Graduate Diploma of Philosophy
Fremantle, Sydney, Australia
Graduate Diploma of Philosophy
University of Notre Dame Australia
Philosophy
Graduate Diploma of Philosophy Overview
The Graduate Diploma of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame Australia is designed to facilitate skills associated with studying philosophy and provide a firm foundation for independent research. Whether you hold a bachelor's degree in another subject area or wish to deepen your philosophical knowledge, this one-year program offers an immensely rewarding academic experience.
Over the course of your studies, you will explore the foundations of philosophy within the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, which emphasises the need to consider arguments from every point of view. Guided through a combination of the best ideas and problems that philosophy offers, you will practise what it means to lead an examined life through teaching methods that emphasise the unity of experience, reason, and reasonable discourse.
The program consists of eight postgraduate courses, where you can choose from subjects including Natural Law, Metaphysics, Moral Philosophy, and Epistemology. In addition to a grounding in Western philosophical thought, you will develop the capacity to think critically and creatively at an advanced level, skills that are in great demand in the modern workplace.
Key Program Highlights
- Flexible curriculum with eight postgraduate courses covering subjects such as Natural Law, Metaphysics, Moral Philosophy, and Epistemology
- Grounding in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition with emphasis on considering arguments from every point of view
- Develops advanced critical and creative thinking skills highly valued by employers across industries
- Provides a firm foundation for independent research and potential progression to a Master of Arts in Philosophy
Curriculum and Modules
The Graduate Diploma of Philosophy comprises eight postgraduate courses that you can tailor to align with your needs and interests. The curriculum spans the history and branches of philosophical inquiry, offering a comprehensive grounding in Western philosophical thought while developing advanced analytical and reasoning skills.
Explore the foundations of Western philosophy from pre-Socratic thinkers through Plato and Aristotle, examining the origins of metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology in the ancient world.
Study key debates on the relationship between faith and reason during the medieval period, including the contributions of Augustine, Aquinas, and other major thinkers within the scholastic tradition.
Examine the major philosophical developments from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment, covering rationalism, empiricism, and the key distinctions that continue to shape contemporary thought.
Investigate fundamental questions about the nature of reality, existence, causation, and being, engaging with both classical and contemporary approaches to metaphysical inquiry.
Analyse major ethical theories including virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism, and apply philosophical reasoning to contemporary moral dilemmas and practical decision-making.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Graduate Diploma of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame Australia is assessed holistically, considering academic qualifications, personal qualities, and your contribution to community life. All applicants must satisfy the university's minimum requirements, including those relating to age and English language proficiency. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on your application.
Academic Requirements
- Academic QualificationCompleted undergraduate degree from a recognised institution
- Alternative EntryApplicants without an undergraduate degree but with completed postgraduate studies may be considered
- Discipline RequirementNo specific undergraduate discipline required; open to graduates from all fields
- Age RequirementMust meet the university's minimum age requirements at time of enrolment
- Application FeeNo application processing fee required
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBTMinimum overall score of 84 with at least 21 in writing
- PTE AcademicMinimum overall score of 58 with no score below 50
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Notre Dame Australia offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international postgraduate students. These scholarships are designed to make quality education more accessible and are often automatically assessed at the time of admission, requiring no separate application. Contact Uni4Edu for detailed guidance on eligibility and available funding.
International Welcome Scholarship (Postgraduate Coursework)
20% tuition fee reduction for the duration of the programAutomatically awarded to eligible international students commencing a postgraduate coursework program for the first time at Notre Dame's Sydney or Fremantle campuses. No separate application is required; students who meet all eligibility criteria are considered automatically.
Notre Dame Opportunity and Merit Scholarships
Up to AUD 20,000Available for students commencing postgraduate programs, awarded on the basis of equity or merit. Over 20 scholarships are available across various categories including academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Philosophy graduates are equipped with advanced critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication skills that are highly valued across a wide range of industries. The University of Notre Dame Australia has been rated 5 stars for Full-Time Employment and Graduate Salary in the Good Universities Guide, reflecting the strong career outcomes of its graduates.
Potential Career Paths
Typical Employer Sectors
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Notre Dame Australia is a nationally recognised private Catholic university with campuses in Fremantle (Perth), Sydney, and Broome. While it is a smaller institution, it has earned outstanding ratings for student experience and graduate outcomes, consistently achieving 5-star ratings in key categories in the Good Universities Guide.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | EduRank | #39 in Australia |
| Overall (National) | Australian Financial Review | #39 in Australia |
| Employer Satisfaction | QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey | 84.9% Satisfaction Rate |
| Postgraduate Course Satisfaction | Student Experience Survey | 82.5% (Above National Average) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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