Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 1 locations
- Duration
- 4.5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 109295H
- IELTS
- No score less than 7 in reading and writing No score less than 8 in listening and speaking
- Fees (first year)*
- $28728
- Start dates
- February 2026, February 2027
A limited number of Ramsay Scholarships are available for this course, each valued at up to $144,000 ($32,000 per year of the degree). Applications close on 13 October 2024. Apply now.
Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Master of Teaching (Secondary) is a teacher education course that is both rigorous and stimulating. Our intellectual program provides you with the opportunity to combine a liberal arts degree in western civilisation and a masters level teaching course.
This innovative pathway allows you to become a secondary school teacher with a teaching major in archaeology, drama, economics, geography, environment and society, history, mathematics, study of religions or visual 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
Achieve your goals with a scholarship.
ACU is offering scholarships to domestic students undertaking this degree, funded by the Ramsay Centre. You can read more information below under Scholarships.
A generous Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship is available to support new undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolling in an initial teacher education (ITE) program to help meet the costs of their study. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply here.
Professional experience
Supervised professional experience is at the heart of all our pre-service teacher education courses and the faculty will find appropriate placements to suit the needs of your course. Professional experience units are planned as a specific sequence allowing for progressive development of both classroom-based proficiency and an understanding of the relevance of theory to practice and practice to theory. These units apply skills, techniques and processes taught in the Foundations Studies and Professional Studies units.
The practicum will be supported by other forms of in-school experiences, such as school-based tutorials and workshops.
Placements will usually be arranged for the scheduled placement period in the professional experience calendar though this may not always be possible. The Professional Experience program consists of a minimum of 80 days of teaching rounds, usually broken into three blocks.
Work placement
A challenging and rewarding career in secondary education is a unique opportunity for you to inspire and positively influence the lives of all young people who enter your classroom. Become the teacher who is confident, adaptable, and able to design and implement engaging and flexible learning experiences to meet the needs of your students. This is a graduate entry, preservice teacher education course for those who want to become secondary school teachers.
This course will enable you to adopt a research-based approach to reflective practice. You'll able to consider the implications and applications of this approach to your own professional development and its contribution to your students' learning and wellbeing.
This course provides you with 80 days of valuable professional experience through a range of school and community-based placements. You will have the flexibility to study this course fully online or on campus.
Community engagement
Students undertake a 50-70-hour community engagement experience as part of WCIV300: Making a Difference: Community Engagement in Local, National and International Contexts. Building on the key ‘Ramsay Attribute’ of making a positive impact on the world around us, this unit encourages students to make meaningful contributions to different communities through volunteer work with people experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation. Core ideas of the western intellectual tradition and key imperatives of ACU’s Mission combine with the transferrable skills students learn throughout their degree to offer a transformative experience that promotes empathy and compassion for diverse local, national and international communities and supports a range of future career paths.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration as secondary school teachers in government, independent, Catholic, and other faith-based schools.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Master of Teaching (Secondary), a student must complete 400 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.
Geography, Environment and Society
The geography, environment and society major sequence exposes you to the major environmental issues and challenges our world faces today. It provides a methodology for analysis and interpretation and allows you to critically evaluate management strategies. There is an emphasis on project-based research and learning as the sequence progresses, with associated development of skills in data collection (in the field and from secondary sources), collation and analysis using industry-standard equipment and methods, including GIS and Remote Sensing. Field-based learning is a crucial aspect of studying geography at ACU, with opportunities for exciting field trips within Australia and overseas. These skills may then be applied to a range of applied professional situations.
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.
Mathematics
The major sequence in mathematics is designed to provide you with a broad introduction to the study of traditional and contemporary mathematics. Highlights include introductions to cryptography, project management, networks, mathematical modelling, and finance. The major also covers the traditional areas required by those intending to become primary or secondary teachers, as teaching of mathematics from K-12 is a high demand field and the demand will grow in the future. The major sequence can act as a pathway to becoming a secondary-school maths teacher when combined with a tertiary teaching qualification.
Study of Religions
Our multicultural societies are home to a vibrant mix of religious beliefs and experiences. Undertaking a major sequence in study of religions is an exploration of this diversity and its implications for contemporary society. You will study three of the major world religions —Christianity, Judaism and Islam — as well as having the opportunity to study religions practised in contemporary South and East Asia. We also look at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spiritualities, and their connectedness to Country, as well as exploring the spiritual and religious traditions of other Indigenous peoples from around the world. In all units of study, study of religions goes beyond merely understanding the practice of religion. You will graduate with a critical awareness of the historical and contemporary aspects of each religion, as well as the need for interfaith relations and dialogue.
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.
Available Minor(s)
-
Archaeology
The archaeology minor sequence will focus on the societies of people in the past through engaging with their ancient landscapes, physical remains and material culture. You will focus on Ancient Israel in its Near Eastern context and Rome, especially its province of Judaea. The minor includes coursework and fieldwork opportunities.
Drama
The minor 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.
Economics
The economics minor sequence at ACU promotes the knowledge and understanding of local business operations, consumer behaviour, economic policy, and national and global economic issues. The sequence encourages you to develop your interest in contemporary economic events and helps you to understand important issues such as unemployment, foreign debt, changes in the value of the dollar and the implication of these issues for consumers, businesses and the nation. You will also consider the policy options that are available to deal with these important issues in Australia and globally. The study of economics provides you with the knowledge and skills for a variety of careers in both the private and public sectors, as well as providing a pathway for further study.
