Faculty of Theology and Philosophy

Welcome to theology and philosophy at ACU.

We take great pride in offering our students direct access to world-leading research, an extensive network of international partnerships, innovative and responsive curriculum design, extended overseas study opportunities, and a staffing profile that is the rival of any theological faculty in the world.

We offer theology and philosophy, suited to any stage of your life and career journey. There are short courses, certificate and bachelor opportunities, postgraduate coursework programs, professional and research degrees, international study tours, and a wide range of professional learning and in-service opportunities.

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy

Our schools

ACU FTP schools

School of Theology

Develop skills for the future workforce as you explore the origin, nature and future of religion in society. As the School of Theology at Australia’s leading Catholic university, we’re committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge to engage with the challenges of our contemporary world.

Learn more about the School of Theology

School of Philosophy

Be at the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemplation about our contemporary world. Learn valuable skills such as abstract thinking, problem solving and logic. At the School of Philosophy, we seek to ignite wonder as we tackle some of the most fascinating, challenging questions wrestled with by history’s greatest minds.

Learn more about the School of Philosophy

ACU Professor Dermot Nestor
"Our programs are conceived in collaboration with industry, community, and church leaders, and are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to respond to the demands of an evolving, global and digital world.

"Shaped by a learning design that is always responsive to emerging questions and contextual need, we offer learning experiences that will equip you with a capacity to think theologically.

"Providing for multiple points of engagement, and across any variety of delivery modes, our programs directly foster biblical and theological literacy in order to: support and strengthen leadership capabilities, affirm the nexus of school and parish community, and develop a deep appreciation of a relationship with God as defining the unique vision and central mission of Catholic education, health and social service organisations."
Professor Dermot Nestor
Executive Dean, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy

Lectures, talks and conferences

We host a range of events throughout the year, including our annual Simone Weil and Plunkett lectures, both part of our ongoing ACU Luminaries Series. See what’s coming up on the calendar or view highlights from past events.

View events
About ACU's Faculty of Theology and Philosophy

Meet our faculty staff

Learn who’s who at the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy. Access staff profiles, and learn about the people who could be teaching and guiding you.
Meet our staff

News and events

News Events
Waking up to the history of alarm clocks
News 3 February

As we return to work and study after summer, alarms are ubiquitous. ACU researcher Matthew Champion explores how past generations used birds, prayers, percussion, and early clocks to get them out of b...

Lunch and Learn - Preparing the perfect pitch presentation
Event 9 March

A critical stage for entrepreneurs is presenting for funding opportunities. This could include investment, grant programs or other types of funding. Many entrepreneurs and innovators fail to progress ...

ACU’s Institute of Child Protection Studies part of new Global Safeguarding Alliance
News 23 November

ACU’s Institute of Child Protection Studies is part of a new Global Safeguarding Alliance (GSA) that will promote knowledge and worldwide exchange on safeguarding and the prevention of abuse of childr...

Media Release
Launch Plus Incubator Program - Developing and testing your business idea
Event 24 March

What’s your passion? If you don’t have one, how do you get one? And then, how do you convert it into workable ideas? What process can you use to test which idea to start with? In this workshop we’ll a...

Collaborate plus
ACU academic appointed to National Liturgical Commission
News 16 November

Australian Catholic University (ACU) liturgy expert Dr Jason McFarland has been appointed to the National Liturgical Commission.

General
ACU’s commitment to building a better and more just world for all
News 5 August

ACU Acting Provost Professor Zlatko Skrbis was pleased to attend the launch of the first Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network (ACAN) Annual Report

Media Release
Hundreds tune in to ACU Centre for Liturgy online lectures
News 5 August

The ACU Centre for Liturgy hosted the President of the Catholic Theological Union, Rev Prof Mark R. Francis CSV

Media Release
ACU PhD candidate Jon Simons wins prestigious award
News 30 June

The ACU Faculty of Theology and Philosophy is pleased to announce that PhD candidate in Historical Theology, Mr Jonatan Simons, was awarded the Graduate Student Paper Prize by the North American Patri...

Media Release
BECS online seminar series
News 1 June

IRCI is pleased to be relaunching the Biblical and Early Christian Studies program seminar series for 2020 via Zoom with an outstanding array of international speakers.

ACU Centre for Liturgy awards 2020 postgraduate scholarship
News 25 May

The ACU Centre for Liturgy Postgraduate Scholarship for 2020 has been awarded to ACU Faculty of Theology and Philosophy masters' student Thomas Cullen. On awarding the prestigious scholarship to Mr C...

Media Release
ACU announces new collaboration with Australian Province of the Society of Jesus
News 6 May

The Australian Province of the Society of Jesus (APSJ), and ACU are pleased to announce a new agreement for the delivery of ACU accredited courses by the Jesuit College of Spirituality (JCS).

Shared parenting resources for coping during COVID-19 crisis
News 30 April

Separated or divorced parents normally grapple with countless issues, but the COVID-19 crisis means they face new difficulties negotiating shared care of children with the stress of balancing work, ho...

New research centres
News 20 April

Seven new research centres will enhance ACU’s reputation in the arts, education, health, and theology and philosophy.

Research
ACU launches new podcast
News 3 April

Thinking Philosophy brings the research of ACU philosophers to anyone interested in an an examined life.

General
Ramsay Centre-funded Western Civilisation degree planned for ACU
News 24 February

Australian Catholic University (ACU) expects to offer a new BA degree in Western Civilisation from 2021.

General
Leading philosopher will advance Catholic understanding of education, culture and society
News 17 February

Leading British philosopher Professor John Haldane will join the Australian Catholic University this year to establish a new project to develop Catholic school education, situating this within a broad...

General
ACU Senior Lecturer receives prestigious international research award
News 6 June

ACU senior lecturer in Biblical Studies and Ancient Languages, Dr Michael P Theophilos has been awarded the 2019 Paul J Achtemeier Award for New Testament Studies.

Research
Vice-Chancellor to lead ACU until 2022
News 3 December

ACU Senate has further renewed the contract for Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Greg Craven until December 2022, University Chancellor the Honourable John Fahey AC announced on Monday.

Media Release
ACU hosts the Sydney launch of Archbishop Peter Comensoli's new book
News 28 November

The new Archbishop of Melbourne, Peter A. Comensoli DD STL held the Sydney launch of his new book In God’s Image: Recognizing the Profoundly Impaired as Persons at ACU’s North Sydney Campus on Monday....

Media Release
ACU creating caring leaders
News 24 February

When Dr Nicole Archard decided to study for her masters she had temporarily moved out of the Catholic school system.

Media Release
Thousands of reasons to apply for an ACU scholarship
News 3 February

Imagine what it would be like to not have to worry about the financial side of university.

Media Release

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Discover our research

Learn about our recognised, world-leading research in theology and philosophy, as well as opportunities for collaboration.

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Faculty prizes and awards

Work hard and you could earn a faculty prize or award. See what's available for your course, and how your efforts could get recognised.

Explore prizes

Contact our office

Need to contact a Faculty of Theology and Philosophy team member or find us on campus? Let us point you in the right direction. 

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Browse faculty courses

Chart your future with our range of theology and philosophy courses. Search our course browser to see what we have to offer.

Browse courses

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