Study Guide Theology and philosophy AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY From I Matthew wonder ACU graduate to I will. Executive Dean’s welcome Welcome to theology and We offer theology and philosophy, suited to any stage of your life and career journey. There are short courses, certificate and bachelor opportunities, philosophy at ACU. postgraduate coursework programs, professional and research degrees, international study tours, and a wide range of professional learning and We take great pride in in-service opportunities. offering our students Our programs are conceived in collaboration with industry, community, and church leaders, and are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills direct access to world- required to respond to the demands of an evolving, global and digital world. leading research, an Shaped by a learning design that is always responsive to emerging questions and contextual need, we offer learning experiences that will equip you with a extensive network capacity to think theologically. of international Providing for multiple points of engagement, and across any variety of delivery partnerships, innovative modes, our programs directly foster biblical and theological literacy. I invite you to explore this guide, our website and the various options for study, and responsive and I encourage you to come and meet with our staff to discuss what might suit curriculum design, your individual or organisational needs and interests. extended overseas study I look forward to welcoming you to our community. opportunities, and a Professor Dermot Nestor staffing profile that is the Executive Dean, Faculty of Theology and Philosophy rival of any theological faculty in the world. Contents 02 Think you know ACU? You’re just getting started 04 Our neighbourhoods 06 Numbers that count 07 Postgraduate study pathways 08 Fees and scholarships 09 Applying to ACU 10 The School of Theology 13 Research at ACU 14 The School of Philosophy 16 Executive Education Think you know ACU? You’re just getting started. It’s education, but not as you know it. Meaningful education, We see the whole person not mass production Everyone is welcome at ACU. We’re inclusive At ACU, it’s education, but with a bigger purpose. and supportive of everyone, every day, and We’re a university committed to standing up our students feel it – giving us five stars for for people in need and causes that matter. If overall experience, learner engagement, skills you’ve got the desire to make an impact, we’ll development and full-time employment.* We’ll give you the skills to change the world. And if get to know you, and we will make sure you you want to start making an impact now – you get the most out of your uni experience. can. Research within our faculties and institutes * Good Universities Guide 2019 tackles enduring and pressing issues in society, in Australia, and around the world. 2 Flexible study We’ve got your back Study needs to be flexible. We get that Whether it’s figuring out how to enrol, or finding the life changes fast, and you need to find the best coffee on campus, we’ll help you out in person, right balance of family, work and study. online, by phone, live chat, or even SMS. And if you Many of our courses offer part-time need support with your studies, career advice, or and full-time options, as well as online counselling services, we’ve got that covered too. learning, travel opportunities, intensive acu.edu.au/askacu units, and flexible start dates. Connections that count Our partnerships around Australia and overseas provide rich learning experiences for our students. These relationships enhance student learning and provide opportunities for practical work experience and collaborative research. The world is our campus Scholarships We’re young, but we are making our mark. We’re ranked in We know that balancing the cost the top 50 of Generation Y universities worldwide* and in of living and study can be tricky. the top 10 Catholic universities** – alongside Georgetown So we offer nearly 400 scholarship University and Boston College in the US. We’ve got opportunities which recognise more than 200 partners on six continents, community academic achievement, community engagement opportunities around the globe, and our participation, and help out students campus in Rome, Italy. from a range of backgrounds. See * Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2018 page 8. **Times Higher Education World University Rankings 18/19, IFCU members 3 Our neighbourhoods We’ve got eight campuses around Australia, and a campus in Rome, Italy. Each one is unique, but they’re all dynamic, inviting and great places to learn. Head to acu.edu.au/locations to take a virtual tour of your campus. BALLARAT NORTH SYDNEY Our Ballarat Campus is located in the centre of Ballarat. Situated Just across the Harbour Bridge from the city centre, our amid historical gardens, beautiful old buildings, and a block North Sydney Campus is a great place to study and relax. from Lake Wendouree, it has a lot to offer. Explore the grounds, • Close to North Sydney train station and many bus connections