Undergraduate
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
An inspiring and research-oriented four-year degree for high-achieving students.
Majors available
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
Understanding the origins and strategies for more equitable health and wellbeing for Aboriginal communities is the key to improving Aboriginal health in Australia.
Accounting
Speak the language of business as you learn to summarise, analyse and interpret financial information for shareholders, managers and other stakeholders.
Agricultural Science
Australia's agricultural industry is a key part of the world's food supply system. Agricultural Science provides the technology and research for sustainable, profitable and ethical food production worldwide.
Anatomy and Human Biology
The Anatomy and Human Biology major lets you discover how your body works, why it works that way, where people come from and how we are related to one another.
Anthropology and Sociology
Are you fascinated by society and human experience? Media, religion, environment, art and politics are just some of the areas explored to better understand people and the societies in which they live and work.
Archaeology
Archaeology is the only discipline that studies all of human history. From 50,000 year-old Aboriginal sites in Western Australia, to yesterday's graffiti, it's all archaeology.
Asian Studies
What does modern Asia look like? From cultures, history and politics, through to religion, gender and environmental issues, you can explore the issues facing Australia's nearest neighbours.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biochemists and molecular biologists are interested in the molecular functions of all living organisms, from the smallest bacterium to the largest whale.
Botany
Almost all life on Earth depends on plants. Botany is an ideal major if you're enthusiastic about Western Australia's unique native flora or agricultural crops.
Business Law
Business Law is an ideal major for anyone planning a career in the business or government sectors. This major also lays the foundations for a successful postgraduate studies in law.
Chemistry
Chemistry is central to all areas of modern science and technology, providing a foundation for fields such as biochemistry, green chemistry, chemical engineering, food science, materials science, geology, nanotechnology and pharmacology.
Chinese Studies
More than one billion people globally speak Chinese (Mandarin), making it the most widely-spoken language in the world. Study Chinese and open up doors to an exciting international career.
Classics and Ancient History
This major combines the languages, literature, history, art and material culture of the ancient Greek and Roman civilisations to give you a holistic picture of this vibrant and eternally relevant era.
Communication and Media Studies
Communication and Media Studies is one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving areas of study in today's media-driven world.
Computer Science
From search engines to smartphones, computer science involves the theory and design behind the intelligent systems and computers that transform the way we live, work and communicate.
Conservation Biology
Learn how to manage and research threatened species and ecological communities with a major in Conservation Biology.
Criminology
Are you fascinated by crime and the human mind? Crime, psychology, ethics and law are just some of the areas you will explore as you seek to better understand people and the criminal justice system.
Data Science
As one of the most rapidly growing fields in information technology, Data Science unearths value and meaning from data to help businesses and organisations across the globe.
Economics
Gain an understanding of the way the world works, from the stock market to national economies and the world economy.
Engineering Science
Engineering is the creative application of science and mathematics to solve complex problems. Engineers with qualifications from UWA are empowered to change the world and seek solutions to humanity's greatest challenges.
English and Literary Studies
English and Literary Studies gives you a unique opportunity to develop your reading, writing and thinking skills through the study of literature, film and television, and through producing your own creative writing.
Environmental Science
Studying Environmental Science will provide you with a strong research basis for solving environmental problems.
Exercise and Health
Are you passionate about exercise and health? Do you want to spread the word and educate others about keeping fit and being healthy?
Finance
Finance is the lifeblood of the economy. Learn how money and projects come together.
Fine Arts
Fine Arts is the creative exploration of ideas and the formation of concepts within the unique imaginative field of making art.
French Studies
Studying French at UWA is more than simply learning a language. It's an experience which will open your mind to different cultures, enrich you with a knowledge of history and enable you to engage in real world issues.
Gender Studies
Examine thought-provoking issues around gender and sexuality in society today with a major in Gender Studies.
Genetics
Genetics is the study of biologically inherited traits as diverse as those that cause human disease, allow a rare plant to live in a single isolated location or result in a desirable characteristic of a domestic animal used in agriculture.
Geographical Sciences
Geography is the study of the Earth's landscapes, peoples, places and environments, giving you insights into some of the major challenges facing the planet today.
Geology
Geology is an applied science that aims to understand all aspects of our planet, ranging from the Earth's surface to the deep interior.
German Studies
German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and, as a result, can open doors to many enriching cultural experiences.