Geography, Environment and Society
The geography, environment and society minor sequence exposes you to the major environmental issues and challenges our world faces today. It provides a methodology for analysis and interpretation and allows you to critically evaluate management strategies.
History
The history minor 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.
Mathematics
The minor sequence in mathematics is designed to provide a broad introduction to the study of traditional and contemporary mathematics. Highlights include introductions to cryptography, project management, networks, mathematical modelling, and finance. The minor also covers the traditional areas required by those intending to become primary or secondary teachers, as teaching of mathematics from K-12 is a high demand field and the demand will grow in the future.
Study of Religions
Our multicultural societies are home to a vibrant mix of religious beliefs and experiences. Undertaking a minor sequence in study of religions is an exploration of this diversity and its implications for contemporary society. You will study three of the major world religions —Christianity, Judaism and Islam — as well as having the opportunity to study religions practised in contemporary South and East Asia. We also look at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spiritualities, and their connectedness to Country, as well as exploring the spiritual and religious traditions of other Indigenous peoples from around the world. In all units of study, study of religions goes beyond merely understanding the practice of religion.
Visual Arts
The visual arts minor offers a mix of art and design history and theory and studio-based fine art. You will be trained by staff who are active practitioners in their field and benefit from small class sizes in an intimate studio environment.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Bachelor/Masters - AQF Level 7/9Exit Points
A student who has successfully completed the following requirements may exit from the course with that qualification. Note that none of these qualifications will lead to teacher registration.
- Diploma in Liberal Arts: 80 cp from Parts A-D.
- Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation): 240 cp from Parts A-D.
- Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies: 40 cp from Parts E-G.
- Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies: 80 cp from Parts E-G.
A student who has successfully completed the Master of Teaching (Secondary) but does not meet the LANTITE requirements may exit with the Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies or Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies if they meet the requirements of those awards.
Additional course information
Literacy and Numeracy Test in Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE)
Students will be required to demonstrate they have achieved approved benchmarks in literacy and numeracy as demonstrated through the Literacy and Numeracy Test in Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE). Successful completion of LANTITE is a requirement for course completion.
If you have started your ITE course at another institution and wish to transfer to ACU to complete your studies, please be sure that you have read and understand the requirements for receiving credit for previous studies and those on completing LANTITE.
Entry requirements
Applicants must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.
International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Eligibility for this course is determined via multiple factors. Applicants are assessed on each of the following to determine suitability for this course:
- Personal statement or essay,
- ATAR/Selection Rank, International Baccalaureate (IB), or equivalent,
- Performance at interview, and
- Demonstrated suitability for teaching, as evidenced by completion of the relevant State assessment, which will be provided in the application process.
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 (Advanced) (Band 2) or English (EAL) (Band 4)
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): No score less than 7 in reading and writing; no score less than 8 in listening and speaking
Pearson Test of English (PTE): A minimum of 65 in reading and writing and a minimum of 79 in listening and speaking
Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL): No score less than 24 in reading, 27 in writing, 28 in listening and 26 in speaking
ACU English Language Test: A++ (85 or above)
C1 Advanced: A minimum of 185 in reading and writing and 200 in listening and speaking
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
Pathways into course for international applicants
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
Graduates of this course may be eligible for entry into further postgraduate coursework degree programs.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $3591
- Average first year fee: $28728
- Estimate total cost: $143640
The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
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 Ramsay Scholarships to students undertaking the single degree (Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation); the double degrees (Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Bachelor of Laws; and the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Master of Teaching (Secondary). These scholarships, funded by the Ramsay Centre, are worth $32,000 per year for up to five years ($160,000) depending on the duration of the course. 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
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. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Direct application
Apply now
Information on the application procedure
International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.
Deferment
Yes. See Defer your offer.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.
Staff Profile
Dr Kishore Saval
Senior Lecturer, Western Civilisation Program
Dr Kishore Saval is Senior Lecturer of Literature, Philosophy, and Art History in the Western Civilisation Program at Australia Catholic University (North Sydney). His main area of specialisation is the Renaissance, although his research focuses more generally on the relationship between literature and philosophy, the study of the emotions, and the literature, culture, and afterlife of the classical period. Saval received his Ph.D. in English Literature from Harvard University. He is also formerly Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature at Brown University. He received a J.D. in law from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), where his studies also included comparative law, jurisprudence, and ancient history. He received his Bachelor of Arts (summa cum laude) from the University of California, Los Angeles. Among other publications, Saval is the author of two books, Reading Shakespeare through Philosophy, and Shakespeare in Hate.
Dr Clint Sheehan
Lecturer in History Curriculum and Education, National School of Education
Dr Clint Sheehan is a Lecturer in History Curriculum and Education at Australian Catholic University. A qualified secondary History and English teacher, Clint earned his PhD from the University of Newcastle in 2022 with a thesis entitled: Millennial perspectives: A mixed method study of factors influencing Australia final year pre-service and early career history teachers' integration of technology into classroom practice. His current research examines military history, and the role education can play in learning from historical events. His interests include Cold War and Naval History as well as cross discipline work. He is co-authoring an upcoming book, examining command decisions and the influence of classics education on the First Battle of El Alamein.
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