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.

The business studies minor sequence offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding in areas including human resource management, finance, marketing and accounting. If you’re studying a Bachelor of Arts you could choose to combine your business studies minor with a range of related areas such as economics, politics and international relations or digital media.

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.

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.

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. 

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 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).

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.

The teaching area 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 (Computing) prepares future secondary teachers to confidently teach how digital technologies shape learning, work, and everyday life. Students learn how to design and use digital systems to solve problems, while building skills in computational thinking, programming, and understanding how digital systems work. The teaching area places strong emphasis on classroom practice, helping students learn how to teach these concepts in engaging, meaningful, and age‑appropriate ways. It also explores the ethical, safe, and responsible use of technology, supporting young people to become thoughtful and capable digital citizens. Graduates are well prepared to teach Digital Technologies in contemporary secondary school settings and to adapt to the fast‑changing digital world.

The English teaching area invites students to explore the power of stories, language, and ideas, and to discover how texts help us make sense of the world. Students engage with a wide range of literary and contemporary texts while developing strong skills in reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking. When studied as part of a teaching qualification, English prepares future teachers to share their enthusiasm for literature and language with young people, and to create inclusive, engaging classrooms where discussion, creativity, and interpretation are valued. Graduates are well prepared to teach English in secondary schools and to communicate thoughtfully and confidently in a wide range of professional and community settings.

The Geography teaching area engages students with the major environmental challenges shaping our world and the ways people interact with places and environments. Students develop the skills to analyse and interpret environmental and social issues, critically evaluate management strategies, and apply geographical thinking to real‑world contexts.

Learning is strongly practice‑based, with an emphasis on project work, field investigations, and the use of contemporary tools and techniques such as GIS and remote sensing. Field‑based learning is a key feature, offering opportunities for hands‑on experiences in diverse locations within Australia and overseas. When undertaken as part of a teaching qualification, this teaching area prepares graduates to teach Geography in secondary schools while developing analytical, research, and problem‑solving skills valued across a range of professional settings.

The History teaching area invites future teachers to explore the past in ways that are meaningful, engaging, and relevant for today’s secondary classrooms. Students study a rich range of histories, including European, American, Australian, Indigenous, Asian, and Ancient contexts, while exploring powerful themes such as war and peace, race and class, gender and sexuality, conflict, and popular culture. The teaching area emphasises how historical knowledge is constructed, debated, and taught, helping students learn how to design lessons that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and informed discussion. By connecting past events to contemporary issues, students develop the confidence and skills to bring history to life for young people and to support learners in understanding the world they live in. Graduates are well prepared to teach History in secondary schools and to foster thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens.

The teaching area 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 teaching area can act as a pathway to becoming a secondary-school maths teacher when combined with a tertiary teaching qualification.

The Music teaching area develops students’ knowledge and skills in music language, analysis, and musicianship, preparing them to teach music with confidence in educational settings. Students build the capability to perform, create, interpret, and critically evaluate music, while learning to apply these skills in safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive ways aligned with contemporary educational and creative industry practices. This teaching area offers a broad, generalist music education that supports pathways into secondary classroom teaching, as well as related professional fields such as community music education and music therapy. An audition is not required for entry into the Music teaching area at ACU, making it accessible to students with a passion for music and teaching.

Psychology as a teaching area introduces students to the scientific study of human behaviour, cognition and development, and prepares them to teach Psychology confidently in secondary school settings. Students explore key areas such as learning and memory, motivation, development across the lifespan, mental health and wellbeing, social behaviour, and research methods. Emphasis is placed on understanding psychological concepts and on developing the skills needed to explain complex ideas clearly and ethically to diverse learners. Through their studies, students learn to apply psychological theory to real‑world contexts and contemporary issues relevant to young people. When undertaken as part of an education pathway, Psychology provides the disciplinary knowledge, analytical skills and pedagogical foundations required to design engaging lessons, support student wellbeing, and teach Psychology effectively within secondary curricula.

(Please note that this sequence is not APAC-accredited; it does not offer a career pathway to become a psychologist.)

Religious Education as a teaching area provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the beliefs, values, practices and traditions of Christianity, with particular attention to the Catholic tradition and its contribution to contemporary society. The teaching area explores key themes such as Scripture, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the sacraments, the Church, ethics, social justice and Catholic Social Teaching.

Students develop the knowledge and skills required to teach Religious Education in Catholic schools while engaging critically with questions of faith, meaning, identity and spirituality. The teaching area encourages reflection on issues of human dignity, the common good, inclusion and stewardship, and explores religion in dialogue with contemporary culture and diverse worldviews. Through this study, students develop the capacity to teach Religious Education in ways that are academically rigorous, engaging and responsive to the needs of diverse learners and school communities.

Visual Arts as a teaching area offers students the opportunity to engage with both creative practice and critical thinking through studio‑based art making and the study of art and design history and theory. Students develop practical skills alongside an understanding of visual culture, learning how ideas are formed, expressed and communicated through art.

Learning is grounded in hands‑on experience. Students create and present their own work, write and speak about art, and take part in shared exhibition experiences, including group exhibitions in the ACU gallery. Small class sizes and studio‑based learning allow students to work closely with academic staff who are active artists and scholars, fostering a supportive and creative learning environment. The teaching area brings together making, thinking and reflecting, helping students to build confidence in both creative practice and critical analysis. For students on an education pathway, Visual Arts provides the disciplinary knowledge, skills and experiences needed to support effective teaching of visual arts at primary and secondary levels.