Australian National University

Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy)

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of reality and the human experience. It is the bedrock you reach when, in any other discipline, you keep asking: why? At the ANU, philosophy is also a method: approaching a question by breaking it down into its component parts, building up reasoned, logical arguments—and following them wherever they lead, however surprising.

Closely analyse and critique arguments in a wide variety of fields and contexts, which may include using formal logic; develop cogent arguments and presentations, including engaging with detailed criticism of their ideas; apply complex abstract ideas to real-world phenomena in a wide variety of fields and contexts;recognise implicit assumptions in social, political, scientific, moral, and cultural arguments, and relate them to contested ideas and real-world scenarios; and describe various philosophical traditions and their history.

Delivery mode

Australian National University offers this course through the following delivery modes:

On campus

Work with instructors and classmates in a supportive and collaborative environment.


Locations
  • Brinkin
  • Observatory Rd, Coonabarabran
  • 496 Murramarang Rd, Kioloa
  • Canberra
  • Cotter Rd, Weston Creek

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on the following criteria:

  • Completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program
  • Co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU)
  • English language proficiency
  • Any program-specific requirements listed below

Applicants with higher education study are assessed on the following criteria:

  • Previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course
  • English language proficiency
  • Any program-specific requirements listed below

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on the following criteria:

  • Previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed
  • English language proficiency
  • Any program-specific requirements listed below

Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on the following criteria:

  • ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience
  • English language proficiency
  • Any program-specific requirements listed below

Applicants must meet one of the following English language test scores:

  • IELTS Academic and IELTS UKVI Academic: Overall score: 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT [excluding Home Edition]: Overall score: 80
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score: 176
  • PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI: Overall score: 64

International Baccalaureate:29

Applicants must meet one of the following English language test scores:

  • IELTS Academic and IELTS UKVI Academic: Overall score: 6.5
  • TOEFL iBT [excluding Home Edition]: Overall score: 80
  • PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI: Overall score: 64

International Baccalaureate:29

Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules. Applicants can be awarded a maximum of 15 adjustment factors, including a maximum of 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and a maximum of 10 equity-based adjustment factors.

To be eligible for selection rank adjustments, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Have applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
  • Have undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
  • Achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
  • Have not previously attempted tertiary study
Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $0 - $131,370 Fees are based on full-time study.
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Full Fee Tuition:
$131,370
Enquire with Australian National University to find out more.
Study mode On Campus
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* $0 - $131,370 Support may be available

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) will prepare you for the following roles.

Philosophy Teacher

A Philosophy Teacher instructs students in philosophical concepts, theories, and critical thinking skills. You might work in secondary schools, col...

Avg yearly income $118,040
Entry barriers Low

Policy Adviser

A Policy Adviser helps to develop and improve policies impacting on government departments, commercial businesses and not-for-profit organisations....

Avg yearly income $113,620
Entry barriers Low

About Australian National University

The Australian National University (ANU) is unlike any other university in Australia. Founded in 1946, in a spirit of post-war optimism, our role was to help realise Australia's potential as the world recovered from a global crisis.

That vision, to support the development of national unity and identity, improve our understanding of ourselves and our neighbours, and provide our nation with research capacity amongst the best in the world, and education in areas vital for our future, has been our mission ever since.

It can be difficult work, but it's work we proudly do-because connecting talented people with diverse perspectives, equipping and encouraging them to address the most complex of tomorrow's problems, and ensuring Australia's future is not just our approach-it's also our national role and international responsibility as Australia's national university, and it's a responsibility from which we'll never waver.