Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Duration
- 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- ATAR
- 90.85 for North Sydney
- Fees (first year)*
$15446 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025Applications open August 2024Midyear (Semester 2) intake: to be advised
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) provides students with a rigorous and stimulating intellectual program in which they engage with western philosophy, history, literature, politics, art and culture, and develop a deep understanding of the great works, ideas and movements within the western intellectual tradition in the core of the program. Students also take a major in one of drama, English, history, philosophy, politics and international relations, psychology, sociology, theological studies, or visual arts. The degree fosters skills that prepare students for leadership roles in the private and public sectors including government, business, social enterprise and the arts.
Offers will be made to applicants based on high ATAR results and will also be assessed against other criteria, namely “Ramsay Attributes” (i.e. potential to make a positive contribution in Australia and the world as demonstrated through resume, references and a personal statement).
Discover ACU's Western Civilisation Program.
ACU is offering up to 30 Ramsay Scholarships to students undertaking this degree, funded by the Ramsay Centre, each valued at up to $96 000 ($32,000 per year of the degree). Students eligible for scholarship will be selected by a committee, comprising senior ACU and Ramsay Centre staff.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation), a student must complete 240 credit points (cp).
Available Major(s)
-
Archaeology
This rich archaeology major sequence will focus on Ancient Israel and its material remains including landscapes, architecture, artefacts, and people. It will provide you with core instruction on archaeological evidence and theory combined with opportunities for hands-on experience in the field through a real archaeological excavation in Israel.
You will learn about ancient peoples in the Near East from earliest habitation through interactions of the ancient Israelites with the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Canaanites, Philistines, Greeks and finally the Romans. Along the way, you can choose to study related units in history, languages and science depending on your personal interest. You can broaden your experience with an intensive study trip to Rome where you will learn about its past and heritage. Top achieving students can undertake a personalised special research project and progress to honours.
While this major is primarily offered through the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation), archaeology is interdisciplinary. This means you will also have the opportunity to choose it as a major or minor within a range of other single and double degrees offered at ACU, such as theology, global studies, business, law, and education (availability of the major will vary across campuses).
The major is also a pathway to becoming a secondary-school history teacher when combined with a tertiary teaching qualification.
Drama
The major sequence in drama provides you with a comprehensive overview of theatrical literature and history and a grounding in production work. Through performances, workshops and practical classes, ACU’s drama sequence develops your skills in many areas including theatre production, stage management, direction, and acting, as well as knowledge of theatre history and repertoire. You’ll gain transferrable skills in communication and public speaking, allowing you to seek employment in the performing arts industry or use the skills developed in other professional contexts. When combined with an appropriate tertiary teaching qualification, the drama major is a pathway to becoming a secondary-school drama teacher. You do not need any previous theatre experience and there are no prerequisites for studying this sequence at ACU.
English
Through the study of a broad range of literary texts and approaches to reading them, the English major sequence familiarises you with literary traditions and contemporary literary cultures. This major sequence will reveal the varied ways in which people have lived, thought, felt and imagined, opening up new worlds of understanding. You will develop vital transferrable skills in effective reading, writing, analysis and interpretation that will equip you for a rewarding career in teaching, journalism, the media, or other professions that require articulate and culturally literate graduates.
History
The history major sequence brings the past to life by introducing you to a diverse range of societies and cultures that have shaped the modern world. History at ACU has an exciting and innovative global focus. You will have the opportunity to study European, American, Australian, Indigenous, Asian and Ancient history, and to engage with key themes such as war and peace, race and class, gender and sexuality, violence and terrorism, and film and popular culture. In exploring the people, ideas and events that have defined the past and given meaning to the present, you will develop critical skills that will equip you for a rich and rewarding professional career.
Philosophy
The philosophy major sequence introduces you to serious and detailed thinking about the really big questions concerning reality as a whole, human nature, ethics, language, religion, truth and knowledge, logic, beauty, and justice. The study of philosophy, in both its historical and contemporary dimensions, assists you to develop critical thinking skills and clarity of thought, through which you learn to assess the strengths and weaknesses of complex arguments while also honing verbal and written communication skills. Employers across a very broad range of industries (including education, business, public administration, law, media and technology) report that they highly value the kinds of adaptable skills and attributes possessed by philosophy graduates.
Politics and International Relations
Politics is the study of power, violence and justice in our world. The questions of who gets what, why and how much, are persistent concerns plaguing all societies. In a world increasingly short of resources, individuals and nations now frequently do battle with each other to secure their own prosperity and peace. By looking at how these battles are won and lost, the major sequence of politics and international relations gives you insight into the workings of diplomacy, warfare, elections, the global economy, the nature of political parties, and the rise and fall of great powers. From everyday politics at the local level to the politics among nations, the politics major sequence at ACU will offer you the conceptual tools to think critically and act decisively in a world that is ever changing.
The major is also a pathway to becoming a secondary-school politics and society and culture teacher when combined with a tertiary teaching qualification.
Psychology
The psychology major sequence provides you with a comprehensive and systematic study of human behaviour. The emphasis is on the dynamic nature of our behaviours and the interaction of biological, social and cultural factors that influence these at all levels and at all stages of the life span.
The major is also a pathway to becoming a secondary-school psychology teacher when combined with a tertiary teaching qualification.
(Please note that this major is not an APAC accredited major in psychology; so this major does not offer a career pathway to become a psychologist).
