James Cook University

Bachelor of Arts (English)

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

When you study English, also often referred to as English literature, you will consider how words and texts can be used to create meaning. Traditionally involving the literary analysis of fictional work, the study of English has expanded to include a wide variety of texts, including poetry, film and other media in all forms.

English specialists use these interpretations to shine new light on the thoughts, feelings and attitudes of those in the past and present. Their readings are often used to reveal or draw attention to particular issues at a point in time, or to consider how human nature has evolved over time.

Creative writing can also form a large portion of English studies. English students studying creative writing read a variety of texts and use literary analysis to develop their own skills in creative writing to write their own stories and other types of texts.

Delivery mode

James Cook University offers this course through the following delivery modes:

Blended

Combine the flexibility of online learning with the support of on campus learning.


Locations
  • 36 Shields Street, Cairns
  • City Arcade, 383 Flinders Street, Townsville

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

English language requirements

  • Band 1
  • English (Units 3/4,C)
  • IB Diploma: A total score stated on IB Diploma certificate. 24
  • IELTS 6.0 (no component lower than 6.0)
  • TOEFL (internet-based) 74 (no component less than 18)
  • Pearson (PTE Academic) 52 (no component less than 52)

You must have successfully completed 6 months of full-time study at a recognised higher education institution and received a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.9 out of 7.0, or minimum average results of approximately 65-70%.

You may be eligible to apply directly after high school and must provide your High School Certificate (or equivalent). These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To be eligible for an Undergraduate degree, you must have completed a recognised Year 12 program or equivalent to the required standard.

English Language Requirements for Students from Non-English Speaking Backgrounds:

  • IELTS: 6 (no component lower than 6.0)
  • TOEFL (internet based): 74 (no component less than 18)
  • Pearson (PTE Academic): 52 (no component less than 52)
  • C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency: 169 (no component less than 169)

English (Units 3/4,C)

If you are a student who has successfully completed a Certificate III, a Certificate IV or an AQF Diploma you are guaranteed entry into a number of JCU undergraduate courses.

Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $42,000 - $92,880 Fees are based on full-time study.
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Standard Tuition:
$42,000
Full Fee Tuition:
$92,880
Enquire with James Cook University to find out more.
Study mode Blended
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* $42,000 - $92,880 Support may be available

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Arts (English) will prepare you for the following roles.

Author

Authors are professional writers who write books for publication and sale, either fiction or non-fiction. They develop their original ideas into a ...

Avg yearly income $98,800
Entry barriers Low

Copywriter

A Copywriter produces written material for use in advertising and promotional material. You might write about a product or service or about an orga...

Avg yearly income $93,340
Entry barriers Low

English Teacher

An English Teacher instructs students in reading, writing, grammar, and literature across secondary education levels. Key duties include planning a...

Avg yearly income $109,980
Entry barriers Low

Freelance Writer

Freelance Writers are writing professionals who work on their own terms for a range of business clients and/or media outlets. They are usually self...

Avg yearly income $78,000
Entry barriers Low

Journalist

A Journalist writes and presents news stories in a range of media formats. You might research news events and conduct interviews with news subjects...

Avg yearly income $79,976
Entry barriers Low

Writer

A Writer writes fiction and nonfiction pieces for a range of purposes. You might specialise in a particular type of writing such as poetry, short s...

Avg yearly income $85,020
Entry barriers Low

About James Cook University

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper.

Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide we are focused on addressing the critical challenges facing the tropics, in areas as diverse as Medicine, Dentistry, Marine Science, Nursing, Arts and Society.

Inspired by a research-rich environment, the significance of our endeavours is recognised globally by the most credible world university rankings providers. Our strong performance is assessed on quality, relevance and impact.

JCU was awarded 5 Stars for teaching and employability in the QS Stars Rankings for 2021 and 5 Stars for full-time employment, graduate starting salary and student teacher ratio by the Good Universities Guide for 2023.

Career-focused courses provide an exceptional student experience, led by industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their expertise, because experience has no substitute.