Faculty of Arts

 Philosophy

Table of Contents

Subject Lists
    Subject descriptions
        First Year
        Second and Third Year
        Fourth Year Honours

 1. Career opportunities

A degree in Philosophy leads to a wide range of opportunities. Some philosophers become academics and our graduates are to be found in University positions all over the world. By far the majority work outside academic philosophy. The Department has a booklet in which a range of our graduates, from the arts, law, politics, publishing, the diplomatic service and the public service generally, say how philosophy has helped them in their careers. Here are some extracts:

'Philosophy hones one's theoretical and analytical skills in a way no other discipline does. In my study of philosophy I learnt how to reason and argue. This skill has been invaluable.' (Tax Manager of one of the 'Big 6' accountancy firms).

"I got my PR job... because I had done philosophy. Only philosophy can give you both the analytical skills and the ability to see the broader picture." (Media Secretary to a SA Government Minister).

"In a competitive world, philosophy allows you to function as a superb fighting instrument. It equips you with a very sharp set of cerebral scalpels." (Playwright, screen-writer and film-maker).

 2. Professional recognition

A philosophical background can be very helpful in professions whose members often have to wrestle with philosophical issues. For example, many areas of medicine raise increasingly pressing problems in bioethics - concerning abortion, euthanasia, the selection of patients for organ transplants and so on. Politicians, public servants and lawyers with some knowledge of philosophy have access to intellectual resources provided by philosophers not only on foundational problems concerning justice, law and politics, but also on topical issues about sexism, compensation of people for injustices suffered by their ancestors, or obligations to future generations, and a host of other matters. There is solid evidence that philosophy graduates are well favoured by employers, who value their capacity for rigorous thought, clear expression, and creative approaches to problems.

 3. Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for entry into Philosophy. The normal prerequisite for entry to second or third-year Philosophy is completion of at least one single-semester Philosophy subject at first-year level. However, students who lack this prerequisite, but believe themselves adequately prepared to attempt any second/third-year subjects, should consult the Head of Department. Students are advised to consult individual subject prerequisites for further information. Please note that no subject passed at second-year may be taken at third-year level. The Philosophy Departmental Handbook (available from the Philosophy Office) provides further details about Philosophy subjects.

 4. Requirements for a major

A major in Philosophy requires the completion of a minimum of five Philosophy subjects at second or third-year level, totalling 83.3 points.

 5. Entry to Honours

The prerequisite for entry to honours in Philosophy is the completion of all the requirements for the BA with a major in Philosophy with an overall grade average of H2A or better. Students wishing to study Combined Honours in Philosophy must also satisfy the entry requirements for Honours in the combining department. Students must seek the advice of the department's Honours Adviser in planning their course.

Students proposing to enter honours are required to have achieved some spread over their second/third-year subjects. Information as to how this may be achieved can be found in the Departmental Handbook or by consulting the Head of Department or the department's Honours Adviser. No subjects are compulsory, but prospective honours students are strongly advised to take the subject 161-316 Themes in Twentieth Century Philosophy, a course specially intended for aspiring Honours students.

Students enrolled in Philosophy Honours must achieve an H2B grade in each assessable component. Not all the subjects listed will be available in any one year; students should consult the Departmental Handbook for further details.

 6. Honours requirements

 6.1. Pure Honours

Pure Honours students complete:

• six fourth-year single-semester subjects (each worth 11.1 points), and;
• 161-449 Philosophy Honours Thesis (33.3 points) or 161-401 Philosophy Honours Thesis (Mid Year Entry) (33.3 points).

Students completing Pure Honours part-time take three fourth-year single-semester subjects in each of the two successive years plus 161-449 Philosophy Honours Thesis or 161-401 Philosophy Honours Thesis (Mid Year Entry) in one of the part-time years.

 6.2. Combined Honours

Combined Honours students complete:

• three fourth-year single-semester Philosophy subjects (each worth 11.1 points), and;
• 161-449 Philosophy Honours Thesis or 161-401 Philosophy Honours Thesis (Mid Year Entry) or the thesis in the combining department, and;
• subjects in the combining department according to the requirements of that department.

 6.3. Note:

The Philosophy Honours Thesis must be submitted in typewritten form by the first Monday following the end of Semester 2 (in the case of 161-449 Philosophy Honours Thesis), or end of Semester 1 (for 161-401 Philosophy Honours Thesis (Mid Year Entry)), in the year in which it is to be completed. The topic of research must be approved by the Head of Department or the department's Honours Adviser. Topics will only be approved if the Philosophy Department can provide two examiners for the topic. Late theses will not be accepted unless an extension has been granted by the Head of Department.

 6.4. Philosophy Honours Directed Studies

Directed Studies provides the opportunity for honours students in other departments to include philosophy subjects in their final year. See entry for 161-430 Philosophy Honours: Directed Studies.

 7. For more information

Subject descriptions

First Year

Second and Third Year

Fourth Year Honours

Status:                   Official 1998
Last Modified:            Tuesday October 21 17:09
SGML to HTML Conversion:  Information Technology Services
Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au