Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Philosophy

Course information for - 2025 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic
  • International

Offered at 5 locations
  • Ballarat
  • Brisbane
  • Canberra
  • Melbourne
  • Strathfield

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
VTAC code
1200110171
ATAR
58.50 for Ballarat
Fees (first year)*

$16992 CSP

Start dates
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025
Applications open April 2025

Overview

This unique double degree provides you with the broad knowledge, skills and flexibility offered by a liberal arts program, but enhanced by a specialised focus on two of the oldest academic disciplines and conversation partners: theology and philosophy.

The Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Philosophy is designed to equip you with an understanding of the foundations of the modern world and Western civilisation, and to enhance your capacity to critically engage with and respond to some of the key challenges faced by societies, governments and organisations today. You'll be introduced to a broad range of ideas, and will engage with fundamental questions of knowledge, identity, faith and value.

Studying theology and philosophy sharpens your clarity of thought, enhances your ability to analyse and evaluate arguments, and develops your written and oral communication skills. These skills are all highly transferable and advantageous to careers across a broad range of industries and organisations.

Global experience is strongly encouraged, with study abroad opportunities available at the ACU Rome Centre, with one of our partner institutions in Europe or the United States, or as part of a study tour to places such as Israel.

The integrated study unit at the end of the course provides you with a taste of research in your chosen area, and sets you up for the possibility of undertaking an Honours year, and perhaps even, beyond that, further research at Higher Degree level.

Professional experience

You will be required to complete a minimum of 70 hours of Community Engagement through the Christian Community Engagement unit.

Community engagement

As part of your degree, you will undertake Christian Community Engagement, which involves 150 hours of focused learning, or the equivalent of 10 hours per week for 15 weeks. This includes a minimum of 70 hours placement, together with up to 10 hours in class with a School of Theology appointed mentor and other students enrolled in the unit. The remaining time will include completing an online module on Working with Children and Vulnerable Adults, preparing a learning contract, writing a reflection paper on the placement and giving an oral report to the class.

Careers

Graduates are prepared for careers across a wide variety of professions, such as:

  • lecturing, research or academia
  • journalism or writing
  • ethics consultancy to business
  • bioethics/health care ethics
  • public policy
  • chaplaincy, ministry and other church related careers (including lay ministry)
  • youth and social work
  • pastoral work
  • community work and advocacy
  • education, teaching, curriculum design (with further study)
  • psychology (with further study)

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Biblical Studies major, Christian Thought major and Philosophy major - Commencing Semester 1

  • Major in either Biblical Studies or Christian Thought Theology Major 1 Unit 1 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Major in another area Theology Major 2 Unit 1 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Major in Philosophy Philosophy Major Unit 1 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Elective Units Elective10 cp
  • Major in either Biblical Studies or Christian Thought Theology Major 1 Unit 2 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Major in another areaTheology Major 2 Unit 2 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Major in Philosophy Philosophy Major Unit 2 10 cp
  • Core Curriculum Units Core Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details10 cp

Biblical Studies major, Christian Thought major and Philosophy major - Commencing Semester 2

Theology major, Philosophy major and Arts major - Commencing Semester 1

Theology major, Philosophy major and Arts major - Commencing Semester 2

Theology major, Philosophy major and Theology minor - Commencing Semester 1

Theology major, Philosophy major and Theology minor - Commencing Semester 2

Theology major, Philosophy major, Theology minor and two minors - Commencing Semester 1

Theology major, Philosophy major, Theology minor and two minors - 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

Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Exit Points

A student who has completed 40 cp in Philosophy units may exit with the Non-Award Certificate in Philosophy.

A student who has completed 40 cp in Theology units, including THBS100 Introduction to the Bible and THCT100 What Christians Believe, may exit with the Non-Award Certificate in Theology.

A student who has completed 80 cp in Philosophy units may exit with the Diploma in Philosophy.

A student who has completed 80 cp in Theology units, including THBS100 Introduction to the Bible and THCT100 What Christians Believe, may exit with the Diploma in Theology.

A student who has completed 160 cp with at least 90 cp in Philosophy units, may exit with the Associate Degree in Philosophy.

A student who has completed 160 cp with at least 90 cp in Theology units, including THBS100 Introduction to the Bible and THCT100 What Christians Believe, may exit with the Associate Degree in Theology

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:


StatePrerequisites

New South Wales

Assumed knowledge: Nil

Queensland

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Victoria

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.

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

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.  

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.  

Learn more about access schemes 

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers 

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements. 

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

  • If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
  • If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
  • You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
  • If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

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 current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be. 

Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course: 

Understand your pathway options 

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

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  Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course. 

Articulation from another course

Explore the pathways to your future 

Further study

High-achieving students can progress to honours study or a range of postgraduate coursework programs.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$16992 CSP

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

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

Domestic applicants

Ballarat

Apply through VTAC

VTAC code 1200110171

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Testimonial

Harrison

“ACU’s staff are more helpful than I could have ever expected. I feel like my lecturers truly do want me to succeed with my studies. The depth of resources that are made available in all respects to pursue knowledge as far as it can go is what I really like about my degree. I hope to awaken a fresh understanding of the importance of theology and philosophy in a well-rounded life.”

Harrison
Theology and philosophy student
 

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