Graduate Certificate in History of Philosophy

The University of Notre Dame Australia is a prestigious institution that holds a prominent position among Australian universities. With campuses spanning from Sydney, New South Wales on the east coast, to the vibrant town of Broome and the picturesque city of Fremantle in Perth, Western Australia, Notre Dame offers students a unique opportunity to study their chosen degree across multiple locations. This flexibility allows international students to experience different cultures, landscapes, and academic environments, enhancing their educational journey. With a commitment to academic excellence and a strong focus on values-based education, Notre Dame provides students with a holistic learning experience that combines rigorous academics with personal growth and community engagement.

Students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in History of Philosophy program will study the major periods in the History of Philosophy. They will learn some of Philosophy’s enduring questions, working in the community with others to engage with thinkers across History. Graduates will learn how ideas evolve and how they relate to society through a thorough introduction to philosophy as a discipline. They will have a strong foundation for further graduate study in Philosophy should they choose to continue. This program comprises four courses covering the History of Philosophy from its ancient pre-Socratic roots to the present day. It is the only program in Australia that ensures that medieval philosophy is not overlooked so that students have a strong sense of how modernity emerged and key debates on the relationship between faith and reason, providing them with a broad-reaching introduction to philosophy. Modern philosophy is studied in-depth, and students learn how the main distinctions made during that period affect contemporary philosophy. Covering both the analytic and the continental traditions of philosophy, the Contemporary Philosophy course gives students the tools to understand their current age. They will be well-prepared to continue their studies in Philosophy should they choose to do so.