Philosophy

The Bachelor of Philosophy at Monash University is a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate program designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of philosophical concepts and issues. This degree offers students the opportunity to explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, ethics, logic, and the nature of reality through a diverse range of courses and research projects. The program emphasizes both historical philosophy and contemporary debates, encouraging students to engage with classical texts as well as modern philosophical discourses.

Throughout the course of study, students will develop essential skills such as logical reasoning, clear argumentation, and effective communication, which are highly valued across numerous careers. The curriculum is designed with flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to align with their individual interests and career aspirations. Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning are also integrated, enabling students to connect philosophical perspectives with fields like politics, science, arts, and law.

The Bachelor of Philosophy at Monash prepares graduates for a variety of pathways including postgraduate research, academia, law, public policy, journalism, and other professions that value critical analysis and ethical judgment. The program often includes a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, culminating in a thesis or major project that allows students to demonstrate their understanding and original thinking.

Students benefit from the expert guidance of leading academics and philosophers, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant academic community that encourages intellectual exchange and critical discussion. With a strong focus on developing lifelong skills and a nuanced understanding of complex philosophical issues, the Bachelor of Philosophy at Monash University is an ideal choice for students seeking a challenging and enriching academic experience that prepares them for diverse professional journeys and informed citizenship.

The great strength of the Monash program is its structure and inter-disciplinary relationships. The range and number of candidates offers a dynamic, creative environment where ideas and imagery feed and enrich the research experience in an academy of creative scholars, intent on building high quality art.

Principal areas of research include architecture, curatorial practice, fine arts/visual arts, design, multimedia and digital arts, and Art History & Theory. Candidates can undertake the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in either of two research modes:

• By Studio/Project Research
• By Thesis

All candidates must undertake the three Coursework Subjects:

• Research Methods
• Theory Workshop
• Documentation Studies

The minimum qualifications for admission to PhD enrolment are:

• a bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant field, and which normally includes a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours 1 or 2A in a relevant field;
• a course leading to a level rated by the relevant department, faculty and committee as equivalent to an honours 1 or 2A in a relevant field;
• a master's degree that entails work, normally including a significant research component, including at least 25% of one full time equivalent year of work, including a thesis. It is normally expected that a grade of honours 2A has been obtained for the research thesis or project. Where ungraded, examiners' reports will be taken into account; or
• have qualifications which in the opinion of GRC are deemed equivalent.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

All international students studying in Australia are required to pay full fees and be enrolled on a full-fee basis. Course fees are not fixed for the duration of the course and may increase depending on determinations in relation to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

International students on student visa are also required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Students who are accompanied to Australia by dependants must have family rate cover for OSHC.

Graduate scholarships

Graduate research scholarships are available for full-time research at graduate level for study at one of Monash University's Australian campuses. Over 300 living allowance or stipend scholarships are offered at the main central selection round, which closes on 31 October each year. Approximately 70 international scholarship awardees are also offered scholarships to meet their tuition costs. 

A mid-year scholarship round is held each year which closes on 31 May. Approximately 70 living allowance or stipend scholarships and 15 tuition-paying scholarships are offered. In addition, some faculties offer scholarships to a number of applicants who miss out on a central scholarship offer.

The Bachelor of Philosophy at Monash University is a distinctive undergraduate program designed for students who are passionate about exploring fundamental questions related to human existence, ethics, logic, and the nature of knowledge. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and philosophical inquiry across a broad range of topics. Typically lasting three years full-time, it provides students with a comprehensive foundation in philosophical theories, history of philosophy, and contemporary debates. The curriculum often includes core subjects such as ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of mind, alongside electives that allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests like political philosophy, philosophy of science, or aesthetics. The program is structured to foster rigorous argumentation, clarity of thought, and careful analysis, preparing graduates for careers in academia, law, public policy, or any field requiring complex problem-solving skills. In addition to coursework, students may have opportunities to participate in research projects, attend seminars and workshops, and engage with faculty who are experts in various philosophical disciplines. Monash University's philosophy program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from other fields such as psychology, sociology, and history. Support services include access to extensive library resources, academic mentoring, and extracurricular activities related to philosophy and critical thinking. The program aims not only to educate students about philosophical traditions but also to develop their ability to think independently and critically about pressing contemporary issues. Graduates of the Bachelor of Philosophy at Monash are equipped with transferable skills that are highly valued across numerous sectors, including education, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. The university's commitment to research excellence and academic rigor ensures a high-quality educational experience, fostering intellectual growth and professional development in future philosophers and critical thinkers.