Course Overview

About This Course

In a rapidly changing world, ACU's Bachelor of Arts is designed to produce curious minds who think outside the box and thrive in the modern workplace. You develop highly transferrable skills at the heart of the new economy: creative thinking, problem-solving, communication and critical analysis. You build interdisciplinary knowledge and become immersed in inquiry, connection and creativity, developing foundational skills in research and critical thought, evaluation and communication, digital literacy and creative storytelling across the arts, humanities and social sciences, and learning to draw on insights, theories and approaches to effect meaningful change in society. There are more than 20 majors and minors in humanities, social sciences, archaeology, psychology, and visual and creative arts, with the full list published on ACU's website. The degree totals 240 credit points: 80 credit points in one arts major; a further 80 credit points from a second major, two minors, or a minor combined with Rome Program or elective units; a 10 credit point foundation inquiry unit; 40 credit points of electives; and 30 credit points of core curriculum and community engagement, including HUMA333 Social Impact in Action with 25 hours of voluntary placement. Overseas study experiences in locations such as New York and Rome help you establish international networks and build cross-cultural agility, and units can also be taken overseas during summer and winter breaks. A double degree can extend your learning into global studies, sustainability, law, commerce or teaching, an honours program is available to students who have excelled in their previous three years of study, and the degree is a pathway into a Master of Teaching.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

1200 Mair St, Ballarat, VIC 3350

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

AUD $18,024

Duration

3 years full-time or equivalent part-time. 2.5 years full-time in accelerated mode.

Intakes

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027 (Applications open August 2026) | Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning August 2027 (Applications open April 2027)

Study Mode

Full-time or part-time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students

An applicant must comply with ACU's Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, which includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:
- New South Wales: Assumed knowledge - 2 units of English (any) (Band 3); Mathematics (other than Mathematics General 2) for study in Mathematics (Band 3)
- Queensland: Assumed knowledge - English (Units 3 & 4, C)
- Victoria: Prerequisites - Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL. Prerequisite for study in Mathematics: Units 3 and 4 Mathematical Methods
Indicative ATAR: 58.50 (Brisbane), 58.50 (Melbourne), 58.50 (Strathfield).
Applicants who have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above are assigned a selection rank based on study level, duration and grade point average; prior study aligned with the learning outcomes of units in the course may also be recognised, which can shorten the time to complete.
ACU also assesses applicants on prior VET study, and on work and life experience.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

International students

International applicants need the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate, and must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy, including the English Language Proficiency requirements.
International students completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (either outside or in Australia), an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 must apply for admission through their local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) and are assessed on their performance in those studies (i.e. ATAR or equivalent).
Subject prerequisites are the same as those listed for domestic applicants.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Our graduates have pursued careers in:
• Government and non-government organisations
• Policy development
• Community development
• Consulting and public relations
• Social and cultural research
• Primary, secondary and higher education
• Media and communications
• Publishing and journalism
• Humanitarian services
• Conservation and museums
• Creative industries

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units138 units

ARCH

Archaeology

BUSD

Business Studies

DETI

Design and Technologies

DRAM

Drama

ENGL

English

GEES

Geography, Environment and Society

HIST

History

HURI

Human Rights

LANS

Languages

MATH

Mathematics

MUSC

Music

PHIL

Philosophy

PINR

Politics and International Relations

PSYC

Psychology

SOCI

Sociology

SRLG

Study of Religions

SUSN

Sustainability

THSD

Theological Studies

VISU

Visual Arts

ARCH

Archaeology

BUSD

Business Studies

DETI

Design and Technologies

DRAM

Drama

ENGL

English

GEES

Geography, Environment and Society

HIST

History

HURI

Human Rights

LANS

Languages

MATH

Mathematics

MUSC

Music

PHIL

Philosophy

PINR

Politics and International Relations

PSYC

Psychology

SOCI

Sociology

SRLG

Study of Religions

SUSN

Sustainability

THSD

Theological Studies

VISU

Visual Arts

ARCH

Archaeology

BUSD

Business Studies

COMM

Communication

CRIM

Criminology

DRAM

Drama

DTCO

Digital Technologies (Computing)

