Catholic scholars seek the truth and a greater understanding of people, the world, communities and God. We carry on this tradition – and invite you to join us.
Searching for truth
Catholic scholars have made great contributions to how we understand the world and what we value, and the truth of God, the human person, and what matters to us all.
Catholic educational institutions seek the full truth, believing that faith is compatible with reason – and so that there is an extensive body of knowledge to explore. This gives our staff and students space to examine and challenge ideas with intellectual rigour, while maintaining the Christian world view as inspiration for our work and study.
We believe passionately this world view, with its focus on human dignity and the common good, speaks to people of all faiths.
Find out more about our values
Working for the common good
The Catholic intellectual tradition informs our curriculum, by bringing ideas such as human dignity, justice and social harmony into the classroom – and ensuring that the entire community stands to benefit.
Our focus is on the positive social impact you’ll have during your studies, and will go on to make over the course of your career.
Make an impact
You’re more than your degree and, at ACU, we’ll work with you to develop as a whole person. All of our students complete the Core Curriculum: three units which will equip you to look at the world with empathy, reject stereotypes and have the courage to make an impact.
As part of the Core, you’ll learn to apply Catholic social thought principles to day-to-day life, including the pursuit of the common good, stewardship of the earth and the dignity of the human person. You’ll also learn how to apply these principles in the study of your degree, and in your career.
Commit to a cause
A central tenet of our Core Curriculum is our commitment to community engagement. When you study with us, you’ll be able to contribute to your community in a meaningful way that reflects the degree you are studying.
You’ll work collaboratively with community groups and organisations to develop ethical and sustainable solutions to complex problems, and lend a hand to causes and people in need.
Explore our community engagement opportunities
Find strength in numbers
When you graduate with a degree shaped by Catholic intellectual tradition, you’ll have an edge if you pursue a career with Catholic institutions.
Across the education and health sectors in particular, our students are able to demonstrate their commitment to the values and moral foundations that underpinned their studies. And they go on to enjoy positive career outcomes as a result.
Read more about our strategic partnerships
Research a better way forward
Engaging in research that creates real change with sustainable outcomes is one way we fulfil our mission at ACU. Our researchers work on solutions to real-world problems that will ultimately benefit the community, from developing new ways of approaching health care and education to exploring ways to apply philosophical enquiry to the everyday.
Learn more about research at ACU
Catholic intellectual tradition in the curriculum
In course development, we consider Catholic intellectual tradition principles and ensure they’re incorporated into the curriculum. This informs how each course is delivered in the classroom.
It also means our curriculum delivery is consistent, comparable and equitable across our campuses, with the aim to foster and advance knowledge across our teaching areas:
- business
- creative arts
- education
- health
- humanities
- law
- sciences
- theology and philosophy
- technology.