History
Wars, revolutions, conflicts and diasporas, nations, empires, economies, environments, cultures, emotions and people – in history, there are no no-go areas and no questions off limits.
History of Art
Understanding the history of art enables students to explore in detail the ongoing significance of art as a platform for shaping and interpreting the world in which we live.
Human Geography and Planning
Human geography and planning are the essential disciplines for understanding the complexities of cities and regions and guiding their sustainable development.
Human Resource Management
A major in Human Resource Management provides you with thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the management of people and employment in Australia and overseas.
Humanities in Health and Medicine
To be an effective healthcare professional you need to understand the workings of the body from a scientific perspective and how people and societies function.
Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage
How do Indigenous people view the world? How does Indigenous knowledge inform the world around us?
Indonesian Studies
A major in Indonesian Studies enables you to achieve a high level of fluency in the language and learn about the unique culture and history of the country.
Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
This double major is a study option for students on a Direct Pathway to the Doctor of Medicine postgraduate degree.
Italian Studies
Learn Italian while also exploring the riches of Italy's cultural past and its dynamic present.
Japanese Studies
This major offers you a passport to appreciating one of Asia's foremost economic and cultural powerhouses.
Korean Studies
The Korean Studies major combines learning the language with the study of Korea-related subjects in various disciplines.
Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture is a creative, design-based major primarily concerned with the quality of the environment.
Law and Society
From human rights, crime and justice to Indigenous rights, freedom of expression and religion, the Law and Society major explores the impact of legal and social policy on all areas of our lives.
Linguistics
From sounds and words to how language is used in different societies and cultures, linguistics is the study of language and communication.
Management
Management is the backbone of any organisation, providing organisational, operational, staffing and resourcing expertise that can be applied anywhere, anytime.
Marine Science
If you're fascinated by our amazing marine and coastal environments, a Marine Science major could be for you.
Marketing
Discover the real world of marketing that lies behind advertising jingles. This major covers product and services marketing, branding, not-for-profit and social marketing, digital marketing, ethical consumer practices and all the latest innovations in the field.
Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics is humanity's most powerful tool for comprehending the universe and is essential for many fields of modern endeavour such as science, technology, engineering and finance.
Medical Sciences
A major in Medical Sciences integrates knowledge of how the human body functions, how it reacts to disease and pharmacological treatment for disease, with the skills needed to enter a range of clinical and academic health professions.
Microbiology and Immunology
Gain a thorough grounding in Microbiology and Immunology and its applications in the real world.
Music General Studies
Studying Music General Studies allows you to continue your musical journey while pursuing other fields of interest.
Music Specialist Studies
Whether you love performing or composing, Music Specialist Studies equips you with the skills for a career in the music profession.
Music Studies
Through Music Studies you have the opportunity to innovate, create, and expand your knowledge through performance, composition or musicology.
Music: Electronic Music and Sound Design
Combine your love of music and technology in this creative-focused major.
Natural Resource Management
Natural resource managers guide sustainable development to protect environmental and community assets.
Neuroscience
How do medical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, deafness, dementia and depression afflict the brain and nervous system? A Neuoroscience major will give you the answers.
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine can be considered the basis of modern scientific medical knowledge and plays a critical role in evidence-based medicine.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology provides a modern understanding of how medicines produce their effects on the body and how such knowledge is used to alleviate suffering caused by disease.
Philosophy
Do the sciences tell us the truth about the world? Does God exist? How can we say what we mean? Philosophy tackles these and other questions about life.
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Choose a double major that combines three intellectual disciplines deeply intertwined and which have much to offer one another.
Physics
Physics examines the world around us at the most fundamental level, from the origin and fate of the universe to the behaviour of matter on sub-atomic length scales and everything in between.
Physiology
Learn about the molecular and cellular machinery that makes up your body, how it works in everyday life and what causes disease.
Political Science and International Relations
Gain an understanding of governments and political systems in Australia and internationally and the values and ideologies that have motivated political action in modern society.
Population Health
In Population Health you examine the patterns of health and disease in society, and apply medical research and evidence-based medicine to populations to improve the health of the community.
Professional Economics
Professional Economics provides you with a concentrated program of study in economics and is ideal for anyone planning a career as an economic analyst or forecaster.
