About Philosophy (BA)
Philosophy is the oldest discipline and the source from which the natural and human sciences have grown. It is the nature of philosophy to address itself to everything that is puzzling, disturbing, exciting and new. Why am I here? Do pets think? How far should we tolerate tolerance? Are all cultures good? Do emotions have value in themselves? Are we biological robots? The study of philosophy does not always offer answers, but instead teaches us how to ask good questions. Without a good question one does not know what counts as a good answer, or where to look for a good answer.
The study of Philosophy will develop your critical and rational faculties, instill a positive sense of impartiality and fairness in considering the views of others, and foster a cautious, reflective attitude towards others whose comprehension may exceed your current opinions and beliefs. As a Philosophy student you are invited to raise questions and debate them in a supportive environment and an atmosphere of lively curiosity.
What can I do with my Philosophy degree?
Students with a degree in philosophy are very attractive to employers in the public sector, the professions, and businesses who value the ability to organise and analyse data and draw clear, sound judgments.
How to apply
Our entry requirements tool will help you find the most appropriate and quickest pathways to admission. The tool will take you through a couple of steps to help identify the best pathways for you based on your situation. Once you have chosen the most suitable pathway you will also be provided with information on how to apply based on the criteria you are using for admission.
Domestic student applications:
If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
International student applications:
If you would like to apply for this course you can now:
Course Details
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| Length of course |
3 years full-time internal study or part-time equivalent.
Please note that international students can only study full-time.
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| International fee information |
2008 fees per 24 points - $15,250 |
| Location |
South Street Campus |
| Murdoch course code |
B1094 |
| TISC Code |
MUHPC |
| 2007 cut off score |
70.05 or country equivalent |
| STAT score |
>145 |
| Information on course units |
Link to handbook entry |
Recommended TEE subjects
Murdoch University does not generally require completion of any prerequisite subjects however students will need to meet specific English competency requirements.
Course Structure
Year 1
Foundation Unit
All new first year students take a Foundation Unit. These are designed so you have some idea what’s going on, because, let’s face it, you’ve never been to uni before!
Core Units
You must take these units for a particular major to gain a specialisation in this area.
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Critical and Creative Thinking
General Electives
You must take these units to have enough units to graduate. General Electives give you the flexibility to learn from a variety of different areas.
Select any five units offered by the University, subject to individual unit requirements.
Suggested Double Majors
To take a double major, students simply take the core units from another major in place of their general elective units. Further details on double majors are available in the Prospectus. Some recommended double majors are:
- English
- Media
- Theology
- Sociology
- Psychology
What are my Career Options?
Unlike Law, Medicine and Veterinary Science, Philosophy is not a vocational degree – it does not provide automatic entry into specific jobs in the non-academic workforce. However, it develops many useful generic skills that are sought after in a wide range of jobs and in such diverse fields as Media, Government, Science, Journalism, Education and Research.
As a Murdoch Philosophy graduate, your employment outlook is bright, especially if you combine it with other disciplines. Depending on which skill combinations or specialisations you have, your Murdoch degree may lead you towards work and study opportunities in a number of areas. The following are some professions to consider, including extra majors that will improve your prospects of achieving them.
| Profession |
What they do |
Suggested double majors |
| Ordained Minister / Priest / Spirituality Counsellor |
These Counsellors are able to empathise with people of different belief systems and different cultural groups. They are able to understand the dynamics of social justice and equity and appreciate the significance of the spiritual experience. |
Theology
Community Development
Psychology |
| Sociologist |
Sociologists study society and social behaviour by examining the groups and social institutions people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organisations. They also study the behaviour of, and interaction among, groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyse the influence of group activities on individual members. Sociologists are concerned with the characteristics of social groups, organisations, and institutions; the ways individuals are affected by each other and by the groups to which they belong; and the effect of social traits such as gender, age, or race on a person’s daily life. The results of sociological research aid educators, lawmakers, administrators, and others who are interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy. |
Sociology
Theology
Gender and Cultural Studies
Politics and International Studies
History
Community Development |
| Philosopher / Applied Ethicist / Ethics Advisor / Consultant |
Philosophers and Applied Ethicists research and debate on issues related to public ethics. These include ethical issues in Criminal Justice, Business, Environment, IT and Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Welfare, Political Violence and State Sovereignty. They work closely with other scientists and specialists in these fields to develop not just philosophical understandings to issues and solutions, but also practical applications to those in real life situations. |
Biotechnology
Environmental Science
Law
Politics and International Studies
Public Policy and Management
Sociology |
| Psychologist / Mental Health Counsellor |
Mental Health Counsellors work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat mental and emotional disorders and to promote optimum mental health. They are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques used to address a wide range of issues, including depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, problems with self-esteem, issues associated with aging, job and career concerns, educational decisions, issues related to mental and emotional health, and family, parenting, and marital or other relationship problems. Mental Health Counsellors often work closely with other mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and school counsellors. |
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