty for their proposed thesis topic.

The Faculty of Arts Honours Handbook can be accessed as a PDF document.

Last reviewed: 19 October, 2007