When you undertake the Bachelor of Philosophy at The University of Notre Dame Australia, you will be encouraged to reflect deeply and critically on the fundamental questions that have perplexed man since ancient times. You will also be challenged to examine your beliefs, values, and approach to living. A study of philosophy will boost your critical thinking abilities and deepen your cultural literacy by exploring how philosophical thought has influenced Western culture. Contact us to find out more.

Why study this degree?

This three-year Bachelor of Philosophy program is enriching and delivered in a collegiate manner to encourage discussion and personal reflection. The degree can be studied over three years full-time or part-time.

You will be taught to think critically and to become knowledgeable and considerate citizens. We aim to educate the whole person by facilitating engagement with the more profound questions of individual and social life. The Bachelor of Philosophy provides the foundation of a broad and balanced philosophical education.

The program covers Ancient, Medieval and Modern philosophy while grappling with the contemporary problems addressed by both analytic and continental philosophy. It takes seriously the Catholic philosophical tradition, which emphasises the importance of considering ideas from all points of view.

Students studying a degree in Philosophy can undertake a Major or Minor in the following disciplines: Theology, History, English Literature, Politics & International Relations, Behavioural Science and Social Justice. Students may also wish to study Philosophy and Theology as a Major within a degree in the School of Arts & Sciences.

Year One

• The Method and Basic Problems of Philosophy
• History of Philosophy: Ancient
• General Elective 1
• Critical Thinking
• Philosophy of the Human Person
• History of Philosophy: Medieval
• General Elective 2

Year Two

• History of Philosophy: Modern
• Epistemology – Ways of Knowing
• Moral Philosophy
• History of Philosophy: Contemporary
• Political Philosophy
• Natural Law
• General Elective 3

Year Three

• An Introduction to Metaphysics
• Faith and Reason
• General Elective 4
• Metaphysics, Being & God
• Philosophy of Science
• General Elective 5
• General Elective 6

Core Curriculum

• CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
• CORE II: Elective
  • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
  • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
  • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
  • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
  • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

Above are example of courses for Bachelor of Philosophy , for full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors. Career opportunities range from Advocacy, journalism and media, international diplomacy and trade missions, policy development, Government administration, academic teaching, public libraries, and research institutes.

Applicants must meet High school qualifications (or equivalent) to apply for undergraduate program. Academic minimum entry requirements for international applicants vary from country to count

IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 overall, with no individual band score lower than 6.0

CAE/CPE - 176 overall, with no individual band score lower than 169

PTE Academic - 58 overall, with no individual band score lower than 50

TOEFL (iBT) - 84 overall, with no score lower than 21 in writing and no other band score lower than 17.