Future-proof your career as a dynamic thinker for the modern world

Philosophy, the systematic study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality and existence, is a constantly evolving field. With the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence and its encroachment on modern life, professionals who can think critically and logically and adapt to changes in society and the environment will be required in a broad range of industries.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in philosophy designed to provide you with the theory and critical thinking skills to tackle the fundamental questions that require exploration in human societies. Given our extensive experience in training adults for ever-changing workplaces, our philosophy courses focus on the logical, moral and ethical questions facing humanity during this era of uncertainty, ensuring you are future-fit and adaptable to changes and advancements in the workplace and in the world.

Most of our students choose online learning, where they join a community of adult learners who use their life and work experience to create practical networks for their futures. On-campus learners can access accommodation, sporting facilities and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

At UNE we are committed to creating future-fit philosophy graduates who have the logical and analytical skills required to thrive in a dynamic future, in whichever sector they choose to work. You’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for philosophers, whether you pursue a career in education, the arts, business or government.

By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the philosophy courses on offer at UNE. 

Courses by study level

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units,…

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is still relevant in today’s world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been…

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Do you dream of a career where you’re helping to address the big issues facing humanity? Or perhaps you crave the excitement of being at the forefront of scientific discovery? Maybe you wish to instil your passion for the environment into future…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations,…

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Diploma in Arts

Are you looking to add an additional area of expertise to your CV to enhance your career prospects and become future fit for life, without committing to a full degree? Perhaps you just want to dip a toe into university study, with the option of…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Did your arts degree prompt a burning question or a passion for independent research? If so, consider applying for an honours year. A 'capstone' to your formal education, honours is an opportunity to drill deeper into a specialised area, to…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Aimed at high achievers, Honours is an extra year of study after completing your undergraduate degree. UNE's Bachelor of Social Science with Honours allows you to extend your studies in psychology or sociology, to build on knowledge and skills…

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure…

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
Master of Arts

UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree …

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own  4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four  advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a  Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your  mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

What our students say

Bachelor of Arts student Harrison Munday studies on his laptop at home

In an era of big unprecedented questions and uncertainty, philosophy provides you with a 'tool-kit’ so that you are better placed to solve such questions for yourself.

Harrison Munday, Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy extended major) student

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Philosophy

With demand for individuals with well-developed analytical thinking skills strong and rising, UNE’s philosophy study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes in the modern world. Strengthen your position as a critical decision maker and thinker. Explore your options now.

Filter by:
Showing 110 of 10 results
Ancient Ethics and Beliefs
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
With UNE's renowned academics you will develop the research and analytical skills to future-fit your career. Incorporate the use of digital libraries, VR and other natural language processing technology into your work and secure your career with …

With UNE's renowned academics you will develop the research and analytical skills to future-fit your career. Incorporate the use of digital libraries, VR and other natural language processing technology into your work and secure your career with your awareness of the foundations of modern society.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Gender Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's experienced social science educators and develop the analytical skills to explore gender from a historical, sociological and political perspective and enhance your understanding of gender. Be future-fit to contribute to an…

Benefit from UNE's experienced social science educators and develop the analytical skills to explore gender from a historical, sociological and political perspective and enhance your understanding of gender. Be future-fit to contribute to an inclusive and diverse society.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Global Politics
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's highly regarded politics academics will help you develop an international mindset to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of global politics that is forecast to see vast social, political and technological advances. Explore…

UNE's highly regarded politics academics will help you develop an international mindset to secure your role in the rapidly changing world of global politics that is forecast to see vast social, political and technological advances. Explore issues such as peace, power, equality and justice.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Global Politics and Peace
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's experts in international politics will help you examine nonviolent ways of resolving or transforming conflict and develop skills for use in communities worldwide. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of global politics that is…

UNE's experts in international politics will help you examine nonviolent ways of resolving or transforming conflict and develop skills for use in communities worldwide. Become future-fit for the rapidly changing world of global politics that is seeing vast social change and technological advances.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of International and Language Studies Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of International Studies Major Undergraduate
Peace Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Explore how peace workers support individuals, families, communities and societies in transforming conflicts before they escalate towards violence. Become an expert in post-conflict recovery and management in a global and digital era, and secure a…

Explore how peace workers support individuals, families, communities and societies in transforming conflicts before they escalate towards violence. Become an expert in post-conflict recovery and management in a global and digital era, and secure a career in rebuilding conflict-affected communities.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Philosophy
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's highly regarded philosophy academics and learn how to use philosophical insights and methods to address practical problems in fields such as ethics, politics, and social justice. Create new career prospects and secure your…

Benefit from UNE's highly regarded philosophy academics and learn how to use philosophical insights and methods to address practical problems in fields such as ethics, politics, and social justice. Create new career prospects and secure your ability to meet the challenges of future workplaces.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Arts Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Politics and Peace Studies
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Globalisation has shone a light on the need for experienced specialists in politics and peace studies. UNE will help you develop the analytical, research and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the growing number of international…

Globalisation has shone a light on the need for experienced specialists in politics and peace studies. UNE will help you develop the analytical, research and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in the growing number of international relations, conflict resolution, and peace-building roles.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Social Science Major Undergraduate
Social Philosophy
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Explore a range of contemporary social issues and develop your problem-solving and philosophical thinking skills with UNE's highly regarded academics. Be future-fit for careers in law, politics and social services that require flexibility and…

Explore a range of contemporary social issues and develop your problem-solving and philosophical thinking skills with UNE's highly regarded academics. Be future-fit for careers in law, politics and social services that require flexibility and adaptability due to their constantly changing natures.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Social Science Major Undergraduate
Studies in Religion
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's theologists will help you develop and enrich your understanding of a diversity of religions, ideological beliefs and cultural practices globally. Be future-fit as society’s focus extends to diversity and inclusivity and the use of tech and …

UNE's theologists will help you develop and enrich your understanding of a diversity of religions, ideological beliefs and cultural practices globally. Be future-fit as society’s focus extends to diversity and inclusivity and the use of tech and social media, religious institutions are changing.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Arts Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Studies of Religion
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Become future-fit with practical religious teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education tech and a focus on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in instructing educators will develop your digital and interpersonal abilities to help…

Become future-fit with practical religious teaching skills in anticipation of advancing education tech and a focus on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s expertise in instructing educators will develop your digital and interpersonal abilities to help secure your place in the changing education sector.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) Teaching Area Undergraduate
  • 1

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Philosophy

By studying philosophy with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers and industries. With the need for professionals with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities set to rise, those with these skillsets can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Lawyer
    Become a lawyer or solicitor, using strong analytical and argumentative skills to advocate for clients in legal matters.
  • Ethics consultant
    Advise organisations on ethical issues and corporate responsibility, helping them make morally sound decisions and policies.
  • Policy analyst
    Analyse and develop public policies for government agencies or non-profit organisations, considering ethical and moral implications.
  • Teacher
    Educate students in philosophy in schools or universities, nurturing critical thinking and ethical reasoning skills.
  • Journalist
    Apply philosophical skills to write articles, essays, or books, exploring complex ideas and ethical dilemmas in society.
  • Business analyst
    Work in business or management roles, using analytical thinking to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.
  • Management consultant
    Advise companies on improving their operations, strategy, and ethics, helping them achieve sustainable success.
  • Non-profit worker
    Contribute to social causes and ethical initiatives by working with non-profit organisations on issues like human rights, environmental conservation, and poverty alleviation.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.