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 1.5 years 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. Options include a Graduate Certificate in Liberal Arts or Religious Education, a Graduate Diploma in Philosophy or Theology, and a Master of Arts in Philosophy or Theology.

    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 12 courses. Every student takes Research Methods in Philosophy and Theology, designed to help you see how philosophy and theology work together and equip you to undertake your personalised research project.

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

  • Program summary

    Year One

    • Research Methods in Philosophy and Theology
    • Seven Philosophy or Theology Electives

    Year Two

    • Supervised Dissertation in Philosophy and Theology
    • One Philosophy or Theology Elective

    Philosophy and Theology options:

    • Philosophy of the Human Person
    • History of Philosophy - Ancient
    • History of Philosophy - Medieval
    • History of Philosophy - Modern
    • History of Philosophy - Contemporary
    • Metaphysics – Theories of Being and Existence
    • Philosophy of Religion
    • Political Philosophy
    • Natural Law
    • Business Ethics
    • Moral Philosophy
    • Ethical Issues in Professional Life
    • Scripture and Morality
    • Foundations of Moral Theology
    • Scripture and Church
    • Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles
    • Christology
    • Mystery of Christ: Church and Sacrament
    • Marriage and Sexuality
    • Ministry of Social Justice

    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 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 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:


    FEE-HELP
    The FEE-HELP loan scheme 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 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


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*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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