Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy

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Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
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Campus
Campus
This program is taught across multiple campuses and students may be required to study at more than one campus in order to complete the degree.
Duration icon
Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load. Part-time study is not available for international students.
3 year(s) full-time
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study will be a mix of online and on-campus classes.
Hybrid
Program code
Program code
BARTS
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Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative fees
Indicative fees
Published fees are indicative for 2025 , including the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and appropriate yearly indexation. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis. Please note that your tuition fees may be subject to an annual increase.
$41,300
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
English Language Requirements icon
English language requirements
IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications
CRICOS Code icon
CRICOS code
115677K
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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 qualifications

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.

program overview

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.

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
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Course name
UG Common Core 1
Course code
AUXX1000
Units
6
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Course name
UG Common Core 2
Course code
AUXX2000
Units
6
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Course name
UG Common Core 3
Course code
AUXX3000
Units
6

Complete exactly 48 units from the following:

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Argument and Critical Thinking
Course code
PHIL1003
Units
6
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Course name
Mind and World
Course code
PHIL1004
Units
6
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Course name
Morality, Society and the Individual
Course code
PHIL1005
Units
6
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Course name
Introduction to Logic
Course code
PHIL1006
Units
6
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Course name
An Intensive Introduction to Logic
Course code
PHIL1007
Units
6
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Course name
Philosophy of Film
Course code
PHIL2004
Units
6
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Course name
Cognitive Science: Minds, Brains and Computers
Course code
PHIL2005
Units
6
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Course name
Crime and Punishment
Course code
PHIL2006
Units
6
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Course name
Foundations of Modern Philosophy
Course code
PHIL2007
Units
6
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Course name
Philosophy of Mind
Course code
PHIL2008
Units
6
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Course name
Metaphysics: Identity, Time and Freedom
Course code
PHIL2009
Units
6
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Course name
Moral Problems
Course code
PHIL2010
Units
6
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Course name
Philosophy of Science
Course code
PHIL2011
Units
6
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Course name
AI and Human Life: Ethics, Politics, Subjectivity
Course code
PHIL2012
Units
6
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Course name
Biomedical Ethics and the Politics of Health
Course code
PHIL2013
Units
6
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Course name
Key Texts in Philosophy
Course code
PHIL3004
Units
12
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Course name
Existentialism
Course code
PHIL3005
Units
6
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Course name
How Should I Live? Contemporary Ethical Theories
Course code
PHIL3006
Units
6
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Course name
Philosophy of Language
Course code
PHIL3007
Units
6
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Course name
God, Faith and Infinity: Philosophy of Religion
Course code
PHIL3008
Units
6
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Course name
Beauty: Pleasures and Principles
Course code
PHIL3009
Units
6
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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 icon
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 1
Course code
SOCI1007
Units
6
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Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
Course code
SOCI2019
Units
6
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Course name
Society and Culture Internship
Course code
SOCI3902
Units
6

Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
Elective 1
Course code
AUXX1011
Units
6
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Course name
Elective 2
Course code
AUXX1012
Units
6
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Course name
Elective 3
Course code
AUXX1013
Units
6

Complete one Major from the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Art History and Visual Culture
Course code
ARTHBARTS
Units
48
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Course name
Cultural Studies
Course code
CULTBARTS
Units
48
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Course name
English Literature
Course code
ENGLBARTS
Units
48
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Course name
Environmental Management
Course code
ENVMBARTS
Units
48
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Course name
International Security
Course code
INTSBARTS
Units
48
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Course name
French Studies
Course code
FRENBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Politics
Course code
POLIBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
Course code
POPUBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Screen Studies
Course code
SCRNBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Sociology
Course code
SOCIBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Spanish Studies
Course code
SPANBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
German Studies
Course code
GERMBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Archaeology and Classical Studies
Course code
ARCYBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Aboriginal Studies
Course code
ABORBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Creative Writing
Course code
CREWBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Anthropology
Course code
ANTHBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
Course code
GENDBARTS
Units
48
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Course name
Geography
Course code
GEOGBARTS
Units
48
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Course name
History
Course code
HISTBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
International Development
Course code
INTDBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Italian Studies
Course code
ITALBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Japanese Studies
Course code
JAPNBARTS
Units
48
course icon
Course name
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Course code
LINGBARTS
Units
48
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Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
Course code
SOCRBARTS
Units
48
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Course name
Chinese Studies
Course code
CHINBARTS
Units
48

How to apply

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Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

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Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

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Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

How to Apply

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.


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.

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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. 
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