Philosophy courses

Broaden your ethical and moral thinking with philosophy

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Introduction to Philosophy

Engage with some of humankind’s oldest questions, then examine the impact of the very newest technologies on our sense of self. Examine fundamental questions, around what we can understand about our world, and how we should live our lives. Perhaps specialise in a certain area, including metaphysics (the theory of being), logic (the theory of reason and inference), or value theory.

Develop your communication, problem-solving, critical thinking and reasoning skills, while developing your methods of research and analysis. Enjoy discussing different points of view, but be prepared to articulate and defend your own position. 

Studying philosophy can form a basis for careers in the public sector, policy, the legal system, community development, the not-for-profit sector and consulting

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Open Universities Australia student Shiree at work standing in front of a colourful notice board.
Shiree studied humanities and social studies with Griffith University, through Open Universities Australia

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Online philosophy subjects and short courses

La Trobe University

UndergraduateLTU-PHI2KIS

Knowledge, Individuals and Society

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

La Trobe University

UndergraduateLTU-PHI3VRP

Virtual Reality as Philosophy

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

La Trobe University

UndergraduateLTU-POL1PPE

Politics, Philosophy and Economics

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

University of Tasmania

100% online

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

View all subjects

Online philosophy degrees

Macquarie University

UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG

Bachelor of Arts

An arts degree that no one else has

100% online

3 years full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Ancient History
  • Applied Ethics
  • Creative Writing
  • English
  • Indigenous Studies
  • International Relations
  • Modern History
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
La Trobe University

UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG

Bachelor of Arts

Pursue your passion and your profession

100% online

3 years full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Archaeological and Heritage Studies
  • Creative and Professional Writing
  • Crime, Justice and Legal Studies
  • Digital Media
  • English
  • Hindi Studies Beginners
  • History
  • Human Geography
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Psychological Science
  • Sociology
  • Sustainability and Development
  • Visual Cultures
La Trobe University

UndergraduateLAT-ART-DIP

Diploma of Arts

Start with the subjects you’re passionate about

100% online

1 year full time or part time equivalent

No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Arts stream
  • Global studies stream
  • Politics, philosophy and economics stream
  • Visual arts stream
University of Notre Dame Australia

Deepen your understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition

100% online

6 months full time or part time equivalent

View all bachelor degrees

Discover 48 ways to study philosophy with leading Australian universities.

Explore philosophy courses

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Philosophy study FAQs

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?

Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.

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Unlike when you study through a traditional university, you can enrol you in most of the undergraduate subjects available through our website instantly. Enrol in the subjects you’re interested in, and as soon as your study materials arrive, you can start learning online.

As you start completing your subjects, you’ll eventually need to apply to your uni to formally enter your degree. Enrolling in subjects is a great way of becoming eligible and applying successfully. Check out the Registering in this degree section on the degree page you're interested in for more information.

Postgraduate subjects are different. Most of them are restricted, meaning you’ll have to apply for entry and be accepted before you can start studying online. You’ll find information about the application process on the postgraduate degree page that you’re interested in.

Enrolling is easy. You can enrol online or over the phone with a student advisor.

Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?

There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.

  • You can enrol without entry requirements 
    We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
  • You have total control over how you study
    Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.
  • You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
    Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.
  • We’ll help you navigate the university world
    Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.

Philosophy highlights

  • Form and defend your position.
  • Express complex arguments in a logical fashion.
  • Explore different philosophical beliefs.

Philosophy specialisations

  • Develop logical research skills.
  • Understand the evolution of philosophical thought.
  • Enjoy learning about the different theories of famous philosophers.

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Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.

Over 518,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.

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Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.

You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni

We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.

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