Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences - Study (Monash Malaysia)

KPT/JPT (R3/0310/6/0004) 01/31 - MQA/SWA0103

Open yourself to new and critical ways of thinking.

The Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences at Monash University is designed to nurture flexible and well-informed graduates who possess a range of skills that employers seek in today's rapidly changing job market. Through this program, you'll become a sophisticated communicator and analytical thinker. The Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences exposes you to important skills that can be transferred to your future workplace. You'll hone your capabilities to access reliable and trustworthy sources of information, and to interpret and critically evaluate important facts, opinions and key debates which you’ll then communicate through critical writing.

In the process, you’ll develop awareness of important issues and debates in areas such as gender and sexuality, politics, history and contemporary global challenges, human psychology, new developments in media and communication practices, and the study of screen, film and television. By completing the Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences, you'll be well-prepared to enter a variety of fields that require strong communication and analytical skills.

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Course map

Handbook

Course guide

The secret to surviving in a digitised world

Be prepared to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Creativity, critical thinking, and human intuition will always be in demand.

At a Glance

Areas of study

Why Monash?

Career Paths

Entry requirements

Duration 3 years

Intakes February, July and October

Fees In 2027, the annual tuition fees for this course are:

• RM44,640 for Malaysian students
• RM53,280 for international students.

General fees:

• Application (once only) - RM100
• Registration (once only) - RM200
• General amenities (per semester) - RM100
• International student pass application - Click here.

Credit transfer Applications for credit can include credit transfer for previous study or recognition of prior learning.

There are six majors you can choose from in the Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences program. Each major provides a unique perspective on the world and can lead to a variety of career paths.

• Communication
• Film, television, and screen studies
• Global studies
• Gender studies
• Psychology (Major, 48 credit points)
• Psychology (Extended major, 60 credit points)
• Strategic public relations (from 2026 onwards)

Additionally, you’re required to take a minor to complement your major. As with the arts and social sciences major, you can also choose to do a second minor. The majors listed above can double up as minors if you did not choose them as your majors, or you can opt to pursue the following minor:

• Writing

More information The Monash University Handbook has detailed information about the course structure and requirements.

Download the course map here.

Top 100 in the world

Your degree will be recognised wherever you want to work or study in the world. Monash University is ranked (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026):

• No. 30 in the world for Philosophy
• No. 40 in the world for Communication and Media Studies
• No. 55 in the world for Arts and Humanities
• Top 100 in the world for Anthropology, History, Politics and Sociology.

Get Career Ready

You’ll gain a thorough grounding in the key skills sought by employers, including agility, lateral thinking and improvisation; skills that surpass automation and are relevant to all careers. You'll also develop written and verbal communication, problem-solving and critical thinking, research and interdisciplinary thinking, leadership and interpersonal skills.

Work Integrated Learning

Employers are increasingly looking for graduates with industry experience, which is why Monash's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program is so valuable to you. You'll be taught to apply your academic knowledge to real-world situations and to experience the work environments and tasks you’re likely to encounter in the workforce.

Study Trips

Journey across Malaysia and countries within the Asia-Pacific region to explore the different cultural, economic, social and political environments, issues and policies. These experiences can be personally transformative and will help to enhance your cross-cultural awareness and build leadership skills.

A Competitive Edge

This flexible degree in arts and social sciences, which combines breadth with depth, will give you the kind of versatility valued by employers. You’ll be able to compete in a variety of jobs and industries, including those typically populated by graduates from other disciplines.

Lead Change

The arts and social sciences are a valuable route to careers in government, international organisations and non-profits, particularly in the environmental and humanitarian fields. You’ll learn how to analyse problems, brainstorm issues and construct viable solutions that lead towards a fairer, more just and sustainable society.

Free Electives

There are eight free electives in the course. That means you’ll have the flexibility to take units from another discipline within Arts and Social Sciences or from another school such as Business or IT. These electives will complement your specialisation and add diversity to your skill set, making you stand out from your peers.

Due to its comprehensive nature, a Monash arts and social sciences degree is compatible with almost any profession imaginable. You can work in areas such as:

• journalism, publishing, editing, writing, electronic media, public relations, corporate communications, non-governmental organisations around the world
• marketing, advertising, business research and analysis
• management consulting, international trade, human resources, training and development, management and administration
• diplomacy, foreign affairs, politics
• tourism, hospitality, entertainment
• production, direction, management and administration, film, television and video.

You need to satisfy particular academic, English language and age requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Entry score

You will need the following entry scores for the Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences:

*The undergraduate entry requirements published are for students who commence the MUFY program in 2024.

**The Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA) accepts a minimum D Grade in A Level to be equivalent to the STPM Pass grade. For more information, please click here.

***The Monash College Diploma Part 2 entry requirements published are for students commencing their undergraduate destination degree in 2025.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for the Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences.

"I regularly work with very large sets of data and draw insights from them, a skill learnt at Monash that allowed me to navigate through the industry skillfully. The adaptability of my Bachelor of Arts degree allowed me to learn the business and management aspects of my job, while the communication and people skills kept me in good standing with all of my clients."

Kelvin Tan Kuan Fook Bachelor of Arts (Global), double major in Communications and International Studies Co-founder and CEO of Project ID

Frequently asked questions about the Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences

How long is the Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences at Monash Malaysia?

The program takes three years of full-time study. You can start in February, July or October, and you'll study at our campus in Sunway City, Selangor.

What majors can I choose in this Bachelor of Arts degree?

You can major in Communication; Film, Television and Screen Studies; Global Studies; Gender Studies; Psychology; or Strategic Public Relations. You'll also take a minor, and free electives let you explore subjects from other disciplines. This flexibility lets you shape your degree around your interests and career goals.

Will I gain work experience during my degree?

Yes. Through Work Integrated Learning, you'll apply your skills to real challenges and build industry experience before you graduate. You can also join study trips across Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific. These trips connect what you learn in class with real communities and cultures.

What careers can I pursue with a Bachelor of Arts degree?

Arts graduates build careers in many fields. They work in journalism, publishing, marketing, human resources, management consulting, tourism, and film and television production. Others work in diplomacy, foreign affairs and the not-for-profit sector. The critical thinking, research and communication skills you develop are valued across many industries.

Do I need specific subjects to apply for this Bachelor of Arts degree?

This program has no subject prerequisites, so students from any academic background can apply. You'll need to meet the minimum academic score for your qualification and Monash's English language requirements. Minimum scores differ by qualification, so check the entry requirements section of this page for the latest details.

Can I continue studying after my Bachelor of Arts degree?

Yes. If you do well, you can go on to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours). Honours builds your research skills and prepares you for postgraduate study or research careers. If you don't yet meet the entry requirements, the Diploma of Higher Education Studies offers a one-year pathway into the degree.

Related courses

• Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
• Double degree - Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies

Get in touch

For more information about this degree, contact us.