Psychological Science
Are you interested in how we learn, remember and think? Have you ever wondered how we control our movements? Psychologists are interested in how and why people behave the way they do.
Psychology (double major)
Psychology is a fascinating and diverse area of study that touches upon many aspects of daily life, seeking to answer questions about how and why people behave the way they do.
Psychology in Society
Psychology is a fascinating and diverse area of study that touches on many aspects of daily life, seeking to answer questions about how and why people behave the way they do.
Science Communication
If you are creative, love science and want to work with people, Science Communication is an ideal major for you. Science communicators work to facilitate public engagement with scientific issues.
Spanish Studies
Learn the language and open your mind to the Spanish way of life.
Sport Science
Do you want to work with elite athletes or the general public in the health and fitness sector? The Sport Science major will prepare you thoroughly for a successful career in the sport and recreation industries.
Work and Employment Relations
Blend politics, law, sociology, economics, history and more as you investigate and challenge the policies and institutions designed to help both employers and employees get the most out of their relationship.
Zoology
Zoology focuses on the diversity of animals and how they survive, thrive and persist.
The learning experience
Gaelen Perrone and Simon Thuijs discuss the advantages of a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) degree from UWA.
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Careers and further study
Related careers
Honours and beyond
BPhil (Hons) graduates have a wealth of opportunities upon graduation. Graduates may choose further study as a postgraduate, either by coursework and/or research, including courses leading to professional qualifications, or may prefer to enter the workforce directly after completing their undergraduate degree.
Entry requirements
Entry pathways
Entry to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) is available to school-leaver applicants with an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (or equivalent) of 98 who have not achieved any results in a tertiary-level award course, and current UWA first-year students who have achieved strong results and wish to transfer to the BPhil (Hons).
School-leaver applicants
The University allocates 164 standard places for school-leaver applicants each year. Selection is based solely on academic performance.
Additional places for school-leavers
Six additional places will be made available to school-leaver applicants who meet one of the following criteria:
- have completed Year 12 at secondary school situated in an area classified as regional (Levels M3 to M6) or remote (Levels M7, M8) by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (in WA, this applies to schools with postcodes in the range 6208 to 6799)
- have completed Year 12 at a school determined by the University to be within a low socio-economic region
The standard minimum ATAR of 98 may not apply to these additional places.
Applicants eligible for the above criteria will be identified and assessed automatically.
Current UWA first-year students
A small number of places have also been made available for high-achieving current UWA students enrolled in their first year to transfer into the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours).
Summer Residence
Attendance at the Summer Residence is a requirement for all commencing BPhil (Hons) students and will be held mid-February (prior to Orientation Week) at one of the colleges associated with UWA. Further details will be provided in the Letter of Offer for successful BPhil (Hons) applicants.
Admission requirements
To be considered for this course you must:
- achieve the University’s minimum entry score (ATAR of 98 or equivalent)
- demonstrate English language competence
- satisfy any prerequisites for your preferred majors (refer to individual major descriptions for prerequisite details)
Go to admission requirements for more specific information, depending on your education history.
Direct Pathway information
If you have a professional career in mind, take advantage of one of our Direct Pathways. A Direct Pathway gives you an assured place in one of our postgraduate professional courses (such as Law, Engineering or Medicine) from the start of your studies at UWA. The pathways combine a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, providing you with a clearer direction to your career of choice.Transferring to the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
To be eligible to be considered for an internal transfer to the BPhil (Hons) you need to:
- be currently enrolled in any of the following courses at UWA:
- Bachelor of Arts (BP001)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BP006)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BP002)
- Bachelor of Science (BP004)
- have completed the requirements of Level 1 at UWA by the end of your first year
- have passed all units in which you remain enrolled, and achieve a sufficient weighted average mark in units to the value of 48 points in your first academic year
I'm interested in transferring! How do I apply?
Eligible UWA students will be automatically contacted by email mid-December each year. If you are interested and would like to be considered for entry, follow the instructions in the email you receive and an outcome will be given to you early January.
If you have any questions about the course or the application process, you can email Admissions.
Please note that entry to the BPhil (Hons) is highly competitive, and satisfying the entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of a place.
If you intend to continue your studies at UWA next year, you are advised to re-enrol in your current course by the deadline advertised – don’t wait for the outcome of your application to the BPhil (Hons) before doing this, as you may incur a fee for late re-enrolment.
