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.

Students can choose to learn skills that underpin successful university study and also develop abilities that are immediately transferrable to any workplace and are highly sought after by employers. Depending on unit selection, the sequence develops hands-on skills in interpersonal, intercultural, and workplace communication, as well as providing training in oral and written communication skills. You will have the opportunity to select units that will let you work with different modes of writing including report writing, creative writing, writing for social media, feature writing and blogs, and you will be taught to speak in public, lead meetings, conduct interviews and negotiations and undertake mediation and conflict management. Students will leave the minor as confident and capable communicators. Employers value staff who possess the ‘soft skills’ that are developed within a Communications minor. Having a willingness to collaborate, being able to effectively problem solve, having critical thinking skills, possessing good interpersonal skills, and being able to adapt to change are in high demand in the workplace.

Curious about why people commit crimes and how society responds? The Criminology minor gives you the tools to explore the justice system, understand criminal behaviour, and challenge the social issues behind crime.

You’ll dive into topics like youth justice, policing, prisons, inequality, and reform. Learn how power, politics, and social disadvantage shape how justice is delivered — and what can be done to make it fairer.

This minor pairs perfectly with degrees in arts, law, sociology, psychology, or education. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to make a difference in communities, policy, advocacy, or the legal system.

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.

Digital Technologies drive innovation in every aspect of contemporary life and is an essential and component of many disciplines. The computing sequence develops knowledge and skills in information technology, explores data communications and database systems, and introduces students to problem solving and design in digital technologies and programming. The knowledge and skills gained in the minor expands opportunities for students seeking careers in the growing number of fields that require a strong foundation in computing.

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. 

Through the study of a broad range of literary texts and approaches to reading them, the English minor sequence familiarises you with literary traditions and contemporary literary cultures. This minor will reveal the varied ways in which people have lived, thought, felt and imagined, opening up new worlds of understanding. You will develop vital transferrable skills in effective reading, writing, analysis and interpretation that will equip you for rewarding careers in teaching, journalism, the media, and other professions that require articulate and culturally literate graduates.

Environmental Humanities is a multidisciplinary sequence that studies the way society interacts with the environment. While scientists measure physical aspects of environments and environmental change, humanities scholars focus on the many ways in which people have lived sustainably - or unsustainably - over time; the battle for resources; exploitation of labour, forced labour and slavery; the economics of sustainability; policy and politics around development and sustainability; the ways writers have described and understood the natural world and its land and marine environments, cultures and peoples.

The Education Studies minor offers students the opportunity to explore the broader role of education in society through interdisciplinary inquiry. This sequence introduces key themes in education such as equity, inclusion, learning theory, youth development, and the sociocultural dimensions of schooling and lifelong learning. 

Designed for students interested in how education shapes individuals and communities, the minor encourages critical reflection on the purposes and practices of education across formal and informal settings. It provides a foundation in educational thinking without leading to teacher accreditation. 

This minor is especially valuable for those considering future careers in education policy, youth services, non-profit organisations, international development, or educational media and communication. It complements a wide range of Bachelor of Arts majors including Sociology, Psychology, History, and Philosophy. 

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. 

Graphic design is an innovative and essential component of contemporary visual culture and the built environment. Understanding the principles of effective visual communication adds competitive value to projects from all disciplines and allows you to develop a broad range of skills transferable to any workplace. The graphic design minor sequence will prepare you with authentic assessment projects designed to build experience and understanding of design processes methodology and equip you to confidently create and assess effective visual communication and develop your own design solution strategies. Graphic design units focus on the following areas: design for publication, information design, interactive and web design, typography, illustration, social media, visual storytelling and the digital image. Regardless of your technical background, you will acquire broad skills in current design software programs in a workshop-based computer lab class.

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. 

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.

The Medieval and Early Modern Studies minor explores the rich cultural, political, intellectual, and religious developments that shaped Europe and the broader world from late antiquity to the Enlightenment. Through an interdisciplinary approach that draws on history, literature, philosophy, and theology, students will examine key texts, events, and movements that continue to influence contemporary society. This minor develops critical thinking, research, and analytical skills, and is ideal for students interested in the foundations of Western civilisation and the enduring legacies of the medieval and early modern periods. 

The Mental Health and Society minor explores the complex relationship between mental health, culture, and social systems. Drawing on Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, and Policy Studies, this interdisciplinary sequence examines how mental health is understood, experienced, and responded to in contemporary society. 

Students will engage with core issues such as stigma, trauma, disability, inequality, and the broader social and cultural forces that shape mental health and wellbeing. The minor fosters critical thinking about power, emotion, identity, and the role of institutions and policy, encouraging compassion, advocacy, and a commitment to social justice.

This minor is well-suited for students interested in careers in mental health support, community services, youth work, education, or public policy. It complements majors in Sociology, Psychology, Health Sciences, and Social Work, and prepares students to work ethically and inclusively with diverse individuals and communities. 

The Music sequence develops skills in composition, music technology, musicology, music criticism and analysis. Students engage with the fundamentals of music language as it operates in a diverse range of styles and genres, and are taught to observe, understand and apply complex music processes drawn from the music of the past and the present. Students also engage with the cultural, social, aesthetic, historical and ethical functions of music through studies in musicology. Career outcomes that can arise from this sequence include teaching (when the major is combined with year 12 music performance or AMEB grade five and a tertiary teaching qualification), freelance composition (for film, television, video games, and commercials), music journalism and blogging, publishing, music administration, music retail, music research and work as 'embedded' creative practitioners using the skills developed through the sequence in the corporate and public sector.

