Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Theology

School of Philosophy & Theology

Do you have a desire to pursue religious education or expand your knowledge of philosophy and theology? The Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Theology double degree at The University of Notre Dame Australia will engage you in subjects as diverse as Sacramental and Moral Theology, Critical Thinking, Metaphysics and Philosophy of the Human Person. You will be provided with a comprehensive education in philosophy and theology within the Western tradition of thought and graduate knowing how to think, reason and argue at an advanced level – skills that are in high demand along any career path you choose and in all walks of life. This double degree provides an opportunity to study these interrelated disciplines within the context of the Catholic University and Catholic Tradition. Modelled on the Ratio for Australia and in response to the 2011 Decree on the Reform of Ecclesiastical Studies of Philosophy, this program offers a unique chance to all students to follow the requirements for seminarians and those pursuing religious education. Contact us to find out more.

• Why study this degree?

  The Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Theology epitomises The University of Notre Dame Australia’s commitment to Catholic principles of thought as it combines a detailed study of philosophy and theology.

  Designed to be completed over five years of full-time study, this comprehensive degree investigates the history of Western philosophy as it constantly engages with ideas of theological significance. You will delve into foundational philosophical principles while simultaneously exploring the teachings and traditions of the Church in Catholic Theology.

  This degree will take you from the beginnings of Western thought in ancient philosophy through the medieval and modern periods so that you can grapple with contemporary philosophical and theological issues.

  The study of theology takes you to the heart of the Catholic tradition so that you learn about the development of the Church. You will be encouraged to reflect philosophically and theologically, using appropriate methods that enable investigation of the history of ideas, up to the present day, and Scripture and Tradition, to contemplate the Trinity, the life and teachings of Christ, and ways in which faith and reason constantly work together and enrich each other.

  Upon graduation, you may pursue various careers, including academic research, teaching, foreign affairs, public administration, policy development, advocacy, social work, journalism, advertising, Church ministry and politics.

• Program summary

  Year One

  • History of Philosophy: Ancient
  • Basic Method and Problems of Philosophy
  • Philosophy Elective 1
  • Critical Thinking
  • History of Philosophy: Medieval
  • Philosophy Elective 2

  Year Two

  • History of Philosophy: Modern
  • Moral Philosophy
  • History of Philosophy: Contemporary
  • Philosophy of the Human Person
  • Philosophy Elective 3
  • Philosophy Elective 4
  • Philosophy Elective 5

  Year Three

  • Foundations of Catholic Theology
  • Introduction to the Old Testament
  • Liturgy: Work of God and Work of God’s People
  • Introduction to Greek or Hebrew
  • Introduction to the New Testament
  • Early Church History
  • Translating Greek/Hebrew
  • Fundamental Moral Theology

  Year Four

  • Pentateuch
  • Ecclesiology and Mariology
  • Greek/Hebrew/Latin
  • Ministry of Social Justice
  • Trinity
  • Sacraments of Initiation
  • Christology
  • The Gospels of Mark and Matthew

  Year Five

  • The Johannine Literature
  • Sacraments of Healing and Reconciliation
  • Eucharist
  • Medieval Church History
  • Introduction to Christian Spirituality
  • Marriage and Sexuality
  • Writings of Paul: Freedom in the Spirit
  • Marriage and Orders

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  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

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 70

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 25

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 135 in the Multiple Choice section and 140 in the Written English section.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  Entry requirements NSW

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below.  In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.  We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.  See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank*

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education Study

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*

  OR

  • Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program (TPP), or a tertiary preparation program from another institution that is deemed to be of a similar academic rigour to the Notre Dame TPP

  *Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Certificate IV or higher from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • Applicants who have completed at least two years of relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Philosophy graduates should be able to:

  1. Articulate a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in the discipline of philosophy as a basis for independent lifelong learning
  2. Critically analyse, consolidate, and synthesise knowledge
  3. Demonstrate technical skills to a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in philosophy
  4. Exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
  5. Communicate and present a clear, coherent, and independent exposition of philosophical knowledge and concepts
  6. Apply philosophical reflection, knowledge, and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed theoretical and practical judgement, and ethical responsibility

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Theology graduates should be able to:

  1. Articulate a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in the discipline of theology as a basis for independent lifelong learning
  2. Critically, analyse, consolidate, and synthesise knowledge
  3. Demonstrate technical skills to a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in theology
  4. Exercise critical thinking and judgement for identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
  5. Communicate and present a clear, coherent, and independent exposition of theological knowledge and concepts; and
  6. Apply theological reflection, knowledge, and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed theoretical and practical judgement, and ethical responsibility.

• Career opportunities

  Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors. Career opportunities range from:

  • Academic teaching
  • Public libraries
  • Research institutes
  • Church ministry and agencies
  • Parish adult faith programs
  • Education and teaching (upon completion of a graduate-entry teaching qualification)
  • International diplomacy
  • Trade missions
  • Journalism
  • Editing
  • Media
  • Script writing
  • Advertising
  • Catholic and Christian schools
  • Pastoral counselling
  • Religious education coordination
  • Youth work

• Real-world experience

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

• Study abroad

  A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

• 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.

  
  

  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.

• Student profile data

  The tables below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

  Fremantle Student Profile Data

  TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Philosophy / Bachelor of Theology BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  Applicant background	Semester 1 2022
  	Number of students	Percentage of all students
  (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	<5	N/P
  (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	N/A	N/A
  (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	N/A	N/A
  (D) Recent secondary education: Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	N/A	N/A
  Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	N/A	N/A
  Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)	N/A	N/A
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	N/P	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Philosophy / Bachelor of Theology ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers	ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) *	Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]
  Highest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Median rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Lowest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A

  Sydney Student Profile Data

  TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Philosophy / Bachelor of Theology BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  Applicant background	Semester 1 2022
  	Number of students	Percentage of all students
  (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	<5	N/P
  (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study	N/A	N/A
  (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	N/A	N/A
  (D) Recent secondary education: Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	N/A	N/A
  Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)	N/A	N/A
  Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)	<5	100%
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	N/P	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Philosophy / Bachelor of Theology ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

  RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers	ATAR (Excluding adjustment factors) *	Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]
  Highest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Median rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A
  Lowest rank to receive an offer	N/A	N/A

  Notes:  

  “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
  N/A – Students not accepted in this category
  N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

  In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

• 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

  
  

  All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.