Course information for - 2027 entry
Domestic
  • Domestic

Offered at 3 locations
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne
  • Strathfield

Duration
0.5 year full-time or equivalent part-time
ATAR
N/A
Fees (first year)*

$5336 CSP

Start dates

Semester 1 intake: Beginning March 2027

Applications open August 2026

Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning August 2027

Applications open April 2027

Overview

The Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts opens the door to intellectual exploration across the humanities, arts, and social sciences. This flexible program invites you to engage with diverse ideas and develop critical thinking skills that will enhance your understanding of the world around you.

Through four carefully selected units from the Bachelor of Arts degree offerings (subject to campus availability), you'll build foundational knowledge and analytical skills while discovering new areas of interest and expertise. This undergraduate certificate will appeal if:

You want to explore diverse disciplines Sample short courses across fields like History, Archaeology, Politics and International Relations, English, Geography, Environment and Sustainability, Human Rights or creative disciplines, giving you the freedom to follow your curiosity and discover new passions.

You're seeking professional development Pursue in-depth study in subject areas directly relevant to your career, enhancing your expertise and opening new professional opportunities.

You're testing the waters of university study Whether you're returning to education after time away or entering university for the first time, this certificate provides an ideal opportunity to experience university-level learning and determine if further study is right for you.

You want a pathway to further qualifications Use this certificate as a stepping stone to a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Creative Arts, Bachelor of Human Rights, Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability or Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Global Studies, with the confidence that comes from proven academic success.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts combines intellectual rigour with practical flexibility, making it the perfect choice for lifelong learners, career changers, and anyone eager to engage with the big questions that shape our world.

Careers

The Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts prepares students for a diverse range of careers in areas such as:

  • government sector and public service
  • industry
  • business and administration
  • creative arts

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Bachelor of Arts unitsHUMA114Scandals and Deception: Navigating Controversy

    Recommended

    10 cp
  • 10 cp
  • 10 cp
  • 10 cp

Commencing Semester 2

Graduate statement

Insight

As an Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts graduate, you possess insight into some of the great social and cultural debates faced by humanity in different eras and contexts. This awareness is based on a variety of approaches to knowing and learning inclusive of Indigenous knowledges, reflexive practice, applied critical approaches, and empirical evidence. This course initiates your study in social and cultural aspects of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences by applying the insight gained across numerous possible disciplinary settings, thereby actively working towards greater knowledge, skills in reading, writing communication and research. The knowledge and skills may lead you to further study or into the workforce. 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 Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts graduate, you have empathy with the challenges and obstacles to human flourishing and also the thinkers, change-makers and creators who have contributed deeply to societies around the world. Depending on the subjects you choose to study you may explore ancient or modern historical experiences, social and environmental sustainability, political, business or economic conundrums, creative and cultural contributions, great thinkers and religions, or social justice issues through criminology, youth work or human rights.You will have the opportunity to explore the ways in which these challenges are intimately related to human dignity and socially and environmentally marginalised communities. This empathy is grounded in the specific learnings and applications of a variety of approaches to the arts, humanities and social sciences analysing problems, listening to diverse voices, as well as seeking out and using evidence. As a graduate, empathy is translated into action through application in a variety of professional roles contributing to affecting lasting change. As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have the opportunity to 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 Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts graduate, you utilise imagination to develop approaches to defining and achieving socially and culturally informed, evidence based approaches across a wide range of possible areas in the arts, humanities and social sciences. You use a range of technologies to facilitate engagement with information, case studies, histories, and voices. You use critical and creative thinking to enhance engagement with, and practice of, key techniques in understanding the lives of others, analysing social and cultural trends, using evidence to build an argument, communicate clearly and consider the needs of different stakeholders. You appreciate the role of these skills to actively translate imagination into action in societies and cultures . You implement evidence-based approaches to completing taks to enable informed decision-making across a range of institutional and organisational foci within culturally respectful and community-sensitive frameworks. 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 Undergraduate Certificate in Liberal Arts graduate you actively apply skills, knowledges, and empathy to positively impact human dignity, contributing meaningfully to the common good. Your empathy, skills, and knowledge in fields in the arts, humanities and social sciences are impactful through strategic and innovative methods of application in relevant professional settings. Impact is also established as a graduate, through effective communication that raises awareness about, and develops empathy for, social and cultural sustainability in the world around you. As a graduate, your impact is ultimately to protect and preserve social, cultural, and creative aspects of healthy communities. 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

Undergraduate Certificate - AQF Level 5/6/7

Entry requirements

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

Alternate entry provisions apply to students accepted through the Clemente Australia program.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2027 Admission.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic

Overall score: 6.0, Individual score of 5.5 in all tests


PTE Academic

50 with a minimum of 42 in all four communicative skills


TOEFL

Internet-based score of 60 with: minimum 18 in writing, 8 in reading, 16 in speaking, and 7 in listening


C1 Advanced

Advanced score 169, Minimum score of 169 in writing and speaking, and 162 in listening and reading


ACU English Language test, or ACU EAP

C (60-62%)

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

Further study

A UniAccess-Australia student who successfully completes four units specified by a UniAccess program may either leave with a Undergraduate Certificate qualification and/or make a direct application to ACU, against specified criteria, for a place in the Bachelor of Arts (or other Commonwealth-supported courses). All applications will be considered on the basis of academic merit.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$5336 CSP

*This is an indicative first-year fee based on the tuition fee rates for a full-time student, using unit enrolment data from domestic students who studied the course in the previous year.

A student’s annual fee will vary depending on factors including:

  • Number of units studied per year
  • Choice of major or specialisation
  • Elective units

The University reviews fees annually.

You can view current course costs and domestic tuition fee rates by unit.

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

Apply directly to ACU

Apply now

Deferment

No deferment available.

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