Do you have a desire to pursue religious education or expand your knowledge of philosophy and theology? The Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Theology double degree at The University of Notre Dame Australia will engage you in subjects as diverse as Sacramental and Moral Theology, Critical Thinking, Metaphysics and Philosophy of the Human Person. You will be provided with a comprehensive education in philosophy and theology within the Western tradition of thought and graduate knowing how to think, reason and argue at an advanced level – skills that are in high demand along any career path you choose and in all walks of life. This double degree provides an opportunity to study these interrelated disciplines within the context of the Catholic University and Catholic Tradition. Modelled on the Ratio for Australia and in response to the 2011 Decree on the Reform of Ecclesiastical Studies of Philosophy, this program offers a unique chance to all students to follow the requirements for seminarians and those pursuing religious education. Contact us to find out more.

Why study this degree?

The Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Theology epitomises The University of Notre Dame Australia’s commitment to Catholic principles of thought as it combines a detailed study of philosophy and theology.

Designed to be completed over five years of full-time study, this comprehensive degree investigates the history of Western philosophy as it constantly engages with ideas of theological significance. You will delve into foundational philosophical principles while simultaneously exploring the teachings and traditions of the Church in Catholic Theology.

This degree will take you from the beginnings of Western thought in ancient philosophy through the medieval and modern periods so that you can grapple with contemporary philosophical and theological issues.

The study of theology takes you to the heart of the Catholic tradition so that you learn about the development of the Church. You will be encouraged to reflect philosophically and theologically, using appropriate methods that enable investigation of the history of ideas, up to the present day, and Scripture and Tradition, to contemplate the Trinity, the life and teachings of Christ, and ways in which faith and reason constantly work together and enrich each other.

Upon graduation, you may pursue various careers, including academic research, teaching, foreign affairs, public administration, policy development, advocacy, social work, journalism, advertising, Church ministry and politics.

Year One

• History of Philosophy: Ancient
• Basic Method and Problems of Philosophy
• Philosophy Elective 1
• Critical Thinking
• History of Philosophy: Medieval
• Philosophy Elective 2

Year Two

• History of Philosophy: Modern
• Moral Philosophy
• History of Philosophy: Contemporary
• Philosophy of the Human Person
• Philosophy Elective 3
• Philosophy Elective 4
• Philosophy Elective 5

Year Three

• Foundations of Catholic Theology
• Introduction to the Old Testament
• Liturgy: Work of God and Work of God’s People
• Introduction to Greek or Hebrew
• Introduction to the New Testament
• Early Church History
• Translating Greek/Hebrew
• Fundamental Moral Theology

Year Four

• Pentateuch
• Ecclesiology and Mariology
• Greek/Hebrew/Latin
• Ministry of Social Justice
• Trinity
• Sacraments of Initiation
• Christology
• The Gospels of Mark and Matthew

Year Five

• The Johannine Literature
• Sacraments of Healing and Reconciliation
• Eucharist
• Medieval Church History
• Introduction to Christian Spirituality
• Marriage and Sexuality
• Writings of Paul: Freedom in the Spirit
• Marriage and Orders

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.

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:

• Academic teaching
• Public libraries
• Research institutes
• Church ministry and agencies
• Parish adult faith programs
• Education and teaching (upon completion of a graduate-entry teaching qualification)
• International diplomacy
• Trade missions
• Journalism
• Editing
• Media
• Script writing
• Advertising
• Catholic and Christian schools
• Pastoral counselling
• Religious education coordination
• Youth work

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.