University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The Philosophy major combines historical and contemporary approaches to central philosophical problems and trains you in clear thinking and argumentative writing. Core areas covered typically include metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic and critical reasoning, philosophy of mind, and philosophy of language. You will encounter both analytic and continental traditions, and study key figures from ancient to modern thought.

• Core topics: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking; Ethics and Moral Philosophy; Theories of Knowledge; Metaphysics; Philosophy of Mind.
• Historical coverage: Ancient Greek philosophy, Early Modern philosophy, 19th–20th century developments in analytic and continental thought.
• Applied and specialised subjects: Philosophy of Science, Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Law, Philosophy of Religion, Aesthetics, and topics in bioethics and environmental philosophy.
• Skills and assessment: reading and interpreting primary texts, constructing sustained arguments, essay writing, seminar discussion, and assessed work such as essays, presentations and exams. Some units may include research projects or supervised readings.
• Degree structure: The BA allows you to combine a Philosophy major with other Arts majors and minors across three years. Students who wish to pursue advanced research may proceed to an optional fourth-year Honours program in Philosophy or related disciplines.

Entry requirements

Entry to the BA (Philosophy) follows the University of Adelaide's standard undergraduate admission processes. Domestic applicants usually apply with a senior secondary qualification or an equivalent tertiary or pathway qualification and are selected on the basis of a competitive selection rank. International applicants must present an equivalent secondary qualification and meet the University’s English language requirements.

• Academic background: There are typically no specific subject prerequisites for Philosophy at secondary level, though demonstrated skills in written English and critical reading are important.
• Pathways: Applicants without standard entry qualifications can consider enabling programs or recognised tertiary pathway diplomas offered by the University or partner institutions.
• English language: International students must satisfy the University’s English language proficiency standards through recognised tests or accepted exemptions.
• Honours entry: Admission to the Honours year generally requires a good academic record in the undergraduate major and approval by the School; entry is competitive and may include additional requirements such as a research proposal.

Career prospects

Philosophy graduates develop transferable skills highly valued by employers: analytical reasoning, clear written and oral communication, problem solving, ethical judgement and the ability to engage with complex conceptual material. These abilities prepare graduates for a wide range of careers.

• Common career paths: public policy and government, law and legal services, journalism and media, education and academic pathways, business and management roles, consulting and strategy work.
• Further study: Many graduates progress to professional degrees (for example law or teaching), postgraduate coursework in areas such as public policy or business, or research degrees in philosophy and related disciplines.
• Sector opportunities: arts and cultural organisations, non-government organisations, technology and AI ethics teams, health policy and bioethics roles, and roles requiring strong analytical and communication skills.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is a research-led institution with a long-standing humanities tradition and a supportive environment for philosophical study. The School offers small-group seminars, access to major research collections and libraries, and opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary work with departments such as Cognitive Science, History, Politics and Law.

• Academic strengths: teaching by research-active staff across analytic and historical philosophy, and opportunities to undertake supervised research projects and honours study.
• Learning environment: seminars and tutorials that emphasise discussion and writing, strong academic support services, and access to campus facilities including libraries and study spaces.
• Flexibility: the BA structure allows combining Philosophy with other majors and electives to tailor your degree to personal and career interests.