2020 Undergraduate Courses
  • Students are to follow the requirements of the Handbook for the year they commenced the course.

    However, the subject links below do not contain the subject information for the current year. You can view current subject information through the new Course Handbook.

Philosophy Major | 2020   

The study of Philosophy at UOW teaches you how to think, not what to think. As lovers of wisdom, philosophers are deeply, personally invested in their quest for truth and enlightenment. There are no questions that philosophers will not consider. How should we live and treat others? Do our lives have meaning? Does science have all the answers? In studying philosophy at UOW you will explore the most fundamental topics, ask the deepest questions and –rigorously and systematically– scrutinize the answers given by the best minds down the ages. 

Studying for a UOW degree in Philosophy will train you in logic and argumentation. It will enlarge and enrich your conception of what is possible. You will acquire the intellectual discipline needed to challenge the assumptions that frame the way we think about the world and how we should behave in it. You will learn to bring philosophical considerations to bear on practical problems in order to make informed decisions about important issues such as: social justice; free speech; global poverty; climate change, animal welfare; humane psychotherapy; education and expertise.

A philosophical education is valuable in just about any line of work. It develops your persuasive powers; critical thinking, problem solving abilities; and communication skills. A 2016 report by the Foundation for Young Australians reveals that these skills are in great demand today in professions that require people who can stand back and think with an open mind. Past UOW Philosophy graduates have found work in such diverse careers as: administration; art and design; business development; community and social services; consulting; education; entrepreneurship; healthcare; human resources; IT; legal; management; media; program and project research. 

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the UOW Course Finder

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this major students will be able to:

CLO Description
1 Demonstrate an understanding of central concepts and arguments in philosophy including contemporary problems in mind, ethics, politics, and science
2 Evaluate and critically assess arguments, and evidence for and against different philosophical points of view
3 Describe and critically reflect upon a range of alternative perspectives and recognise their underlying assumptions
4 Articulate the relationship between philosophical and practical problems
5 Engage in responsible and informed debate and decision-making

Subjects Required for Major Study

Students studying the Philosophy major will complete at least 48 credit points as outlined below:

Subject Code Subject Name Credit Points
Year 1 Core
PHIL107 Introduction to Philosophy 6
Year 2 Core
PHIL218 Ethics: Good, Bad and Evil 6
PHIL219 Knowledge, Science and Understanding 6
Year 3 Core
PHIL328 Applied Philosophy: Philosophy at Work 6

Elective List

Plus a minimum of FOUR from the following. At least THREE must be at 300 level.

PHIL226 Global Ethics 6
PHIL227 The Meaning of Life: Absurdity and Existence 6
PHIL234 Philosophy of Mind: Mind, Body and World 6
PHIL235 International Studies in Philosophy 6
PHIL236 Philosophy in Film and Literature 6
PHIL256 Environmental Philosophy: Animals, Nature and Ethics 6
PHIL318 Stories in Our Lives: Mind, Self and Psychosis 6
PHIL319 Political Philosophy: Justice, Equality and Rights 6
PHIL320 Philosophy of Medicine: Health and Happiness 6
PHIL326 Bioethics 6
PHIL327 Special Philosophical Questions 6
PHIL329 Imagination and Emotion 6
PHIL336 World Philosophy 6

Students may also like to deepen and broaden their knowledge with the electives PHIL106 and/or PHIL151.

Click on subject codes in the above table for information on sessions of offer for each subject. To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Minor Study

A 24 credit point minor in Philosophy is available. Information can be found on the 2020 General Schedule of Minors page.

Note that students cannot take both a major and a minor in Philosophy.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 'Career Ready Learning and Practice' (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Other Information

For further information email: askuow@uow.edu.au

Last reviewed: 23 July, 2020