Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This degree combines core humanities disciplines to trace the development of Western civilisation from antiquity to the present. Typical units cover ancient and medieval history, modern European history, classical and modern political theory, major works of Western literature, ethics and moral philosophy, and the interaction of religion and society.

• Core themes: key texts and thinkers (for example, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill), the evolution of political institutions, and the cultural contexts of artistic and literary production.
• Skills development: critical reading, sustained argumentation, historical interpretation, close textual analysis, research methods and public communication.
• Structure: the program is usually taken as a three-year full-time degree with a major in Western Civilisation comprising a sequence of foundational and advanced units, together with electives from other arts disciplines. Students commonly complete a capstone or research project in the final year to synthesise disciplinary approaches.
• Learning modes: teaching is delivered through seminars, lectures, tutorials, small-group discussions and supervised research; assessment typically includes essays, exams, oral presentations and research portfolios.
• Study abroad and enrichment: opportunities exist to take exchange units or short-term study programs, and to engage with guest lectures, public seminars and archival visits when available.

Entry requirements

Admission is usually based on secondary school results (such as an ATAR or equivalent) for school leavers, with specific entry ranks varying by campus and year. Applicants who do not have recent school qualifications can apply as mature-age students on the basis of work experience or prior study. International applicants should meet ACU's English language requirements and provide recognised secondary school or post-secondary credentials.

• Typical school-leaver pathway: successful completion of secondary schooling with an ATAR or equivalent meeting the university’s threshold for arts degrees.
• Mature-age and pathway students: may be admitted on the basis of prior tertiary study, workplace experience, or completion of a recognised enabling program.
• Additional documentation: transcripts, proof of English proficiency for international students, and any other materials requested by ACU Admissions.

Career prospects

Graduates of Western Civilisation combine subject knowledge with transferable skills that are valued across many sectors. Typical career pathways include secondary teaching (with subsequent teacher education qualifications where required), public service and policy work, cultural heritage and museum roles, publishing and editing, journalism and communications, and positions in philanthropy or non-government organisations.

• Further study: many graduates progress to honours programs, postgraduate coursework in the humanities, law, public policy or professional qualifications such as teacher education.
• Transferable skills: research and analytical skills, written and oral communication, ethical reasoning and contextual awareness, which are applicable to business, consultancy and community-sector roles.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU offers a humanities education informed by the Catholic intellectual tradition while welcoming diverse perspectives; this provides strong emphasis on ethics, social context and civic responsibility. The university is known for relatively small class sizes in arts faculties, enabling close interaction with academic staff and discussion-based learning.

• Interdisciplinary approach: the Western Civilisation program draws on history, literature, philosophy and theology to give students a broad and integrated understanding of ideas and institutions.
• Student support and campuses: ACU provides academic support services, writing centres and career advice across its metropolitan and regional campuses.
• Pathways and outcomes: the degree supports progression to honours and postgraduate study and connects students with opportunities for internships, community engagement and public humanities activities.