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Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy)

Become a critical thinker. Develop analytical and communications skills. Join a global dialogue on human culture.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

For personalised assistance with UOW courses, please reach out to our Future Students Team:

Our team is available during Australian business hours, 9 am to 5 pm.

For other UOW contact details, click here.

If you’re planning to study at UOW immediately after finishing your HSC, International Baccalaureate (IB), or an interstate equivalent, you can apply for Early Admission to this course. Applications can be submitted via the UOW Early Admission website during the designated period, usually June – August each year.

Students can also apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

If you’re a non-school leaver (e.g., completed Year 12 previously and/or have a TAFE qualification or equivalent), you can apply directly to UOW.

Before applying, please review the requirements, intakes, and deadlines for your chosen degree.

International students are encouraged to apply with the support of an approved UOW agent. An agent can help navigate the application process and ensure that you submit all necessary documentation. For your nearest agent, please see our agent list.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply directly (without an agent), you can start the process through our Apply Online portal. Please note, some applicants will not be eligible to apply directly and will be prompted to apply via an agent.

International students who are studying an Australian Year 12 qualification in or outside of Australia may choose to apply through UOW Early Admission, and/or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Need help?

Contact the UOW Future Students Team:

For more details about this course

Australia: 1300 367 869. International: +61 2 4221 3218

Student ?
Campus ?
ATAR-SR ?
70
IB Admission Score ?
24.5
Delivery ?
On Campus
Duration
3 years full-time, or part-time equivalent
Starts
  • Autumn 2025
  • Spring 2025
  • Autumn 2024
  • Spring 2024
Codes
UAC: 753101
UOW: 702

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts will equip you for today's rapidly changing world. You will develop skills and capacities necessary to understand how the world has come to be the way it is today.

The disciplines housed in the Bachelor of Arts degree share a common interest in viewing and appreciating the world afresh, developing the analytical and communicative abilities to enrich life and your community.

Read the course handbook for more information.

Construct your Bachelor of Arts degree by selecting majors and minors some that will be familiar (such as english, history, politics) and some that may be less familiar (such as international relations, sociology and environmental humanities).

Completing a major (or two) as part of your Bachelor of Arts degree will give you a set of skills that relate to the discipline you are studying (gaining expertise in history, for example) and versatile skills in critical thinking, analysis, cultural intelligence, and conceptual frameworks. Because you can do more than one major, it is a good idea to choose widely in your first year, before settling on a major or majors in your second year. Students must select one major and a second major or a minor, from the Bachelor of Arts offerings.

See more

Philosophy (major)

Studying philosophy will allow you to develop your understanding of diverse ideas, and your ability to engage in critical thinking and analysis. Philosophical issues arise in all areas of life. From global ethics to scientific reasoning, from understanding self-hood and individuality to theories of social and political organisation, all areas of human thought and activity raise important philosophical questions about the underlying assumptions we make and the possibility of alternative views.

A philosophical education is valuable for any career. It develops your ability to engage in critical thinking and problem solving, and your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Careers

  • Communications Specialist
  • Curator
  • Digital Content Creator
  • Editor
  • Features Writer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Musician
  • Social Media Manager
  • Visual Artist
  • Visual Communications Marketer
See more

Admissions information

The University assumes students will have studied Any two units of English. Ideally, students will have studied English Advanced.

A range of admission options are available for students of all ages and academic backgrounds. The procedures governing admission are defined in UOW's Admissions Procedures, and the UOW College Admissions Policy.

For specific advice or to ask any questions regarding an application, please contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • Higher Education Study

    For your application to be assessed on your university results you need to have completed at least half a year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at a Bachelor's degree level or higher. Your grades will be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. Students may also be eligible for credit for prior learning.

  • Work and life experience

    Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, we recommend exploring recognized pathway programs, such as those offered by UOW College or the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC).

    For more information, please refer to the UOW Admissions Information page.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    UOW's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre's Indigenous Admissions Program (IAP) offers an alternative pathway for Indigenous Australians aged 17 and over who are seeking entry into an undergraduate course at UOW. Upon completing the IAP, applicants will be considered for admission based on an interview and assessment of both academic and non-academic qualities. For further details, including the application process, please contact Woolyungah Indigenous Centre.

  • Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

    If you have completed or partially completed studies at an approved university or tertiary institution, you may be eligible for entry to UOW. You'll need to provide academic records, and your course must be at least one-sixth complete. Non-English documents must include an official English translation. For more information, contact the UOW Future Students Team.

  • English language proficiency

    All UOW courses are taught in English and require varying levels of proficiency. If English is not your first language, you must meet the University’s English Language Requirements, which differ by course.

    Accepted international test results include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and OET for specific health-related courses.

    Alternatively, you can fulfill the requirement by completing an English course at UOW College.

  • Workload
    Full-Time Study Load

    As a full-time student, you can expect to commit around 48 hours of study per week. This includes class time and independent study. You may need to factor more time for examination study and practical work & placements.

    Part-Time Study Load

    For part-time students, study hours will vary based on the number of units taken, with similar expectations for class and independent study.

    For more details on course workloads, please refer to the UOW Handbook.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.

    Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.

    UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

More detail

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available. For eligible domestic students, Australian government funding will contribute towards your tuition fees. The remaining proportion, known as a student contribution, will depend on when you begin study (enrolment year) and study area. Read more domestic student fees and CSPs.

  • Autumn, 2025 at Shoalhaven

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 30 September 2024 (early bird), 30 January 2025 (final) (see UAC Key Dates).
    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 December 2024*
    • International Applicants: 9 December 2024*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

  • Spring, 2025 at Shoalhaven

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 28 June 2025(see UAC Key Dates).
    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: 5 May 2025*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

  • Autumn, 2025 at Wollongong

    On Campus delivery

    Orientation: 24 - 27 February 2025
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 30 September 2024 (early bird), 30 January 2025 (final) (see UAC Key Dates).
    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 December 2024*
    • International Applicants: 9 December 2024*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

  • Spring, 2025 at Wollongong

    Mid-year entry for this course must be in consultation with the relevant Head of the School.

    Orientation: 14 July 2025
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications Close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 28 June 2025 (see UAC Key Dates).
    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: 5 May 2025*

    *Applications must be complete with all required documentation.

    Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

  • Autumn, 2025 at Batemans Bay, Bega, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands, Southern Sydney

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 03 March - 27 June 2025

    Applications Close:

    Domestic Applicants (UAC): 30 September 2024 (early bird), 30 January 2025 (final) (see UAC Key Dates).Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 December 2024*International Applicants: This course is not available to international applicants on this campus.*Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by this date will receive an outcome prior to the start of session.

    Applications received after this date will continue to be assessed for the requested session until start of session. Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.

  • Spring, 2025 at Batemans Bay, Bega, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands, Southern Sydney

    Orientation: Check your campus details
    Session: 28 July - 20 November 2025

    Applications close

    • Domestic Applicants (UAC): 28 June 2025(see UAC Key Dates).
    • Domestic Applicants (Direct): 31 May 2025*
    • International Applicants: This course is not available to international applicants on this campus.

    *Complete applications (with all required documentation) received by this date will receive an outcome prior to the start of session.

    Applications received after this date will continue to be assessed for the requested session until start of session. Late applications may be assessed for future sessions if an outcome for the requested session is not possible.