Sociology
Sociology is one of the most relevant disciplines for understanding complex social, cultural, and political phenomena today. This "Queen of Disciplines" offers you a range of exciting theoretical, methodological, and conceptual tools for an understanding of human action, social and systemic change, institutions, and the deeper meanings of life. With subject matter such as globalisation, religion, health, work and economy, social movements, gender, and culture, sociologists are often crucially involved in a number of key debates around the ideas and events that impact on real people and their communities. These areas are a part of the sociology major sequence at ACU. You’ll acquire high-order transferrable skills in reasoning, theorising, communicating, and research to do with a broader and deeper perspective of events, all of which are highly sought after by employers.
The major is also a pathway to becoming a secondary-school society and culture teacher when combined with a tertiary teaching qualification.
Theological Studies
Cultivate an adult faith and deeper spirituality. A major sequence in theological studies gives you new enthusiasm, fresh insight and deeper understanding to the gift of faith, and greater depth to spiritual experience. Key themes in theological studies include: the person and work of Jesus Christ; the Word of God in the Scriptures; the sacraments and the Church’s liturgy; and the values, practices, responsibilities and traditions of a Christian way of life. It relates faith, spirituality and scholarship to a concern for human flourishing, the common good, the dignity of the human person, and stewardship of the environment and all creation. Various theological approaches will be considered in the light of contemporary world views and interfaith dialogue. You can examine the theme of social justice and its importance in the mission and teaching of Jesus, a study which assists you in thinking critically about the world around you.
The major is also a pathway to becoming a secondary-school teacher when combined with a tertiary teaching qualification.
Visual Arts
The visual arts major sequence provides a mix of art and design history and theory electives and studio-based fine art. You’ll experience a range of professional practice opportunities such as entering your work in art competitions, writing publish-ready interviews, articles and art reviews and presenting you artwork in group exhibitions in the ACU gallery. You will be trained by staff who are active practitioners in their field and benefit from small class sizes in an intimate studio environment. If you’re on an education pathway, you can combine a major in the visual arts with a teaching qualification to prepare you for secondary level visual arts teaching.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Bachelor - AQF Level 7Exit Points
Students who have met the requirements of the Diploma in Liberal Arts can exit with this award.
Entry requirements
Applicants must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level or equivalent:
State Prerequisites New South Wales
English (Standard) (Band 3) or English (EAL) (Band 4)
Entry into this course is based on a combination of a written submission including a Curriculum Vitae, a transcript of results, school reports, references, an essay, an interview, and academic performance. Applicants are assessed on a combination of:
- ATAR or Selection Rank, International Baccalaureate (IB), or equivalent, and
- Interview.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with higher education study
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
English language requirements
Overall score of 6.0. Individual score of 6.0 in writing and speaking, and 5.5 in listening and reading.
Entry into this course is based on a combination of a written submission (personal statement essay), an interview and academic performance. Applicants are assessed on a combination of:
- written submission of a personal statement,
- ATAR-Selection Rank including adjustment factors, International Baccalaureate (IB), or equivalent, and
- interview.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Further study
Bachelor degree graduates may be eligible to progress to honours study or to a range of postgraduate coursework programs, eg Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and, through them to coursework Master’s degree programs.
Fees
Course costs
Average first year fee*$15446 CSP
*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.
A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:
- Number of units studied per year
- Choice of major or specialisation
- Elective units
The University reviews fees annually.
You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
ACU is offering up to 30 Ramsay Scholarships to students undertaking this degree, funded by the Ramsay Centre, each valued at up to $96 000 ($32,000 per year of the degree). Students eligible for scholarships will be selected by a committee, comprising senior ACU and Ramsay Centre staff.
Applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship will need to meet the essential requirements for admission to the BAWC:
- Provide details of their academic achievements, leadership experience and community engagement activities using the Applicant Resume Form;
- Provide a 750-1500 word written submission, that can be either:
- An essay response to the following question: How should champions of Western Civilisation reply to its critics today?
OR
- An existing piece of written work on an Arts/Humanities theme (for example, an essay from the Year 12 curriculum which addresses a topic based on studies of literature, history, philosophy, religious studies etc)
- Attend an interview
- The Applicant Resume Form and essay response should be uploaded as a part of the application to study.
Scholarship applicants will also:
- be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident at the time of application;
- in the ordinary course:
- complete year 12 in the year of application; or
- have completed Year 12 in the preceding 3 years
- have not undertaken preliminary study at a tertiary level, other than secondary school advancement programs or first year Bachelor level study
Or you could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities.
Staff Profile
Dr Sarah Irving-Stonebraker
Associate Professor, Western Civilisation Program
Associate Professor Sarah Irving-Stonebraker is an intellectual historian with expertise in the history of political thought, the history of Christianity, and the relationships between theological, political, and scientific ideas, particularly in the early modern and modern periods.
After taking her BA with First Class Honours and the University Medal from the University of Sydney, she was awarded her PhD in History from Cambridge University where she was a Commonwealth Scholar at King’s College. She then held a Junior Research Fellowship at Wolfson College, Oxford University.
Her first book, Natural Science and the Origins of the British Empire (London: Routledge: 2008) was awarded The Royal Society of Literature and Jerwood Foundation Prize for Non-fiction. She has published over two dozen peer-reviewed journal articles and is currently co-editor of The Journal of Religious History (Wiley-Blackwell). Her most recent book is Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age (Zondervan/Harper Collins, 2024).
Testimonial
"I was inspired to study the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) because I wanted the ability to study multiple disciplines at once, including history, philosophy and political science. I also love the emphasis ACU has on small class sizes and how this allows students to develop closer relationships with academic staff."
EmilyBachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)Have a question?
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