Master of Liberal Arts

School of Philosophy & Theology

Are you looking for opportunities for spiritual and ethical development or want to learn more about philosophy or theology within the context of the Catholic faith and values? The Master of Liberal Arts degree at The University of Notre Dame Australia provides a stimulating exploration of the values and beliefs that underpin the University’s Core Curriculum. This degree can be completed in 1 year full-time or the equivalent part-time and provides scope for spiritual and intellectual growth. Contact us to find out more. Start your spiritual journey today.

  • Why study this degree?

    The Master of Liberal Arts provides a solid intellectual foundation and includes opportunities for students to engage in philosophical reasoning, ethical decision-making, and theological reflection in the Catholic tradition.

    Our Master of Liberal Arts is designed as an entry award for which various exit pathways are available.

    Successful completion of this course equips students with philosophical and theological skills derived from several hundred years of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition.

    The program consists of 8 courses. Every student takes a course on Reason and Revelation, which is designed to help you see how philosophy and theology work together and to equip you to undertake your studies in philosophy and theology.

    Then you can choose five more courses from a range of subjects in philosophy and theology, perhaps working toward a specialisation in Catholic Leadership. Finally, you will develop a supervised research project (worth two courses of your degree) in keeping with your interests and future career path.

  • Program summary

    Compulsory courses

    • PHTH6002 Reason and Revelation
    • FIVE Philosophy or Theology Electives

    Supervised Dissertation in Philosophy and Theology (worth TWO courses)

    Philosophy and Theology Electives:

    For those focusing on Philosophy, students must choose either:

    • PHIL6210 Philosophy of the Human Person, OR
    • PHIL6050 Moral Philosophy

    For those focusing on Theology, students must choose either:

    • THEO6400 Christology, OR
    • THEO6540 Trinity

    Students should consult their Program Co-ordinator before choosing their discipline of focus.

    For their remaining four electives, students are free to choose from any other 6000-level Philosophy (PHIL) or Theology (THEO) course offered at UNDA.

    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

    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: Admission and Credit.

    Applicants must possess a Graduate Certificate or higher in one of the following disciplines:

    • Theology
    • Philosophy
    • Religious Education, or
    • A cognate discipline.
  • Learning outcomes

    Upon successful completion of the Master of Liberal Arts graduates will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate an advanced body of knowledge of philosophical or theological concepts, arguments, and principles in specific areas of philosophy and\or theology
    2. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of principles and methods applicable to research in philosophy and\or theology
    3. Demonstrate skills that show mastery of theoretical knowledge and critical reflection on theory and scholarship
    4. Demonstrate communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret philosophical and\or theological propositions, methodologies, conclusions, and ethical decisions that can be understood by specialist and non-specialist audiences; and
    5. Demonstrate the application of philosophical and\or theological knowledge and skills with creativity and initiative for further learning with a high level of personal autonomy.
  • Career opportunities

    A Master of Liberal Arts will prepare you for a range of careers in government, industry, journalism, creative arts or education.

  • 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.

    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

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