The Bachelor of General Studies requires three years of full-time study or the equivalent part-time.  Students may also use the first year of the course as a pathway into another Bachelor degree at the University.  The course is offered by the Faculty of Education, Humani ties and Law. Topics are available in other Faculties

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.

Course aims

The course aims to provide students with:

  • a sound basis of knowledge in their chosen area(s) of study
  • the ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired
  • the ability to communicate effectively in a range of ways
  • the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • the skills to connect across geographical, disciplinary, social and cultural boundaries
  • an understanding of the value of ethical behaviour

Learning outcomes 

On the completion of the course, students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • a broad and coherent body of knowledge with depth in one or more disciplines, and as a pathway to lifelong learning 
  • initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in scholarship, and the ability to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
  • skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and present a clear exposition of knowledge and ideas
  • critical thinking and judgment in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
  • application of knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability and in collaboration with others.

Program of study

To qualify for the Bachelor of General Studies a student must complete 108 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic. A minimum of 36 units but no more than 45 units of first level topics is to be included in the 108 units.

Students who achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00 (Pass) or higher over the first 36 units of study will be guaranteed entry into one of the following Bachelor degrees at Flinders University:

Students who do not meet the criteria for guaranteed entry may apply for entry into a Flinders degree via the normal competitive admission process.

Students who wish to exit the award after completion of 36 units or 72 units may be awarded a Diploma of Arts or an Associate Degree of Arts respectively, subject to meeting the requirements of those awards

Core  - Year 1 topics

Semester 1 topics

COMS1001  Academic and Professional Communication  (4.5 units)
COMS1002  Keys to University Success  (4.5 units)
PHIL1060  Critical Reasoning  (4.5 units)

Semester 2 topic

NMCY1001  Academic and Professional Numeracy  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 topics

Select 18 units of first level topics from one or more of the following degrees, ensuring that at least 9 units are selected from one degree:

First Year Business Topics

BUSN1008  Introductory Macroeconomics  (4.5 units)
BUSN1011  Accounting for Managers  (4.5 units)
BUSN1012  Management, People and Organisations  (4.5 units)
BUSN1013  Economics for Business  (4.5 units)
BUSN1014  Financial Markets  (4.5 units)
BUSN1021  Organisational Behavior  (4.5 units)
BUSN1022  Marketing Principles  (4.5 units)

Elective  - Year 2 & 3 topics

Select 72 units of elective topics, including a minimum of 18 units of third level topics. Students may count up to 45 units of first level topics towards the degree.  Electives can be chosen from any topics offered by the University, where topic prerequisites are met.