ECON

Economics

ENGL

English

ENHU

Environmental Humanities

ESTD

Education Studies

GEES

Geography, Environment and Society

GLST

Global Studies

GRDE

Graphic Design

HIST

History

HURI

Human Rights

LANS

Languages

MATH

Mathematics

MEMS

Medieval and Early Modern Studies

MHSY

Mental Health and Society

MUSC

Music

PHIL

Philosophy

PINR

Politics and International Relations

PSYC

Psychology

SOCI

Sociology

SRLG

Study of Religions

THSD

Theological Studies

VEAM

Veterans Arts Minor

VISU

Visual Arts

YWRK

Youth Work

ARCH

Archaeology

BUSD

Business Studies

COMM

Communication

CRIM

Criminology

DRAM

Drama

DTCO

Digital Technologies (Computing)

ECON

Economics

ENGL

English

ENHU

Environmental Humanities

ESTD

Education Studies

GEES

Geography, Environment and Society

GLST

Global Studies

GRDE

Graphic Design

HIST

History

HURI

Human Rights

LANS

Languages

MATH

Mathematics

MEMS

Medieval and Early Modern Studies

MHSY

Mental Health and Society

MUSC

Music

PHIL

Philosophy

PINR

Politics and International Relations

PSYC

Psychology

SOCI

Sociology

SRLG

Study of Religions

THSD

Theological Studies

VEAM

Veterans Arts Minor

VISU

Visual Arts

YWRK

Youth Work

ARCH

Archaeology

BUSD

Business Studies

COMM

Communication

CRIM

Criminology

DRAM

Drama

DTCO

Digital Technologies (Computing)

ECON

Economics

ENGL

English

ENHU

Environmental Humanities

ESTD

Education Studies

GEES

Geography, Environment and Society

GLST

Global Studies

GRDE

Graphic Design

HIST

History

HURI

Human Rights

LANS

Languages

MATH

Mathematics

MEMS

Medieval and Early Modern Studies

MHSY

Mental Health and Society

MUSC

Music

PHIL

Philosophy

PINR

Politics and International Relations

PSYC

Psychology

SOCI

Sociology

SRLG

Study of Religions

THSD

Theological Studies

VEAM

Veterans Arts Minor

VISU

Visual Arts

YWRK

Youth Work

HUMA114

Scandals and Deception: Navigating Controversy

PHCC102

Being Human

PHCC104

Ethics and the Good Life

PHCC106

Making Sense: Practical Reasoning for Life and Career

THCC100

Revolutionary Values: Christianity in History

THCC101

People Matter: Catholic Social Thought

TPCC100

Life and Meaning: Imagining Ourselves through Art and Cinema

PHCC201

The Origins of the Sciences and Contemporary Challenges

THCC200

Justice in the World: Catholic Social Ethics in Global Perspective

THCC202

Sacred Land: Australian Indigenous Spiritualities and Catholic Thought

TPCC201

Ecology and Justice

TPCC202

Conflict, Violence and Peace-making

HUMA333

Social Impact in Action

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Arts at Australian Catholic University take to complete?

The Bachelor of Arts at Australian Catholic University has a duration of 156 weeks, as listed on the CRICOS registry.

What is the estimated total cost of the Bachelor of Arts for international students?

The estimated total course cost for international students is AU$109,872, which covers tuition fees. There are no additional non-tuition fees listed.

Does the Bachelor of Arts include any work experience component?

Yes, the Bachelor of Arts includes a community engagement unit, HUMA333 Social Impact in Action, in which students complete 25 hours of voluntary placement.

At which campuses can I study the Bachelor of Arts at Australian Catholic University?

The Bachelor of Arts is offered at three Australian Catholic University campuses: Strathfield (NSW), Brisbane (QLD) and Melbourne (VIC). International intakes are available at Melbourne and Strathfield only, as there are no international intakes on the Brisbane campus.

Is the Bachelor of Arts eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

To be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights, a course must be registered, be a Skills Level 1 qualification (which a Bachelor Degree is), have a duration of 92 weeks or greater (this course is 156 weeks), and have a narrow Field of Education that aligns with the Skills Level 1 priority list. The Bachelor of Arts falls under the 'Society and Culture' field, so eligibility depends on whether this field appears on the current priority list. Eligibility is reviewed yearly by the Department of Education.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $74,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $74,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $115,000 per year

Career Paths

Policy Analyst / Policy OfficerCommunications Officer / ManagerPublic Relations SpecialistContent Writer / CopywriterJournalist / Reporter

Key Skills

Critical thinking and analytical reasoningPersuasive written and oral communicationResearch design and qualitative/quantitative research methodsIntercultural awareness and cross-cultural communicationEthical reasoning and moral philosophy

Full Course Overview

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Bachelor of Arts

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students