Bachelor of Philosophy / Bachelor of Theology

Engaging in subject areas as diverse as Sacramental and Moral Theology, Critical Thinking, Metaphysics and Philosophy of the Human Person, this double degree provides a comprehensive education in both philosophy and theology. In this degree, not only will you learn about philosophy and theology within the Western tradition of thought, but you will also graduate knowing how to think, reason and argue at an advanced level – skills that are in high demand along any career path you choose, and in all walks of life. The Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Theology provides opportunity to study these interrelated disciplines within the context of the Catholic University and Catholic Tradition. Modelled on the Ratio for Australia and in response to the 2011 Decree on the Reform of Ecclesiastical Studies of Philosophy, this program offers the unique chance to all students to follow the requirements for seminarians and those pursuing religious education.

The Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Theology epitomises The University of Notre Dame Australia’s commitment to Catholic principles of thought as it combines a detailed study of both philosophy and theology. Designed to be completed over five years of full-time study, this comprehensive degree investigates the history of Western philosophy as it constantly engages with ideas of theological significance. You will delve into foundational philosophical principles while at the same time exploring the teachings and traditions of the Church in Catholic Theology. This degree will take you from the beginnings of Western thought in Ancient philosophy, all the way through the medieval and modern periods, so that you can then grapple with contemporary philosophical and theological issues.

The study of theology takes you to the heart of the Catholic tradition, so that you learn about the development of the Church. You will be encouraged to reflect philosophically and theologically, using appropriate methods that enable investigation of the history of ideas, up to the present day, and Scripture and Tradition, so as to contemplate the Trinity, the life and teachings of Christ, and ways in which faith and reason constantly work together and enrich each other.

Upon graduation, you may pursue a wide variety of careers, including academic research, teaching, foreign affairs, public administration, policy development, advocacy, social work, journalism, advertising, Church ministry and politics.