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

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

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

English first teaching area and any chosen second teaching area - Commencing Semester 1

  • Specified Western Civilisation UnitsWCIV100The Desire to Understand: Introducing the Western Intellectual Tradition10 cp
  • Specified Western Civilisation UnitsWPOL100The Birth of Politics: Origins of Western Political Thought10 cp
  • Specified Western Civilisation UnitsWCIV101Form and Beauty: Origins of Western Art and Architecture10 cp
  • Bachelor of Arts MinorsMinor Unit 1 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Specified Western Civilisation UnitsWLIT100Greek and Roman Classics: Origins of Western Literature10 cp
  • Specified Western Civilisation UnitsWPHI101Thinking the Real: Western Metaphysics10 cp
  • Bachelor of Arts MinorsMinor Unit 2 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Bachelor of Arts MinorsMinor Unit 3 (200-/300-level unit)10 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education UnitsLNTE110Literacy and Numeracy Diagnostic0 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education UnitsLNTE100LANTITE - Literacy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students0 cp
  • ACER Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education UnitsLNTE101LANTITE - Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students0 cp

Any chosen first teaching area and English second teaching area - Commencing Semester 1

English first teaching area and any chosen second teaching area- Commencing Semester 2

Any chosen first teaching area and English second teaching area - Commencing Semester 2

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor/Masters - AQF Level 7/9

Exit 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.

  1. Diploma in Liberal Arts: 80 cp from Parts A-D.
  2. Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation): 240 cp from Parts A-D.
  3. Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies: 40 cp from Parts E-G.
  4. 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:

  1. Personal statement or essay,
  2. ATAR/Selection Rank, International Baccalaureate (IB), or equivalent,
  3. Performance at interview, and
  4. 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:

StatePrerequisites

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.

Learn more about adjustment factors

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. 

Explore the pathways to your future

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.

Explore your options

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:
  1. complete year 12 in the year of application; or
  2. 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.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

International applicants

North Sydney

Apply through UAC

UAC code

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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