About the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) is an inspiring, holistic four-year degree comprising a three-year bachelor’s (chosen from UWA’s Arts, Biomedical Science, Commerce or Science degrees) and a fourth year of honours. The innovative curriculum provides an individually designed academic program, focusing on your chosen area of specialisation, coupled with unparalleled access to UWA's leading researchers and research facilities, international exchange programs, professional skills development workshops and a network of talented peers and alumni. Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) students can study any undergraduate major on offer at the University, as long as they have met prerequisite requirement for the major.
Why study a Bachelor of Philosophy?
The research-intensive focus ensures you have the skills to identify and solve complex problems, independently manage and lead projects, and communicate incisively across a range of platforms.
During the course you will study abroad at one of UWA's international partner institutions, expanding your connections among the international community.
The cross-cultural learning this experience fosters is an invaluable asset in today's globalised workplace where intercultural knowledge is highly regarded.
Quick details
- 74
- 98
- February only
- 4 years (BPhil)
- 50
Degree structure
UWA's four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) degree comprises 32 units.
The units you study must include:
- a degree-specific major
- at least four units which satisfy the broadening requirements of your course (including GCRL1000 Global Challenges, Research and Leadership and a Language Other Than English [LOTE] unit)
- an honours program the equivalent of eight Level 4 or 5 units (including a dissertation equal to four Level 4 units)
- a research project and studies in research methods and project management in your second and third academic years
- an approved period of student exchange/study abroad
There are some limits to be aware of. You'll need to:
- include no more than 12 units at Level 1
- pass at least four units at Level 3
- maintain a weighted average mark (WAM) of 75 or above
Beyond this, you can craft a degree that suits your personal interests and career goals.
Research placement
Summer residence
Your BPhil experience starts with the essential Summer Residence, a live-in orientation program. You’ll meet other members of your cohort, participate in orientation activities, hear from leading researchers and meet Faculty Deans and members of the University Executive. The Summer Residence takes place two weeks prior to the start of Semester 1.
The best experience was being able to meet and get to know my BPhil cohort. It made Orientation and the first few days of university a really pleasant experience, as there were many more familiar faces and friends around campus.
Summer residence
Your BPhil experience starts with the essential Summer Residence, a live-in orientation program. You’ll meet other members of your cohort, participate in orientation activities, hear from leading researchers and meet Faculty Deans and members of the University Executive. The Summer Residence takes place two weeks prior to the start of Semester 1.
The best experience was being able to meet and get to know my BPhil cohort. It made Orientation and the first few days of university a really pleasant experience, as there were many more familiar faces and friends around campus.
I really enjoyed all the talks from such interesting people, as well as making new friends. I didn’t know anyone in the group so the social activities were really important to me.
The best experience was being able to meet new people. I really enjoyed the quiz night and Harry Perkins visit and also the GCRL2000 presentations.
Gaelen Perrone accepted into Harvard Law School
A key feature of the BPhil program is unparalleled access to UWA's leading researchers, international exchange programs and work placements, and a network of talented students and alumni. This sets the degree apart from others at UWA. It teaches you to identify and solve complex problems. You create new facts and evaluate new arguments by conducting empirical research under the guidance of an expert in your chosen field.
Gaelen Perrone accepted into Harvard Law School
A key feature of the BPhil program is unparalleled access to UWA's leading researchers, international exchange programs and work placements, and a network of talented students and alumni. This sets the degree apart from others at UWA. It teaches you to identify and solve complex problems. You create new facts and evaluate new arguments by conducting empirical research under the guidance of an expert in your chosen field.
To me, the BPhil is the key that unlocks the best that UWA has to offer. You can obtain an undergraduate degree by presenting your work at international conferences, interning for the Chinese government and publishing independent research in a peer-reviewed academic journal. It has all the existing benefits of a degree at UWA, with additional experiences that are rare for students to encounter at undergraduate level.
If I had remained in Canada, I would not have been able to find a university program that took a comparable interest in the academic, professional and social development of its students.
I chose UWA because of the BPhil, rather than choosing the BPhil from the options available at UWA.
It was the single best decision I've ever made.
Gaelen Perrone was part of the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) inaugural cohort commencing in 2012 and was accepted into Harvard Law School in the United States in 2016.
