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.

Core Curriculum – The Logos Program

• Logos I
• Logos II
• Logos III

Year One

• History of Philosophy: Ancient
• Basic Method and Problems of Philosophy
• Philosophy Elective 1
• Critical Thinking
• History of Philosophy: Medieval
• Philosophy Elective 2

Year Two

• History of Philosophy: Modern
• Moral Philosophy
• History of Philosophy: Contemporary
• Philosophy of the Human Person
• Philosophy Elective 3
• Philosophy Elective 4
• Philosophy Elective 5

Year Three

• Foundations of Catholic Theology
• Introduction to the Old Testament
• Liturgy: Work of God and Work of God’s People
• Introduction to Greek or Hebrew
• Introduction to the New Testament
• Early Church History
• Translating Greek/Hebrew
• Fundamental Moral Theology

Year Four

• Pentateuch
• Ecclesiology and Mariology
• Greek/Hebrew/Latin
• Ministry of Social Justice
• Trinity
• Sacraments of Initiation
• Christology
• The Gospels of Mark and Matthew

Year Five

• The Johannine Literature
• Sacraments of Healing and Reconciliation
• Eucharist
• Medieval Church History
• Introduction to Christian Spirituality
• Marriage and Sexuality
• Writings of Paul: Freedom in the Spirit
• Marriage and Orders

Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Regulations.

Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy minimum requirements outlined at admission requirements. These include those relating to age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.

Applicants with recent Secondary Education:

• HSC Performance Band Results with a Band 4 in English, a minimum average of Bands 4s and an overall minimum average HSC mark of 70% in HSC Category A Courses (or Interstate equivalent). Applicants must be eligible for an ATAR or OP; or
• Minimum International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 24.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

• Other University Studies completed at undergraduate level or higher. A minimum number of 4 successfully completed subjects
• Successful completion of the Notre Dame Tertiary Pathway Program or of another Enabling Program at a level deemed sufficient by the University.

Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for Advanced Standing.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

• Completed AQF Certificate IV or higher in a relevant discipline, from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants with relevant work and life experience who left secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then may seek admission on the basis of:

• Their experience. ‘Experience’ could include a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as Mature Age entry, relevant professional experience, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study. Evidence must be provided as to the type and duration or employment (minimum of two years) in a relevant industry. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.
• STAT – Scores of 150 in the Multiple Choice and Written English sections are required.
• Higher School Certificate (HSC) (or equivalent) results if these have been completed within the last 5 years.