Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This programme introduces students to key texts, ideas and institutions from ancient times to the modern period, combining literature, philosophy, history, political thought, theology and the arts. Typical subject areas include:

• Foundations of Western thought: classical Greek and Roman literature and philosophy
• Medieval and Renaissance intellectual traditions, including scholasticism and Christian humanism
• Early modern and Enlightenment developments in political and moral philosophy
• Modern and contemporary debates in ethics, politics and aesthetics
• Literary and cultural analysis of major Western texts and genres
• Religion and theology in Western civilisation, with attention to their social and cultural impact
• Research methods in the humanities and a capstone research project or major essay

Delivery typically blends seminars and lectures with small-group tutorials, close reading workshops and supervised research. Assessment commonly includes essays, class presentations, reflective journals and a research capstone or thesis component. Students can expect to develop skills in critical analysis, historical contextualisation, persuasive writing and oral communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline. Applicants with relevant professional experience or prior tertiary study in humanities or related fields may also be considered. Entry is competitive and assessed on academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and goals, and academic or professional references.

International applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. In some cases, applicants may be asked to attend an interview or to provide samples of written work.

Career prospects

Graduates develop a range of transferable skills valued across sectors: critical thinking, research and synthesis of complex materials, persuasive writing and public communication. Common career pathways include:

• Secondary and tertiary education, including teaching and curriculum development (subject to relevant teaching qualifications and registration where required)
• Archives, museums, galleries and cultural heritage organisations
• Public policy, government and think tanks where historical and ethical analysis informs decision-making
• Publishing, journalism and communications, including editorial and content development roles
• Research and further study at doctoral level in humanities disciplines
• Community and faith-based organisations that engage with cultural, ethical and educational programming

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU offers a humanities curriculum shaped by close textual study, interdisciplinary dialogue and a values-informed perspective on culture and society. The university emphasises small-group teaching and personalised supervision for research projects, helping students gain sustained feedback and mentoring.

Students benefit from access to ACU's academic staff active in humanities research, connections with cultural institutions and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The programme's structure supports both recent graduates seeking advanced disciplinary training and mid-career professionals looking to enrich their analytical and communication capabilities.

Overall, the Master of Liberal Arts (Western Civilisation) at ACU is designed to prepare graduates to interpret, explain and engage constructively with the intellectual traditions that continue to shape public life, policy and culture.