National School of Arts and Humanities

Our National School of Arts and Humanities is where enquiring minds come to better understand the world we live in, with the aim to create the best possible future for us all.

Welcome from the Dean of Arts


photo of Joy Damousi

Welcome to the National School of Arts and Humanities! Here at ACU we are reversing the trend of most other tertiary institutions by increasing our commitment to the arts, humanities and social sciences in our curriculum and outreach programs. Our educators and scholars encourage a thriving student environment across our multiple campuses nationwide. We offer opportunities for overseas study, we foster connections to industry through student placements and internships, and we participate in the community by sponsoring vibrant festivals and events.

The National School of Arts and Humanities also offers a continuous pathway from Bachelor's degrees through Honours and on to higher degree research programs. Our undergraduate coursework is spread across three key focus areas-History and archaeology; Literary studies, visual and creative arts; and the Social sciences-offering you plenty to explore.

Embedded within the National School of Arts and Humanities is the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences where we promote research of the highest quality by challenge existing intellectual paradigms and creating new knowledge in areas of strategic priority for ACU. Students immerse themselves in lively and engaged academic community via research seminars, workshops, public lectures and conferences-our higher degree research students share their research, our scholars host panels of intellectuals tussling with the immediate issues of the day, encouraging the fruitful exchange of ideas with leading scholars here and around the world.

Amplify your future with us!

Professor Joy Damousi AM FASSA FAHA
Dean of Arts

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  • Engage

    with the community through placements and honours internships.

  • Customise

    your study interests to match your career goals.

  • 5 stars

    for learner engagement, skills development and starting salary. *Good Universities Guide 2023, undergraduate students

  • Opportunities

    to study in locations across the globe.

An ACU drama student is performing.

Why study with us?

In a rapidly changing world, a degree from the National School of Arts and Humanities will provide you with the ultimate skill set to meet the challenges of a competitive employment landscape. Our courses are designed to produce curious minds and develop highly transferrable skills at the heart of the new economy: creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, and critical analysis.

Overseas study opportunities

Take a history class standing amidst the ruins of Rome, dust off ancient artifacts on an archaeological dig in Isreal or meet young people in Fiji to gain a sociologist’s understanding of youth culture in the Pacific region. Regardless of what you’re studying, there’s an overseas opportunity awaiting you.

Start planning an adventure

Inquire, connect, create

A new suite of foundation units in the Bachelor of Arts uses the world around us to teach fundamental skills such as problem solving, how to build effective collaboration, researching and critical thinking.

Explore our new units

Make an impact

Channel your love of learning into a higher degree research project that will make a difference to your work and the community. You’ll be able to benefit from the expertise of an associate supervisor from the organisation/industry that will directly benefit from your research, and have access to the range of ACU HDR scholarships.

Plan your HDR application

A force for good

Our graduates learn to effect meaningful change in society by delving into contemporary challenges that shape our lives including social justice issues, environmental sustainability, human rights, and intercultural awareness.

See how the school engages with the community
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) student, Madeline
“I was one of six representatives of ACU to the Victorian Parliamentary internship where I developed a research report on the state of rural health in Shepparton. Working with Suzanna Sheed (Independent MP for Shepparton), I interviewed local doctors, members of the primary health network and representatives from rural health universities to create a report that was submitted to a senate inquiry. This was a needed report that had real world impact.”
Madeline
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

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