La Trobe University

Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy)

Nationally Recognised Higher Education

Philosophy seeks the answers to fundamental questions about human life and inquiry. Questions such as: How do we know something for sure? Does the body rule the mind, or does the mind rule the body? Does God exist? How is morality related to happiness? Do animals have rights? What would a better society look like? Do films or novels help us to think better?

In the Philosophy major, you’ll develop reasoning skills, and learn how to think for yourself rather than relying on someone else’s authority. You’ll reflect on your views – and give reasons for them – and understand and evaluate other positions and arguments. Since philosophy is such a broad subject, it combines well with other areas of study such as science, law, psychology, media, politics and history.

Delivery mode

La Trobe University offers this course through the following delivery modes:

On campus

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


Locations
  • Plenty Road, Bundoora, Melbourne

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

Applicants with current or recent secondary education (within the last two years)

  • VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
  • HSC: One of English Standard, English Advanced (Band 2), English as an Additional Language or Dialect (Band 3).

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work or community experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.

Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.

Subject adjustments

  • VCE: A study score of 25 in any Business, any Humanities, or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
  • HSC: Applicants who successfully complete one of the following HSC or equivalent Year 12 subjects will have their selection rank increased by one point per study: Performance Band 3 in humanities, legal studies, psychology, any language other than English (Band 2), or theatre studies subject; English (Band 3). Overall, selection ranks can be increased by a maximum of five points.

Applicants with higher education study

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

To be eligible for an offer of admission into the Bachelor of Arts at La Trobe University, an applicant must:

  • Meet the stated criteria for Year 12 or Non-Year 12 admission, OR
  • Successful completion of two of the following four Open Access Pathway subjects:
  1. LST1LOJ - LAW AND (DIS)ORDER
  2. SOC1SAC - SOCIETY AND CULTURE: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
  3. ARC1THJ - THE HUMAN JOURNEY
  4. POL1SNS - STATES, SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

  • Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites

Applicants with work and life experience

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • Are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent)
  • Have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or
  • Do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

Units 3 and 4: A study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.

ATAR Rank: 60.05

6.0 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.

IB (best 6): 26

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Overall score: 46

TOEFL Internet based (iBT) - Overall score: 64

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 169

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): 169

Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $37,212 - $94,200 Fees are based on full-time study.
* Fees are indicative only and vary based on your circumstances and eligibility for government funding.
Standard Tuition:
$37,212
Full Fee Tuition:
$94,200
Enquire with La Trobe University to find out more.
Study mode On Campus
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* $37,212 - $94,200 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 La Trobe University

For more than 50 years, we have been transforming people and societies. We put our students at the centre of everything we do - with a dual emphasis on excellence and inclusivity.

With a proud history built on a mission to advance knowledge and learning to shape the future of our world, we are the most successful Australian university at combining accessibility and excellence. Our passionate teachers deliver globally recognised learning to our diverse student body.

Whether it’s our innovations in teaching and learning, our strong graduate employment outcomes or our leading research, the world’s most respected university ranking agencies consistently rate La Trobe among the world’s best.

Year after year, these results reflect our commitment to outstanding student experience, the career-readiness of our graduates, our ambitious research culture and our partnerships with communities, government and industry.