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The University of Notre Dame Australia

  • 2% international / 98% domestic

Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Theology

  • Bachelor

Do you have a desire to pursue religious education or expand your knowledge of philosophy and theology?

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
5 years full-time
Study Mode
In person

About this course

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.

Entry requirements

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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.

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.

Study locations

Sydney

Fremantle

What you will learn

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.

Career pathways

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
  • 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

Course structure

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.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Humanities, Culture & Social Sciences courses at The University of Notre Dame Australia.
87.9%
Overall satisfaction
90.9%
Skill scale
85.5%
Teaching scale
65.3%
Employed full-time
$62.6k
Average salary