Philosophy

The study of Philosophy involves learning to think critically and reflectively, to assess modes of reasoning and to argue constructively. Philosophers have always been fascinated by the nature of existence, and by questions such as what morality is, what is involved in social justice and the nature of knowledge. Philosophical theories have strongly influenced patterns of thought, ethical views and social and political attitudes and institutions. Studying philosophy can deepen the understanding of many central contemporary issues.

Philosophy at UNSW

The Philosophy program at the University of New South Wales is innovative and diverse. We offer courses on a range of contemporary and traditional philosophical thought, which examine key texts from important philosophical traditions including both the analytical and continental tradition as well as Asian philosophy.

Philosophy at UNSW has an established record of teaching and research excellence in Contemporary Continental Philosophy, Modern European Philosophy, Epistemology, Philosophy of Mind, Asian Philosophy, the History of Philosophy, as well as in Social, Moral and Political Philosophy. The 2010 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) report, which assessed research quality at Australian universities, ranked Philosophy at UNSW 4 out of a possible 5 points. This places philosophy at UNSW as one of the leading philosophy programs in Australasia.

Download the Philosophy Course Brochure (PDF) (436 Kb)

Careers

Philosophy graduates are equipped with the critical thinking skills, capacity for argumentation and a broad understanding of human culture that makes them valuable employers to government, private enterprise and other social institutions. Philosophy graduates have gone into careers in journalism, the public service, teaching, consulting, publishing and foreign affairs.

International Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to complete an international exchange for one or two semesters as part of their degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries.

UNSW International Exchange

Program Information

Philosophy is available as a major or minor within the three-year Bachelor of Arts and other combined degree programs at UNSW. It is also offered as a major in the Bachelor of Social Science. The major requires nine courses from the Philosophy program. The major or minor may be combined with a number of other areas within the Bachelor of Arts. A fourth (Honours) year is also available.

Subjects which combine well with the study of philosophy include history, literature, politics, sociology and law. Philosophy will also enrich the study of psychology and other sciences, equipping you to deal with methodological issues and critically questioning the concepts, assumptions and structures of argument used in the disciplines. Student complete core courses in first year and have a choice of courses in the upper levels, directed by their area/s of interest.

Program Coordinator: Dr Simon Lumsden

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Media (Communication & Journalism)
• Bachelor of Media (Media Production)
• Bachelor of Media (Screen & Sound)
• Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Social Research & Policy

Courses

Courses available are listed at our Courses page.