The Academy

The Academy is a place for aspiring leaders.

The first of its kind, The Academy is an innovative leadership program focused on global citizenship, critical thinking, and community impact. We offer opportunities for personal and professional enrichment beyond your degree.

If you’re looking for a competitive edge, The Academy is for you!

Below you will find more information about the program, as well as first-hand testimonials from students about their favourite Academy opportunities and how these experiences have prepared them for career success.

Both current and prospective students are encouraged to apply when applications to join The Academy reopen in May 2024. We'd love to have you on board.

Vietnam Study Tour, 2023

Core Programs

We run two core programs: the Citizen Scholar Program and the Bachelor of Creative Leadership. Additional opportunities such as travel, events, and mentorships, are also available to members.

The Citizen Scholar Program

"Through The Academy travel opportunities, events, and Citizen Scholar Award, I have grown personally and professionally and met many amazing people."

- Naomi Kroll, Bachelor of Business & Commerce / Bachelor of Creative Leadership

Citizen Scholar is a person who is not only intelligent, but is also a critical thinker, a problem solver, and an active, engaged citizen.

The Citizen Scholar Program is a self-paced leadership program that is only available to Academy members. It involves online modules, volunteering, and other learning activities.

In the program, you will learn different ways of thinking, develop essential job skills, and broaden your leadership horizons. The knowledge and skills you develop will support your learning in your base degree, shape you into an active Citizen Scholar, and provide you with a competitive edge in the job market. 

Upon completion of the program, you will receive the Citizen Scholar Award which will also be listed on your Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS).​

The Bachelor of Creative Leadership

"The skills that the degree taught me have stood strong in my working life. It taught me to think differently, to explore the nuances, appreciate the diversity, embrace the criticality, lavish the complexity, and most of all to reflect on my improvements."

- Chris Mahoney – Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Creative Leadership

The Bachelor of Creative Leadership develops skills in critical thinking, innovation, ethical leadership, and building professional relationships. It is a bolt-on degree with a flexible design. 

You have the opportunity to enrol into the Bachelor of Creative Leadership alongside your current Bachelor program. With workshop scheduled outside the conventional timetable, it comfortably accommodates your existing study commitments. 

For just eight subjects, you can graduate with a second degree! Otherwise, you can engage with content by taking electives from this degree, or enrol into a minor (four subjects) in Creative Leadership or Critical and Systems Thinking.

The Bachelor of Creative Leadership is available to current undergraduate students, with enrolled students being automatically offered membership with The Academy. 

Why join The Academy?

Networking events

Enhance your professional network through special events and functions.

Mentorships

Learn the skills you need to gain an edge with employers.

Exclusive study and social spaces

Enjoy specially designed spaces, available exclusively to students of The Academy.

Travel

Broaden your horizons with short international study tours.

Got questions?

Contact our Course Information Team on 1300 897 669, email theacademy@westernsydney.edu.au, or use Live Chat.

If you’re a current student, visit Inside The Academy for more information.

Gain the tools you need to make a difference in the world.