From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
Recent secondary education (Year 12)
- Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.
Higher education study
- Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of an undergraduate certificate (AQF level 5) or higher qualification from a recognised higher education institution.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
- IELTS Overall 6.5
- IELTS Reading 6.0
- IELTS Listening 6.0
- IELTS Speaking 6.0
- IELTS Writing 6.0
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
Equivalent English qualificationsInternational admissions by country
Country | Score |
---|---|
Australia – ATAR | 70 |
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) | 4.80 |
China – Gaokao | 60% |
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | 16 |
India – CBSE and CISCE | 70 |
India – State Board Examinations | 80 |
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | B+ |
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | 2.67 |
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC) | 23 |
Malaysia – Matrikulasi | 2.67 |
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels | 7 |
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels | 8 |
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông | 7.80 |
Why Bachelor of Arts?
The word 'philosophy' derives from the Greek 'philos' and 'sophia' and means 'love of wisdom'. Philosophers seek to understand the world, our place in it and the nature of the human mind.
Philosophy encourages critical thinking and introspection, leading to profound personal growth and a better understanding of others. It refines moral and ethical viewpoints, inspiring you to navigate the world with purpose and challenge injustice.
For philosophers, thinking is both an art and a science. Ethical issues like AI integration and sustainability loom large in our future. Philosophical skills are crucial for navigating these – and much needed in careers demanding nuanced thinking and decision-making.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Arts has a strong focus on flexibility, critical thinking and career readiness. The Philosophy major is tailored for curious minds eager to understand and influence the philosophical discussions that shape our world. You’ll explore big questions concerning reality, meaning and morality. What is consciousness? Do we have free will? Is it ever okay to interfere with another person’s autonomy? Investigate complex issues – from the nature of time and space to human knowledge, consciousness and justice. Learn logical tools to analyse and resolve paradoxes. Engage in ethical debates on issues like abortion, emerging technology and personal obligation.
Our curriculum goes beyond studying historical philosophers, focusing on contemporary debates, ideas and research. Our hands-on approach means you won’t just learn about philosophy; you’ll actively philosophise yourself, engaging deeply with the challenges of our time. You’ll build a formidable toolkit of analytical, problem-solving and creative thinking skills, all highly valuable across a range of careers.
Key features
- Investigate big questions about reality, meaning and morality.
- Interrogate the status quo and things you take for granted.
- Learn to defend your views clearly and persuasively using reason.
- Build strong networks with peers, teachers and the wider community.
- Clarify your career path through research and self-reflection.
- Undertake an industry-aligned internship.
What you'll learn
Our Bachelor of Arts degrees offer unmatched choice and flexibility, with exploratory and future-facing learning relevant to community and industry. Build vital writing, communication, analysis and debate skills. Deep-dive into human rights and values, enhancing your cultural sensitivity, big-picture thinking and creative problem-solving.
In our standout career courses, you’ll research and chase meaningful job opportunities. Build your professional network, shadow experienced pros and get the kind of tailored mentoring that makes a difference. Through self-reflection – and an industry-aligned internship – you’ll gain a clear view of where you're headed and the tools you need to get there.
In your Philosophy major, you’ll take thought-provoking courses:
- Philosophy: big questions
- Philosophy: key thinkers
- Ethical theory and its practical applications
- Logic, language and paradox
- Mind and Consciousness
- Knowledge: its sources and limitations
- Time, change and free will
- Freedom, obligation and justice.
You’ll use critical reason and logic to unpack philosophical concepts, building a sharp analytical skillset. Understand the origins and nature of knowledge. Explore different approaches to the study of human consciousness. Investigate metaphysical issues like the nature of time and space.
Adelaide University’s philosophy teachers are active researchers with expertise in mind and cognition, epistemology, logic and ethics. This means you'll learn from bold thinkers at the forefront of philosophical research, who’ll ensure your education is current and relevant.