enjoy a home-cooked meal at the canteen, and soak up the • State-of-the-art learning facilities community vibe. • Cafes and dining options close to campus • Central location • Free parking STRATHFIELD • Situated amid historical gardens and beautiful old buildings Our Strathfield Campus is set amid beautiful landscaped grounds and historical buildings, with excellent transport links. BRISBANE Whether you want to have a friendly match on our rugby and Whether you want to get involved in campus life, create a soccer ovals or take in a show at our art gallery, there’s always professional network, or just find a quiet place to study — something going on. our Brisbane Campus has you covered. Set on 40 hectares • Free parking of parklands, it offers many places to relax, like cafes and a • Popular art gallery swimming pool. • Shuttle bus from Strathfield train station • Shuttle bus connections to public transport • Ample free parking ADELAIDE • Modern learning facilities Our Adelaide Campus is one of our newest additions, and primarily offers postgraduate courses in theology. CANBERRA Just five kilometres from the city centre, our Canberra Campus ROME has a lot on offer. With a campus lounge and swimming pool, Our Rome Campus is located on Janiculum Hill, a site that has a you’ll have plenty to keep you busy between classes. rich history dating back to the 3rd century. It sits on a sprawling • Free parking and accessible by light rail and bus property that boasts extensive gardens and terraces to enjoy • Beautiful landscaped gardens beautiful views of the city. • Modern library and 300-seat lecture theatre • Close to the Vatican and popular tourist sites • Modern, onsite residential accommodation MELBOURNE • Community engagement opportunities Our Melbourne Campus is right next to the cafes, art galleries and live music venues of Brunswick Street. Kick back with a BLACKTOWN coffee on our rooftop garden or hang out with friends in one We’ve partnered with Blacktown City Council to open a new of our cafes. ACU campus in Blacktown, Western Sydney, in 2021. • Close to six tram routes, bus routes and Parliament Railway Station • Award-winning library • Art gallery Top leftTop to bottom right– Ballarat Campus, Brisbane Campus, Canberra Campus, Melbourne Campus, North Sydney Campus, Strathfield Campus, Adelaide Campus, Rome Campus,Italy, Blacktown Campus(artist impression only) 4 UNDER DEVELOPMENT Top leftTop to bottom right– Ballarat Campus, Brisbane Campus, Canberra Campus, Melbourne Campus, North Sydney Campus, Strathfield Campus, Adelaide Campus, Rome Campus,Italy, Blacktown Campus(artist impression only) 5 5 stars FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT, OVERALL EXPERIENCE, LEARNER ENGAGEMENT AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN AUSTRALIA Good Universities Guide 2019 Top 3% UNIVERSITIES Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018/2019* IN THE WORLD Top 50 GENERATION Y UNIVERSITIES Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2018 Top 10 CATHOLIC UNIVERSITIES Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019, ranked IFCU members First in Australia and above world standard RELIGION AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES RESEARCH Four-digit FoRs, Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 Above world standard PHILOSOPHY Four-digit FoRs, Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 Numbers * Percentage calculated as ACU’s world rank as a proportion of the total number of universities in the world: International Handbook of Universities 2018, that count Palgrave MacMillan. 6 Postgraduate study pathways In general, postgraduate study falls into two main categories: coursework and research. Coursework Pathways through • Programs are generally six months to two years full-time (or postgraduate study equivalent part-time). • You can expect classes (including online classes), units, and set assessments, similar to an undergraduate degree. Undergraduate degree • To apply you usually need to have completed an undergraduate degree first. However, professional experience can also be taken into account. • The graduate certificate, graduate diploma and masters degree Postgraduate Postgraduate coursework research are connected and can build on each other. degrees degrees • If you’re considering a masters degree but don’t initially qualify, you may be accepted into the graduate certificate or diploma in the same area of study. Professional Graduate Masters • If you choose to study a masters degree but your circumstances experience certificate by research change, you may be able to exit the degree early with the relevant graduate certificate or graduate diploma. • Coursework programs are ideal for gaining new skills and getting Graduate Doctorate ahead in your career. diploma (PhD) Research • Programs are generally two to four years full-time (or equivalent Masters by coursework part-time). • You can expect independent research and exploration of original ideas under the guidance of a supervisor. Postgraduate • To apply you usually need to have completed an undergraduate research degree with honours or a masters.