• Australian Catholic University Sydney (ACU)

Information about Australian Catholic University Sydney (ACU)

Overview of Australian Catholic University Sidney

Australian Catholic University (ACU) was officially opened on the 1st of January 1991 subsequent to the merging of four Catholic postsecondary institutions with histories dating back as far as the mid-1800s. As an institution funded by the Australian government, it is open to students and staff of all nationalities, beliefs and cultures. The university’s mission is to add a spiritual angle to higher education in Australia. Its strong spiritual foundations promote an environment of inclusion and tolerance. The university is comprised of six campuses situated in the capital cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, the regional centre of Ballarat and the national capital, Canberra. Each campus has its own distinct environment, in either a suburban or city location. In some situations, students may study at different campuses as they complete their degree.

Australian Catholic University is committed to research, teaching and community engagement. Towards achieving this commitment, one of its main goals is to provide a first-rate higher education for the entire student body, through upholding the principles of academic integrity and free enquiry. In doing so, the institution aims at providing research, teaching and community engagement activities that are valued by the students and community at large. A special feature at ACU is the presence career advisers who facilitate development of skills required in the job market. They do this by giving individual counselling and free workshops that are accessible on all campuses.

Studies at Australian Catholic University Sidney

With a population of more than 17,000 students, Australian Catholic University has five national Faculties – Education, Sciences and Arts, Theology, Health Science and Business. The Faculty of Education is renowned as a leading provider of excellent teacher education. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all the six campuses. The Faculty of Theology offers programs such as Bachelor of Theology and Master of Arts (Theology). The Faculty of Health Sciences prepares very qualified graduates in the areas of Midwifery, Exercise Science and Nursing. The five schools of the faculty are located at all the six campuses. The Faculty of Business, which was started in 2010, offers a wide range of business courses in undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. The new faculty is situated across three campuses in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sidney.

Australian Catholic University is one of the leading universities in postgraduate education, with over 4,000 students, and 700 research and academic staff who are skilled in their specialized fields of research. To help students decide on the right postgraduate course, ACU hosts regular informal evenings which offer the opportunity to visit the campus to discuss study options with a team of academic staff. In conjunction with its partner universities, ACU has a study abroad program which offers students a chance to study abroad as part of their degree. Students are encouraged to consider spending one or two semesters at a partner institution as part of their ACU degree. Those who choose this option may be given financial assistance.

What students say about Australian Catholic University Sydney (ACU)

Rating 4/5
Melissa S

Catholic uni for the non-religous
My university campus is part of the Australian Catholic University network. I am not a Catholic and indeed not even religious, but this has never been and issue. I was concerned that i may be disadvantaged of prejudiced against but my campus is most welcoming. Yes we have a chapel on campus and a large portrait of the ALMOST saint Mark Mackillop (of whom our campus is named) but i have never been pressured into any form of expression and neither have i felt that if i did make an expression that it would be frowned upon or judged because of. My campus and University is an open place, one that has exposed me to people from more walks of life, countries, opinions, political minds and even religions than anywhere else i have been before.

Rating 4/5
Abigail Pacia

A-C who? ACU!!
Love this campus at North Sydney. It''s quiet and small, you get to know practically everyone on campus. The staff are very helpful when it comes to enrolments as well as exam time. Also if you get bored during lecture breaks, why not head to the city? It''s only a 5min train trip into Sydney''s CBD. Also near us is Luna Park, Sydney''s only amusement park. It''s free to enter so you can stroll around during your break.

Rating 3/5
Joop Van der Mol

ACU Sydney approved :)

Two years ago I spend a semester at the ACU, more precisely in Syndey. I had a really good time and spend an awesome half-year in Sydney. Therefore I would like to comment a little bit on the ACU. The ACU has more than 13.000 students and 900 staff members located on 6 campuses in three states (Sydney2, Brisbane, Banberra, Melbourne, Ballarat) The university´s mission ist to add spiritual dimension to higher education in Australia. I was located in Strathfield which is 13km away from Sydney and the 2nd largest campus in the university. Compared to the other campus i have to say that i was quite happy with my choice even though it would have been more practical to live directly in Sydney. I remember that one thing that really struck me was the high teaching quality over there. Back in Europe i rembere the rooms always to be really packed and theachers not having time for students. At the ACU though i realized thatthere can be also other methods. In fact teachers were very competent but especially very eager to dedicate each student the time he needed. Awesome! In my sparetime I participated actively in the student´s association and did some sports. There was quite some offer especially regarding typical australian sports like rugby...