Master of Arts (Philosophy)

School of Philosophy & Theology

Have you always harboured a fascination with philosophy? Are you attracted by “big questions”? No matter what you studied as an undergraduate, this master’s degree will allow you to follow your passion – for professional or personal reasons. The University of Notre Dame Australia Master of Arts offers you the opportunity to explore subject areas aligned with your own interests and then develop these interests via a research project. As a graduate, you will also have the critical thinking and reasoning abilities to impress future employers. Start your exploration today.

• Why study this degree?

  If you are interested in studying philosophy, you will benefit from The University of Notre Dame Australia’s highly-focused program and tradition of educating the whole person. Through the University’s Core Curriculum, all of our students study both theology and philosophy, but the Master of Arts (Philosophy) will particularly appeal to students who have either a professional or personal interest in philosophy.

  This program is a coursework degree and includes a research project component. You will complete a core course in Reason and Revelation and 12 Philosophy courses of your choice, followed by a supervised research project in an area of your choice.

  Your studies begin within the context of the University, with Reason and Revelation, which begins with philosophical analysis and explanation of concepts of reason, reasoning, and believing and acting upon reasons. It then relates reason to revelation (Scripture and Tradition) before considering the relationship between philosophy and theology.

  Assessment consists of assignments, essays, presentations and research papers. Most classes take place in the evenings or during regular teaching hours and are a mixture of workshops, lectures, seminars and tutorial discussions. Lessons are engaging and lively, taking place in an atmosphere of interpersonal exchange.

  The Master of Arts (Philosophy) degree takes two years to complete when studied full-time but is also available part-time for domestic students. If you have already studied philosophy at the university level, you may be entitled to up to eight courses of advanced standing or RPL. Still, students with a level 8 qualification in an area other than philosophy or a philosophy Major may apply for up to four units of credit of advanced standing or RPL.

• Program summary

  Year One

  • Reason and Revelation
  • Seven Philosophy Electives

  Year Two

  • Supervised Research Project
  • Five Philosophy Electives

  Philosophy Electives may include:

  • Aesthetics: Philosophy of Art
  • Cosmology and Philosophy of Science
  • Epistemology: Theory of Knowledge
  • History of Philosophy – Ancient
  • History of Philosophy – Medieval
  • History of Philosophy – Modern
  • History of Philosophy – Contemporary
  • Logical and Critical Thinking
  • Metaphysics – Theories of Being and Existence
  • Moral Philosophy
  • Myth and Meaning
  • Natural Law
  • Philosophy of the Human Person
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophy of Love and Friendship
  • Philosophy of Religion
  • Political Philosophy
  • Special Topics in Philosophy
  • Directed Individual Study

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

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

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  The program is open to applicants who have a recognised Bachelor's degree (Level 7 AQF) in any discipline.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts (Philosophy), graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the acquisition of a body of knowledge regarding recent developments in philosophy
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of principles and methods applicable to research in philosophy
  3. Demonstrate philosophical, technical, and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts, and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge
  4. Demonstrate communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret philosophical propositions, methodologies, conclusions, and ethical decisions that can be understood by specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
  5. Demonstrate the application of philosophical knowledge and skills with creativity and initiative for further learning with a high-level personal autonomy.

• Career opportunities

  With a Master of Arts (Philosophy), you can pursue a career in the private and public sectors. Career options include Journalist, paralegal, lawyer, marketing consultant, teacher, research consultant, data analyst, and health services administrator.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Domestic Fee-Paying
  A domestic fee-paying place is a place at university where the student is responsible for the full cost the program.

  Eligible domestic fee-paying students may apply for the FEE-HELP loan scheme which assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007