Australian Catholic University

Bachelor of Theology

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

Engage critically with the Catholic intellectual tradition, understand the complex realities of religion across history, and gain insight into contemporary challenges.

This three-year program offers an introduction to the breadth of contemporary theological study, providing you with the opportunity to explore study areas like biblical studies, systematic theology, ministry, liturgy, world religions, ancient languages, moral theology, and philosophy. The Bachelor of Theology also gives you the flexibility to select units from other disciplines, such as arts and social sciences, including the option to compete a major drawn from the Bachelor of Arts majors.

If you’re interested in an overseas experience, you can study at our Rome Campus, at one of our partner universities around the world, or join a short study tour to places like Israel.

Graduate ready for careers in the public sphere, religious organisations and academia with a wide range of adaptable skills, including an enhanced capacity to analyse, critically reflect, evaluate, and bring ethical perspectives to life and work. You will also build your communication skills, grow your capacity to evaluate and discriminate between multiple viewpoints, and develop and articulate compelling arguments (both orally and in writing).

Delivery mode

Australian Catholic University offers this course through the following delivery modes:

On campus

Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.


Locations
  • 1200 Mair Street, Ballarat
  • 1100 Nudgee Road, Banyo
  • 223 Antill Street, Watson
  • 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy
  • 25A Barker Road, Strathfield

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

Applicants with recent secondary education

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

  • ATAR: 58.50
  • New South Wales: 2 units of English (any) (Band 3)
  • Victoria: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

  • 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.

Applicants with higher education study

  • If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.

Applicants with work and life experience

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 Special 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.

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score.

Applicants with recent secondary education

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

  • ATAR: 58.50
  • New South Wales: 2 units of English (any) (Band 3)
  • Victoria: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

  • 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.

Applicants with higher education study

  • If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.

Applicants with work and life experience

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 Special 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.

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 6.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score.

Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $48,960 - $70,200 Fees are based on full-time study.
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Standard Tuition:
$48,960
Full Fee Tuition:
$70,200
Enquire with Australian Catholic University to find out more.
Study mode On Campus
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* $48,960 - $70,200 Support may be available

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Theology will prepare you for the following roles.

Chaplain

A Chaplain provides religious counselling to individuals and small groups. You might work at a school, residential care home, hospital or correctio...

Avg yearly income $69,940
Entry barriers Low

Pastoral Care Worker

A Pastoral Care Worker provides emotional and spiritual support to individuals in various settings, including schools, hospitals, and community org...

Avg yearly income $100,516
Entry barriers Low

Minister

A Minister provides spiritual guidance and support to members of a congregation or community. You might work in churches, temples, or other places ...

Avg yearly income $107,640
Entry barriers Low

Religious Education Teacher

A Religious Education Teacher imparts knowledge about various religious traditions and ethical values to students in a primary or secondary school ...

Avg yearly income $62,400
Entry barriers Low

Pastor

A Pastor delivers church sermons and conducts religious ceremonies. You might provide religious counselling to individuals or small groups and you ...

Avg yearly income $65,000
Entry barriers Low

About Australian Catholic University

In a world of mass production, ACU stands for meaningful education, rewarding research, and life-changing community engagement.

Our mission and values form the core of who we are as a Catholic organisation. Discover our history, structure, and our journey to be a leader in research and teaching – a goal we’re already achieving as a top 2% world-ranked university.

Great leadership starts with self-knowledge. As a Catholic university, we’re guided by our clear mission, strong sense of identity and firm set of values. All three influence the decisions we make as an institute of higher education, and guide our staff and students in their day-to-day lives.

We know who we are. That’s how we can help you understand yourself and the world around you.