Majors
The Bachelor of Arts is also available with majors in the following:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Art History and Visual Culture
- Anthropology
- Archaeology and Classical Studies
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Creative Writing
- English Literature
- Environmental Management
- French Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Geography
- German Studies
- History
- International Development
- International Security
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Politics
- Population and Migration Studies
- Screen Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Core courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 18 units for all Electives, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
UG Common Core 1
|
Course code
AUXX1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 2
|
Course code
AUXX2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 3
|
Course code
AUXX3000
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Argument and Critical Thinking
|
Course code
PHIL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mind and World
|
Course code
PHIL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Morality, Society and the Individual
|
Course code
PHIL1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Logic
|
Course code
PHIL1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
An Intensive Introduction to Logic
|
Course code
PHIL1007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Philosophy of Film
|
Course code
PHIL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cognitive Science: Minds, Brains and Computers
|
Course code
PHIL2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime and Punishment
|
Course code
PHIL2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Modern Philosophy
|
Course code
PHIL2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Philosophy of Mind
|
Course code
PHIL2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Metaphysics: Identity, Time and Freedom
|
Course code
PHIL2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Moral Problems
|
Course code
PHIL2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Philosophy of Science
|
Course code
PHIL2011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
AI and Human Life: Ethics, Politics, Subjectivity
|
Course code
PHIL2012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biomedical Ethics and the Politics of Health
|
Course code
PHIL2013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Key Texts in Philosophy
|
Course code
PHIL3004
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Existentialism
|
Course code
PHIL3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How Should I Live? Contemporary Ethical Theories
|
Course code
PHIL3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Philosophy of Language
|
Course code
PHIL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
God, Faith and Infinity: Philosophy of Religion
|
Course code
PHIL3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Beauty: Pleasures and Principles
|
Course code
PHIL3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Disinformation and Injustice: The Ethics of Belief
|
Course code
PHIL3010
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 1
|
Course code
SOCI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Society and Culture Internship
|
Course code
SOCI3902
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Art History and Visual Culture
|
Course code
ARTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Cultural Studies
|
Course code
CULTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
English Literature
|
Course code
ENGLBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
French Studies
|
Course code
FRENBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Politics
|
Course code
POLIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Sociology
|
Course code
SOCIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Spanish Studies
|
Course code
SPANBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
German Studies
|
Course code
GERMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Archaeology and Classical Studies
|
Course code
ARCYBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Studies
|
Course code
ABORBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing
|
Course code
CREWBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Geography
|
Course code
GEOGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
History
|
Course code
HISTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
International Development
|
Course code
INTDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Italian Studies
|
Course code
ITALBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Japanese Studies
|
Course code
JAPNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
|
Course code
LINGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
|
Course code
SOCRBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Chinese Studies
|
Course code
CHINBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
The critical thinking skills you learn studying arts and philosophy will be helpful in both your personal life – and your future career. You could work in academia, become a journalist, or take the next step and study law. You might write thought-provoking novellas like Alain De Botton. Perhaps you’ll be an expert on Kwasi Wiredu, a teacher of Nietzsche, or an activist like Anna J. Cooper.
You could also be a:
- Management consultant
- Business analyst
- AI ethicist
- Research analyst
- Human rights advocate
- Bioethicist
- Human resources specialist
- Content strategist
- Ethics and compliance officer
- User experience researcher
- Arts manager
- Politician.
Industry trends
As a philosophy graduate, you'll find success in a range of sectors from politics to business strategy, thanks to your strong skills in critical reasoning and precise writing. Philosophy majors can be flexible, with many creative thinkers securing positions at prestigious firms like Microsoft, Google and Deloitte. They report above-median starting salaries (Australasian Association of Philosophers, 2021) and data shows they have the biggest increase of any major in earning power during the first ten years after graduation (World Economic Forum, 2018).
In a world where technology is advancing quickly, machines still fall short in mastering logical analysis and genuine analytic thinking. Whether it's breaking down complex problems, questioning assumptions or crunching numbers with mathematical logic, your philosophy toolkit is set to stay relevant and sought after.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.
Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.
You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.
You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:
- Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
- Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
- Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
- Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
- Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
- On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
- Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
- An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
- Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
- Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
- A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
- A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.
Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.
Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure.
Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:
- February for Semester 1
- July for Semester 2.
Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail.
For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.