Macquarie 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

Macquarie University offers this course through the following delivery modes:

On campus

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


Locations
  • Level 24, 123 Pitt Street (Angel Place), Sydney
  • 4–6 Eastern Road, Macquarie University

Entry requirements

Domestic Students

  • There are no mandated entry requirements.

To be eligible for academic entry, applicants need to have achieved one of the following results in English:

  • English Standard: B5
  • English as an Additional Language or Dialect: B5
  • English Advanced: B4
  • English Extension 1: E2
  • English Extension 2: E2
  • Any other Cat A Subject: B4
  • Any Other Extension Subject: E2

If you have recently completed Year 12 studies, and you apply to Macquarie through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), you’ll be assessed on your selection rank or through our Academic Entry Program. Additionally, you may consider applying for the following schemes if eligible:

  • Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme
  • Schools Recommendation Scheme
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathway

If you’re a non-Year 12 applicant and you don’t hold any formal education qualifications, but you do have informal learning and work experience, you may submit a portfolio for entry into one of our pathway programs. These programs allow you to articulate into a Macquarie degree after successful completion.

Macquarie recognises completed TAFE, college, and university qualifications. If you’ve completed a recognised qualification, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Macquarie University recognizes a range of international academic qualifications for direct entry to our courses, including:

  • Senior secondary qualifications from more than 40 countries
  • Several Australian and overseas foundation programs
  • Diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor degrees assessed as comparable in standard to Australian qualifications

You may still qualify for admission under our International Academic Entry Program (IAEP), which considers your overall performance and your results in specific subjects relevant to your selected studies.

We also offer foundation programs, undergraduate certificates, and diplomas through the Macquarie University College that will prepare you for a seamless transition into a bachelor degree.

For international students, the following English language requirements apply:

  • International Baccalaureate (IB): Minimum score of 24
  • IELTS Overall: 6.5

You may also satisfy the English language requirements by:

  • Passing an approved English language test at the required level
  • Holding a qualification from an approved country with English as the language of instruction
  • Completing an approved high school qualification or foundation program with study in English
  • Completing an approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program
Additional requirements may apply.

Course fees

Estimated Fee* $0 - $107,400 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:
$107,400
Enquire with Macquarie University to find out more.
Study mode On Campus
Duration 3 Years
Estimated fee* $0 - $107,400 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 Macquarie University

Macquarie University is recognised globally for its pre-eminence in key research disciplines, as well as producing graduates who are among the most sought-after professionals in the world.

Since our foundation in 1964, we have aspired to be a different type of university: one unbound by ivory towers and sandstone walls. Rather, we are focused on fostering collaboration between students, academics, industry and society, encouraging all to traverse the boundaries of their own perspectives and effect change.

Over the years, we have grown to become the centre of a vibrant local and global community – a place of constant stimulus and human interaction. Together, we advance world-class theoretical thinking and translate it into real-world solutions.

We’re connecting people across the most diverse fields of knowledge to create bold new possibilities: for their careers, intellectual endeavours, enterprises and the common good.