Undergraduate Certificate in Philosophy

School of Philosophy & Theology

Are you interested in philosophy but not ready to pursue a diploma or bachelor’s degree? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Undergraduate Certificate in Philosophy offers students the opportunity to experience University-level studies in subjects such as the History of Philosophy, Basic Methods and Problems of Philosophy, Critical Thinking, and Logic. Get in touch today to start your learning journey.

  • Why study this certificate?

    The Undergraduate Certificate in Philosophy teaches you how to research and analyse critical issues and develop skills in presenting information and arguments. It also offers an opportunity to acquire new skills and could add to your existing qualifications. Besides boosting your employability, the Undergraduate Certificate in Philosophy is a pathway to further study of higher awards, such as a diploma or a bachelor’s degree.

  • Program summary

    The Undergraduate Certificate in Philosophy consists of four courses.
    Students will select one of the following courses:

    • PHIL1020 Basic Methods and Problems of Philosophy
    • PHIL1030 Critical Thinking

    Plus, one of the following courses:

    • PHIL2100 History of Philosophy: Ancient
    • PHIL2110 History of Philosophy: Medieval

    And any two of the following courses:

    • PHIL2010 Introduction to Formal Logic
    • PHIL2060 Philosophy of Science
    • PHIL2070 Philosophy of Language
    • PHIL2130 History of Philosophy: Modern
    • PHIL2140: History of Philosophy: Contemporary

    Please note that although this certificate is delivered wholly online, the Bachelor of Philosophy requires attendance on the Sydney or Fremantle campus.

    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.

  • Entry requirements

    The minimum entry requirements of The University of Notre Dame Australia apply for the Undergraduate Certificate in Philosophy.

    While minimum entry requirements need to be met, we also consider your application more broadly — your non-academic achievements (professional work experience, leadership roles, volunteering, community and/or church involvement), as well as your personal qualities, aspirations, interests and your capacity to successfully complete this program.

  • Learning outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in Philosophy, graduates will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and applied knowledge
    2. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
    3. Evaluate appropriate sources and information
    4. Demonstrate research skills
    5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve sometimes complex problems; and
    6. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others.
  • Career opportunities

    The Undergraduate Certificate in Philosophy is a pathway to further study of higher awards, such as a Diploma or Bachelor's degree.

    The following careers are open to graduates of this program:

    • Academic teaching
    • Public libraries
    • Research institutes
    • Church Ministry
    • Advocacy
    • Parish Adult Faith Programs
    • Federal government agencies
    • International diplomacy and trade missions
    • Catholic and Christian schools
    • Religious Education Coordination
    • Church agencies
    • Youth work
    • Community and local politics
  • 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:


    Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

    In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

    The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

    The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

    Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.


    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?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au


Our students give us top marks

  • No.1 uni in Australia
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  • No.1 uni in NSW & WA
    Learner Engagement **

  • No.1 uni in WA
    Skills Development ***

*2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-Longitudinal (medium term outcome), undergraduate category, **2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category and ***2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category - qilt.edu.au

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