Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts (Accelerated)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers an opportunity to deepen your expertise within the arts and humanities. This one-year full-time program allows you to become part of a dynamic research community, developing and undertaking your own research thesis or creative project. You will make an original contribution to your chosen field, supported by experienced mentors within ACU’s National School of Arts and Humanities. This prestigious honours program provides a competitive advantage for your career. You can engage with industry through an internship or gain domestic or international experience via a fieldtrip. The program also hones critical and innovative thinking skills, preparing you for further graduate research degrees such as a Master's or PhD.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

The Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a comprehensive exploration of human health and disease. You will gain in-depth knowledge of how diseases originate, progress, and are diagnosed, while also investigating the latest research in prevention and treatment. The program emphasizes practical laboratory experience across key scientific disciplines such as chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, and immunology. Students have the option to specialize further through a major in Physiological Pharmacology or a minor in Pharmacology. This degree is designed for students fascinated by the human body and eager to contribute to medical research and healthcare. It combines rigorous academic study with valuable professional experience, preparing you for diverse career paths in the biomedical field. The curriculum integrates scientific theory with hands-on learning, ensuring you develop both analytical skills and practical competencies essential for your future career.

Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education)

The Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education) at Australian Catholic University prepares you to become a primary school teacher with a specialised focus on special education. This program equips you with the skills to support the development of children with disabilities or learning and behavioural difficulties, as well as to manage diverse social, cultural, and developmental needs within the classroom. You will gain practical experience through extensive professional placements, ensuring you are well-prepared for a rewarding career in education. The course is designed to meet the accreditation requirements for teachers in Australia, making you eligible for registration across all states and territories.

Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education)

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education) at Australian Catholic University prepares you to become a highly sought-after secondary school teacher with expertise in supporting students with disabilities and learning difficulties. Ranked highly globally in education, this program provides a supportive and collaborative learning environment, drawing on world-leading expertise. You will develop essential knowledge and practical skills in both secondary education and special education, enabling you to register to teach in a wide range of settings. The course includes extensive professional experience placements, building your teaching capabilities from observation to independent classroom management.

Bachelor of Nursing

This Bachelor of Nursing program prepares graduates with strong clinical skills, critical thinking abilities, and a compassionate approach to patient care. Through extensive connections with hospitals and healthcare partners, you will gain valuable industry placements and be well-prepared for future employment. The curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring you are ready to meet the demands of the nursing profession. The program also offers opportunities for international experience in various healthcare settings abroad.

Bachelor of Nursing

Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurses)

This two-year, diploma-to-degree conversion course is designed for enrolled nurses looking to upgrade their qualifications. ACU graduates are recognised for their strong clinical skills, compassionate approach, and ability to think critically. The program offers extensive connections to hospitals and healthcare partners, providing valuable opportunities for industry placements and future employment. The Australian government offers the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to eligible students to help cover costs during mandatory placements, potentially providing $331.65 per week.

Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Business

This double degree combines in-depth knowledge of nutrition science with essential business principles, preparing you for diverse career opportunities. The Bachelor of Nutrition Science focuses on the scientific foundations of food and nutrition, emphasizing their role in health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan. You will develop the capacity to apply this knowledge ethically within the community. The Bachelor of Business offers a broad understanding of key business areas such as finance, marketing, economics, and management. This general business degree complements the nutrition science component by equipping you with skills applicable to various industries. Graduates will be uniquely positioned to integrate their expertise in nutrition with business acumen, allowing them to work effectively in industry, government, or to establish their own business ventures.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a four-year, full-time program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to enable individuals and communities to participate fully in self-care, productivity, and leisure activities. You will learn to assess occupational performance, apply and evaluate interventions, and collaborate effectively with clients and healthcare teams. The program includes an optional embedded Honours program for high-achieving students in their third and fourth years. This degree emphasizes practical application with over 1,000 hours of supervised professional practice education embedded throughout the course, starting from your first year. Placements occur in diverse settings such as hospitals, community health centres, private practices, and schools, providing a broad range of experience including rural/remote settings. The curriculum is developed to meet international competency standards, preparing graduates for professional registration.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

The Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a comprehensive program designed for students passionate about preventing and treating injuries and disabilities. You will gain essential skills to assess, diagnose, and manage various conditions across diverse populations, from children to the elderly, including gender-specific health issues. The course integrates theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience through supervised clinical placements. This program prepares you for a rewarding career where you can make a tangible difference in people's lives. High-achieving students also have the opportunity to undertake an Honours pathway in their third and fourth years, provided they meet specific admission criteria. The curriculum is structured to align with the standards of the Australian Physiotherapy Council, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional registration. Throughout your studies, you will engage in significant clinical placements in various settings such as hospitals, private practices, aged care facilities, and rehabilitation units. These placements are crucial for developing and integrating your knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours under the guidance of experienced clinical educators.

Bachelor of Psychological Science

The Bachelor of Psychological Science at Australian Catholic University (ACU) provides a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and mental processes, preparing students for a variety of professional settings. This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a Level 1 Program, ensuring graduates gain advanced knowledge and employable skills highly valued by industry leaders. Students can tailor their degree by choosing a minor from a wide range of areas, including counselling, criminology, exercise science, business, history, and philosophy. Completing this degree is the first step towards a potential career as a registered psychologist, as it allows graduates to apply for further postgraduate study. The program emphasizes work-integrated learning, offering opportunities for significant volunteer community engagement in psychological contexts. This practical experience helps students develop valuable skills and build connections within the field.

Bachelor of Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed for students passionate about human rights, social justice, and making a positive impact on people's lives. As a social worker, you will address critical challenges such as inequality, discrimination, and violence, working to improve individual and community wellbeing. This four-year full-time program includes an embedded Honours program for high-achieving students, starting from the third year. This degree equips you with the skills and knowledge to address complex social issues and advocate for vulnerable populations. You will engage with diverse communities and develop a deep understanding of the factors that influence human wellbeing. The program incorporates extensive practical experience to prepare you for a rewarding career in social work.

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)

Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management in Healthcare (ACU Online)

The Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Management in Healthcare at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed to enhance your existing administrative or management skills within the healthcare sector. This online program focuses on evaluating current approaches to policy development and implementation in healthcare delivery, providing a robust foundation for leadership roles. Students have the flexibility to pursue either a project-based or research-focused stream relevant to their interests in healthcare management. This diploma is offered entirely online, making it suitable for professionals who require flexible study options. It is available to international students who are not seeking to study on an Australian Student Visa. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are also available for eligible domestic students.

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a two-year postgraduate program designed to provide comprehensive training in clinical psychology. The course integrates academic coursework with extensive practical experience in assessment, diagnosis, and intervention, alongside a significant research project. Upon successful completion, graduates will be eligible for general registration as a psychologist. After an additional period of supervised practice, graduates can gain area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology with the Psychology Board of Australia. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for eligible domestic students.

Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) program at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed for graduates from other disciplines who wish to become qualified social workers. This intensive two-year full-time program, or equivalent part-time study, provides the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding required for professional social work practice. Graduates will be equipped to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities across diverse settings. The curriculum integrates core social work theories with extensive practice education, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Students will engage with contemporary issues in social policy, mental health, and Indigenous and cultural studies, preparing them for a dynamic and rewarding career in social justice and human services. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, research skills, and an ethical approach to practice. The program is offered at ACU's Canberra and Strathfield campuses. Upon successful completion, students will have completed 160 credit points, including a significant practice education component, making them eligible for professional accreditation as social workers.

Master of Teaching (Secondary)

The Master of Teaching (Secondary) program at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed to prepare you for a rewarding career as a secondary school teacher. This course is globally recognised, ranking among the top 50 in education worldwide. You will learn to create engaging and effective learning experiences, guided by experienced mentor teachers and informed by the latest research in pedagogy. Whether you are seeking a career change or building on a recent undergraduate degree, this program will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for the classroom. You'll gain deep insights into adolescent learning and participate in extensive professional placements in real school settings. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to teach in one or two specialist areas, which are determined by your prior undergraduate studies and campus location. Available teaching areas include a broad range of subjects such as Accounting, Business Studies, Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, History, Physical Education, and Visual Arts. The program also offers pathways and scholarships for those interested in teaching in regional or disadvantaged communities, in partnership with various government education departments and organisations like Teach for Australia.