Bachelor

Bachelor of Arts (Major in Literature)

Open to school leaver application

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts majoring in Literature is designed around three broad areas of study: (1) postcolonial literary studies — Literature of PNG and the South Pacific, literary theory and criticism; (2) creative writing, editing, publishing, literary techniques, and genre studies; and (3) cultural studies, literature and society, oral traditions and folklore. Special attention is given to folklore, ethno-botany, traditional knowledge systems, and the languages and cultures of Papua New Guinea.

Literature majors cover all three areas in Years 1 and 2, then focus on one area in Years 3 and 4. Electives offered by other strands can be taken concurrently. Graduates work in education, publishing, media, cultural institutions, and development communications throughout PNG and the Pacific.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed Grade 12 from a recognised institution. The following minimum grades are required for school leaver selection:

  • A grade of C or better in Language & Literature or Applied English (one subject).
  • A grade of C or better in General Mathematics or Advanced Mathematics (one subject).
  • A grade of B or better in three (3) subjects chosen from Economics, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry or Biology.

Minimum GPA: 2.50, calculated across the subjects listed above (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0; subjects not taken are excluded from the calculation). Note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission — places are limited and competition is strong.

NOSS selection formula (2025): (COUNT_C[LL,AE]=1)&(COUNT_C[GM,AM]=1)&(COUNT_B[Ec,Hi,Gr,Ph,Ch,Bi]=3)&(GPA[LL,AE,AM,GM,Ec,Hi,Gr,Bi,Ch,Ph]>=2.50)

Course Structure

Year 1

Semester 1

  • 4.11101Introduction to Literature
  • 4.11103South Pacific Literature

Semester 2

  • 4.11102Creative Writing
  • 4.11104Modern World Literature

Year 2

Semester 1

  • 4.21105Oral Literature & Traditions
  • 4.21107Literature & Politics

Semester 2

  • 4.21106Papua New Guinea Literature
  • 4.21108Literary Theory
  • 4.24134Study of Communication & Language

Year 3

Semester 1

  • 4.31110Post-colonial Literature
  • 4.31111Literature, Nation & Culture

Semester 2

  • 4.31109Aboriginal & Maori Language
  • 4.31112Writing, Editing & Publishing

Year 4

Semester 1

  • 4.41113Cultural Studies
  • 4.41114Literary Criticism

Semester 2

  • 4.41115Advanced Folklore: Ethnobotany
  • 4.41116Specialist Writing: Cultural Studies

Course codes shown are indicative. Please contact the School directly for official course codes and credit information.