In a world of mass production, ACU stands for meaningful education, rewarding research, and life-changing community engagement.
Top reasons to study here
- We’re a young university focused on embedding excellence. Learn how we’re growing towards our ambitions and meet our leadership team.
- ACU is much more than a collection of campuses. We’re a community that empowers others – from students to society as a whole.
- We're committed to creating a positive impact in society. To make that happen, we partner with organisations that share our focus on the common good.
Distance Learning Courses
Education & Training (5)
- Master Teaching (Primary)
- M.Teach/Grad.Cert. Teaching (Primary) - Religious Education
- Diploma Youth Work
Social Sciences (5)
- Master Professional Psychology
- Postgraduate Diploma Psychology
- Master Psychology (Clinical)
- Diploma Youth Work
Humanities (4)
- Bachelor Creative Arts
- M.Phil. Philosophy
- Ph.D. Philosophy
- M.Teach/Grad.Cert. Teaching (Primary) - Religious Education
Medicine & Health (4)
- Bachelor Biomedical Science
- Master Psychology (Clinical)
- Preparation Course Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)
Arts, Design & Architecture (2)
- Bachelor Creative Arts
- Diploma Visual Arts and Design
Business & Management (2)
- Postgraduate Certificate Business Administration
- Diploma Commerce
Applied Sciences & Professions (1)
- Master Social Work
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (1)
About
History
Australian Catholic University (ACU) was opened on 1 January 1991 following the amalgamation of four Catholic tertiary institutions in eastern Australia:
- Catholic College of Education Sydney in New South Wales
- Institute of Catholic Education in Victoria
- McAuley College of Queensland
- Signadou College of Education in the Australian Capital Territory.
These institutions had their origins in the mid-1800s, when religious orders and institutes became involved in preparing teachers for Catholic schools and, later, nurses for Catholic hospitals.
Through a series of amalgamations, relocations, transfers of responsibilities and diocesan initiatives, more than 20 historical entities have contributed to the creation of the University.
Education
Within the Catholic intellectual tradition and acting in Truth and Love, Australian Catholic University is committed to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person and the common good.
Our university is founded on a long history of commitment to our core values of truth, academic excellence and service. But there are other important values that enhance the ACU experience for students and staff, including equity, diversity, accessibility, wellbeing and sustainability.
Research
We are a world-leading research university in our priority areas of education, health, and theology and philosophy. Our culture of research excellence is founded on the principles of social justice and attracts global experts, students and collaborators from across the globe.
Our research institutes collaborate with strategic partners across Australia and the world to create real impact in our key research areas. Their research focuses on health, theology and philosophy, and education, and is founded on the principles of social justice and the common good.
Career
We’re the university of choice for the new generation choosing to serve others. Connect with the next cohort through our Career Development Service. Share a job or placement opportunity with our students, check student qualifications, and see why recruiting from ACU is a move for good.
Our students see the world differently, looking past short-term gratification to focus on lasting, positive impact. Their future is bright. And you can give them their first big chance to shine.
Services
Student services
Your time at university shouldn’t just be spent in a lecture theatre. Take advantage of the many facilities spread across our campuses to ensure that your university experience is enriching and satisfying.
Housing services
University life can be fun, but busy. That’s why our off-campus student accommodation options are designed to make your home life easy.
Library services
One of your greatest assets in your quest for scholarly success is getting to know your library. Whether you’re browsing our online databases on a laptop at home or searching the stacks for that book you need, our campus libraries are powerful tools for teaching, learning and research.
ICT services
IT support staff are available in the library for students who are experiencing IT issues on campus. IT staff are usually only available Monday to Friday during the semester. Drop in times may vary.
Medical services
ACU has two on-campus medical centres in Brisbane and Melbourne. They offer comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services to ACU students, staff and the local community.
Key services
- General medicine
- Drug and alcohol-related issues
- Immunisations
- Men's health
- Referrals
- Sexual health
- Skin checks
- Travel medicine
- Wellness support
- Women's health
- Child Health
- Clinical Placement Vaccinations.
Student Life
Campus life
- To help maximise your uni days, we’ve equipped our campuses with the best teaching facilities we can offer. But that’s not all. We want you to reach your full potential, so there’s plenty for you to do outside of the classroom too.
- Across our campuses, you’ll find public art galleries exhibiting student work, moot courts where our law students hone their arguments and prepare for international competitions, and health science simulation labs where students get a full range of experiences before they go on placements.
- Plus you'll find many more facilities designed to make your campus life as fulfilling as possible.
Sports facilities
- The ACU Sport Gym, Brisbane is located on the ground floor of Building O. Aligned with the Exercise Science department on campus, this gym is decked out in the latest Synergy pin-loaded and functional based weights equipment.
Student clubs
Student associations are run by students, for students. They provide services, activities and representation for all students.
There are three types of student association at ACU:
- ACU National Student Association (ACUNSA)
- ACU Postgraduate Student Association (ACUPGA)
- local campus associations.
Each of these groups has a particular role in supporting and representing our student bodies.
These groups also have one thing in common: they all rely on students getting involved and working to make the ACU experience great for everyone.
Accreditation
- Our degrees are recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework, which is the Australian Government regulation body for education and training qualifications.
- The University is registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), which gives us authorisation to enrol international students.
- ACU is also a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities and the International Federation of Catholic Universities, giving us valuable global connections and networks.
Other programmes from this university
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