The philosophy minor sequence introduces you to serious and detailed thinking about the really big questions concerning reality as a whole, human nature, ethics, language, religion, truth and knowledge, logic, beauty, and justice. The study of philosophy, in both its historical and contemporary dimensions, assists you to develop critical thinking skills and clarity of thought, through which you learn to assess the strengths and weaknesses of complex arguments while also honing verbal and written communication skills. Employers across a very broad range of industries (including education, business, public administration, law, media and technology) report that they highly value the kinds of adaptable skills and attributes possessed by philosophy graduates.

Politics is the study of power, violence and justice in our world. The questions of who gets what, why and how much, are persistent concerns plaguing all societies. In a world increasingly short of resources, individuals and nations now frequently do battle with each other to secure their own prosperity and peace. By looking at how these battles are won and lost, the discipline of politics gives you insight into the workings of diplomacy, warfare, elections, the global economy, the nature of political parties, and the rise and fall of great powers. From everyday politics at the local level to the politics among nations, the politics and international relations minor sequence at ACU will offer you the conceptual tools to think critically and act decisively in a world that is ever changing.

The psychology minor sequence provides you with a comprehensive and systematic study of human behaviour. The emphasis is on the dynamic nature of our behaviours and the interaction of biological, social and cultural factors that influence these at all levels and at all stages of the life span.

(Please note this minor does not offer a career pathway to become a psychologist).

Sociology is one of the most relevant disciplines for understanding complex social, cultural, and political phenomena today. Often cited as the "Queen of Disciplines" due to it producing a number of key ideas used by many subjects that study society and culture, sociology offers students a range of exciting theoretical, methodological, and conceptual tools for an understanding of human action, social and systemic change, institutions, and the deeper meanings of life. With subject matter such as globalisation, religion, health, work and economy, social movements, gender, and culture, sociologists are often crucially involved in a number of key debates around the ideas and events that impact on real people and their communities. All of these areas are a part of the sociology sequence at the ACU. Operating in both government and private industry, sociologists are employed in a variety of roles that centre on people and their environments including community project officers, policy planners and researchers, marketers and social media publicists. Sociology at the ACU helps students acquire high-order transferrable skills in reasoning, theorising, communicating, and research to do with a broader and deeper perspective of events, all of which are highly sought after by employers.

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.

Cultivate an adult faith and deeper spirituality. A major sequence in theological studies gives you new enthusiasm, fresh insight and deeper understanding to the gift of faith, and greater depth to spiritual experience. Key themes in theological studies include: the person and work of Jesus Christ; the Word of God in the Scriptures; the sacraments and the Church’s liturgy; and the values, practices, responsibilities and traditions of a Christian way of life. It relates faith, spirituality and scholarship to a concern for human flourishing, the common good, the dignity of the human person, and stewardship of the environment and all creation. Various theological approaches will be considered in the light of contemporary worldviews and interfaith dialogue. You can examine the theme of social justice and its importance in the mission and teaching of Jesus, a study which assists you in thinking critically about the world around you.

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.

Youth work is an exciting and challenging minor sequence that introduces you to the theoretical insights and practical competencies required for dealing with the needs, problems and aspirations of young people. The youth work sequence acknowledges the social and cultural environments within which young people live and helps foster young people's emotional and social development. Subjects in the sequence include youth sociology, adolescent development, youth work practice and building relationships and supporting young people and youth work in community and family settings.

Accounting is the method of evaluating and reporting the financial health of businesses and individuals. In studying the accounting minor sequence, you’ll learn to analyse, research and make informed recommendations about a broad range of accounting problems and issues. You’ll also become proficient in internationally-recognised accounting principles, practices and techniques and apply them to a variety of situations, and you’ll prepare for a rewarding career as a professional accountant, tax professional, business advisor or manager.

Choose accounting and you’ll be given the skills, knowledge and accreditations you need to embark on a career that can provide value to almost any kind of organisation or business. – regardless of whether the wider economic outlook is a boom, bust, bull market, or recession.

Everybody needs basic finance knowledge whether you’re making decisions involving borrowing money, making investments or assessing financing options. Study the finance minor sequence to learn the fundamentals of financial management and decision-making – including in times of uncertainty – and how to apply this expertise to sectors such as banking, consulting, planning, fund management, merchant banking, treasury or the share market.

Along the way, your experience will be enhanced by our small class sizes, allowing you to form close ties to your lecturers and tutors. After graduating, you’ll be prepared for financial management roles in private enterprise, government, the not-for-profit sector and trans-national corporations.

A business is only as good as its employees – and employees only thrive when there’s a good human resources team behind them. Human resource management (HRM) plays a critical role in every organisation. As an HRM professional, you’ll work to get the best from your people for the entire employment cycle. It’s a broad field, touching all parts of an organisation. It’s also a rapidly growing profession, with both jobs and income levels forecast to increase in the future. So why not get in on the ground floor with this human resource management minor sequence?

Be the go-between in the business world, connecting brands, products and services to new markets and customers. As a graduate of the marketing minor sequence, you’ll use your creativity and insight to understand consumer behaviour, communicate brand and product value, monitor dynamically changing trends, find new markets for products and services, develop business strategies and work with a range of cutting-edge digital technologies.