Tania Loke – 2017 Rhodes Scholar for Malaysia
When browsing the UWA Handbook, I knew almost immediately that I'd apply for the Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons). Given that it provides distinctive opportunities to research and network in UWA and beyond, I had no reason not to. The BPhil's early exposure to research work prior to honours can open up further research opportunities.
Tania Loke – 2017 Rhodes Scholar for Malaysia
When browsing the UWA Handbook, I knew almost immediately that I'd apply for the Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons). Given that it provides distinctive opportunities to research and network in UWA and beyond, I had no reason not to. The BPhil's early exposure to research work prior to honours can open up further research opportunities.
At the end of my third year, I was accepted as a research intern at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). This was made possible partly because I'd already done some undergraduate-level research and my supervisor, who also had contacts at OIST, recommended that I apply.
Doing the BPhil made my application for the 2017 Rhodes Scholarship for Malaysia all the more competitive, especially on the academic side, and so I will be going from the BPhil experience at UWA to the Rhodes experience at the University of Oxford—from one exceptional experience to the next.
The BPhil will help you make the most out of undergraduate study. It enriches the typical undergraduate experience with access to people, opportunities and resources to deepen and further your academic and professional development in UWA and elsewhere. While it's still up to you to take those opportunities, the BPhil will give you plenty of them.
Mark Shelton
I was in the first cohort of the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) degree so, at the time I signed up, I knew little about the degree. All I really knew was UWA had created the degree to provide a course tailored for high-achieving high school graduates. I am so glad I took that opportunity because the degree has been critical to my experience studying at university. The key advantage of a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) degree is that it empowers you to chart your own path through university.
Mark Shelton
I was in the first cohort of the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) degree so, at the time I signed up, I knew little about the degree. All I really knew was UWA had created the degree to provide a course tailored for high-achieving high school graduates. I am so glad I took that opportunity because the degree has been critical to my experience studying at university. The key advantage of a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) degree is that it empowers you to chart your own path through university.
There are few undergraduate courses in Australia that can be compared with this degree. It gives you the opportunity to study with a small cohort of bright, motivated students from a variety of disciplines. It gives you a shortcut to almost any opportunity that UWA provides, and they will never tell you to wait until you're older or more experienced. As a BPhil (Honours) student, you will have every opportunity to get the most you can out of your time at university.
Clubs and societies
The BPhil Union represents and supports students in the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) program. It runs social and educational events for BPhil students and non-BPhil students, ranging from casual picnics to cocktail nights, and extravagant balls to workshops with corporate firms.
The Dr Vincent Harry Cooper Memorial Prize
The Dr Vincent Harry Cooper Memorial Prize is awarded annually to the BPhil (Hons) student who submits the most outstanding Honours dissertation. The Selection Committee chooses the prize winner with the highest mark achieved for their dissertation from each of the following areas of study:
- Biological and Medical Sciences, and Biotechnology
- Engineering, Mathematics and Informatics
- Humanities and Creative Arts
- Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences
- Social, Behavioural and Economic Sciences
Dissertations are judged on novelty of idea or approach; creativity and clarity; and the impact in the relevant field. This prestigious prize was established by Mr Roderick Cooper in honour of his father, Dr Vincent Harry Cooper. Dr Vincent Harry Cooper was a foundation Board Member and Chairman of the Western Australian Faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
BPhil (Hons) Office
The BPhil (Hons) Office is the faculty office for all BPhil students, regardless of your chosen major. For information on the services offered in BPhil, relevant workshops, seminars and other events, email our office using the details below.
Telephone numbers
Academic Coordinator: 6488 1869
Deputy Academic Coordinator: 6488 6748
Course Adviser/Administrative Assistant: 6488 2069
Online enquiries: askUWA (Log in with your Pheme Password)
Email: bphilhons-studserv@uwa.edu.au
Location: Rooms 1.14 and 1.15 Barry J Marshall Library, above the Catalyst Cafe
Popular majors available
- Engineering
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Medical Science
- Psychological Science
- Political Science
- French
- Chinese
- Economics
- Business Law
- Music
- Architecture
- Genetics
- Data Science
The Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons) has a flexible structure that enables you to study any undergraduate major on offer.
Admission entry pathways
UWA offers a number of admission entry pathways for domestic and internationals students to be able to study with us. If your results do not qualify you for standard entry into the University, check our Admission entry pathways for one that suits you.