Odyssey Pathway

School of Philosophy & Theology

The Odyssey Pathway is both a pathway into undergraduate education at the University of Notre Dame Australia and an opportunity to explore your interest in philosophy or theology in more depth while you are still at school. The Odyssey Pathway will also provide you with the opportunity to meet like-minded people from other schools and discuss with them some of the most interesting and important questions and\or arguments provided by thinkers in history.

• Why study this degree?

  The Odyssey Pathway will give you the opportunity to engage in university level study while still at school. Students who complete the Odyssey Pathway are eligible for entry into philosophy and theology degrees at the University of Notre Dame Australia. The Odyssey Pathway will also – if completed successfully – give students credit for university level courses.

  If you love thinking about things, or love asking questions, the Odyssey Pathway will be for you. The Odyssey Pathway will enable you to engage in conversation with other students like you who are thinking about studying philosophy or theology at university, or just wanting to get a sense of what studying philosophy or theology at university is like.

  The Odyssey Pathway provides students with an opportunity to begin their pathway into the study of philosophy or theology at the completion of year 10 or while in year 11 or 12. The Odyssey Pathway is an intensive program that, if successfully completed, will secure direct entry into undergraduate degrees in philosophy or theology at the University of Notre Dame Australia. The Odyssey Pathway will enable you to both develop the necessary academic skills to succeed at university and get started on introductory subjects in either philosophy or theology that will count towards your undergraduate degree.

• Program summary

  50 Units of Credit from two (2) compulsory Courses in the order listed below.

  Philosophy stream:

  • CORE1000: Foundations of Wisdom (25 units of credit)
  • PHIL1030: Critical Thinking (25 units of credit)

  Theology stream:

  • CORE1000: Foundations of Wisdom (25 units of credit)
  • THEO1000: Foundations of Catholic Theology (25 units of credit)

  Studies in Catholic Thought stream:

  • CORE1000: Foundations of Wisdom (25 units of credit)
  • SICT1000: Studies in Catholic Thought project (25 units of credit)

  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.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  Specific Program Requirements for Admission

  To be eligible for admission to the Odyssey Pathway applicants must also meet the following specific requirements.

  • Students must demonstrate high academic achievement in their Year 10 and/or Year 11 studies. Students must demonstrate an average 70% in these studies (equivalent to a ‘B’ grade).
  • Support of parents and secondary educational institution to undertake the program. A Guardian Consent Form must be provided as well as a School Recommendation Form.
  • A letter written by the student demonstrating interest in studying either philosophy or theology.

  Successful completion of the Odyssey Program does not guarantee entry into programs that have additional professional accreditation requirements (for example, Education, Nursing, or other regulated professions). Progression into these programs may be subject to meeting specific academic standards, professional suitability requirements as determined by the relevant School.

  Entry requirements NSW

  To be eligible for admission to The University of Notre Dame Australia, all applicants must meet the University’s minimum requirements for admission. The requirements for admission are detailed in the University’s Policy: Admissions.

  Specific Program Requirements for Admission

  To be eligible for admission to the Odyssey Pathway applicants must also meet the following specific requirements.

  • Students must demonstrate high academic achievement in their Year 10 and/or Year 11 studies. Students must demonstrate an average 70% in these studies (equivalent to a ‘B’ grade).
  • Support of parents and secondary educational institution to undertake the program. A Guardian Consent Form must be provided as well as a School Recommendation Form.
  • A letter written by the student demonstrating interest in studying either philosophy or theology.

  Successful completion of the Odyssey Program does not guarantee entry into programs that have additional professional accreditation requirements (for example, Education, Nursing, or other regulated professions). Progression into these programs may be subject to meeting specific academic standards, professional suitability requirements as determined by the relevant School.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Odyssey Pathway graduates will be able to:

  1. Acquire general knowledge of the basic principles and concepts in either philosophy or
     theology;
  2. Communicate arguments and ideas central to philosophy or theology;
  3. Apply basic arguments and ideas to solve introductory philosophical or theological questions; and
  4. Begin to work both independently and in collaboration with others in an academic contex

• Career opportunities

  Successful completion of Odyssey courses will count towards your undergraduate degree.  You may be interested in one of the following programs offered by School of Philosophy and Theology:

  • Bachelor of Theology
  • Bachelor of Philosophy
  • Bachelor of Philosopy, Polictics and Economics
  • Bachelor of Theology/ Bachelor of Philosophy
  • Bachelor of Theology/Master of Secondary Teaching

• Real world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders, and you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education.

  Students can immerse themselves in other cultures with Study abroad, through our international exchange programs, study tours, and professional placements. These experiences provide valuable academic and personal growth while earning credit toward your degree.

  You can also engage with the world through Global experiences, volunteer opportunities and cross-cultural initiatives designed to develop your global citizenship and broaden your understanding of international communities.

  Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  UniPath is an eligible Commonwealth Government FEE-FREE Uni Ready (FFUR) program under the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024. This means you will be able to undertake the program free of charge. To enjoy this benefit, you will be required to complete the FFUR Commonwealth Assistance Form (FFUR CAF) upon enrolment.

• 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