Study a major in Philosophy - Flinders University

Choose a major in Philosophy

Ask the big questions.

Philosophy deals with some of the big questions about the world, society and ourselves. Is there a God? What is knowledge and what do we know? Do morality and government have any authority over us? Do animals have rights? What is beauty, meaning or truth? Philosophy encourages thought and discussion by presenting a range of possible answers. It touches on many other areas of study, including history, politics, economics, linguistics, computer studies, literature and screen studies.

Why study Philosophy?

Gain a broad understanding of philosophical ideas, including moral and social philosophy, epistemology and metaphysics
Philosophy asks important questions about every area of human inquiry; about what makes up the universe (physical or non-physical), how we know things (experience or reason), how we live (morality) and how to organise society (political philosophy)
Form thoughtful philosophical arguments about literature, art, science, history, language, morality and politics
Think deeply about fundamental issues—like the relationship between the mind and body, or why we should obey the law, or how we can change the opinions of others
The questions philosophy asks are universal

What you will study

The mind and its place in nature
Philosophical issues in psychology
The individual and their relation to the state and society
Critical reasoning
Morality, both theoretical and practical
The nature of reality, perception, truth and knowledge
Literature, art, music and aesthetics
The emotions and their relationship to the arts, morality, politics and religion

Studying philosophy has provided me with the foundations of critical thought, academic enquiry, and researching skills. I have always been encouraged to pursue research topics of interest, often with controversial themes, and have been challenged and nurtured through the mentorship of my teachers.

— Piper, former student

Add Philosophy to your degree

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts, Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)

Bachelor of Applied Geographical Information Systems

Bachelor of Arts (Enhanced Program for High Achievers)

Bachelor of Arts, Master of Teaching (Primary R-7)

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Arts and Science

Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)

Bachelor of Education (Primary R-7), Bachelor of Arts

How many units?

A Philosophy major is made up of 36 units, including:

two Year 1 topics (9 units)
two Year 2 topics (9 units)
two Year 3 topics (9 units)
plus two additional topics (9 units) from the Year 2 or Year 3 topics.

Philosophy can also be taken as a minor. Your 22.5 units will include:

two Year 1 topics (9 units)
two Year 2 topics (9 units)
plus an additional topic (4.5 units) from the Year 2 or Year 3 topics.

This minor is not available if you’re studying a Bachelor of Education. You can undertake an extended major by completing the major topics, plus two additional topics (9 units) from Year 2 or Year 3.

Add a year of Honours

Kickstart your career or future in research with one extra year.

By adding just one year full-time to your undergraduate degree, you can graduate with Honours. Enhance your career prospects, delve deeper into knowledge or launch yourself into the world of research.

Explore your honours year