Course Overview

About This Course

At its core, the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation focuses on close reading, peer dialogue, and sustained engagement with great works in small group settings. Students will engage directly with major works of art, literature, philosophy, politics, religion and science, from across the ages – studied in live conversation with one another. The degree embeds a Liberal Arts Major, which centres on perennial questions about truth, knowledge, virtue, the self, and what it means to lead a good life. Class conversations will respond to contemporary challenges – such as how to address those questions in a post-truth era shaped by the rise of generative AI. This degree cultivates clear thinking and the willingness to revise your views. You will learn to argue without evasion, to read without reduction, and to think without outsourcing judgment. You will learn how to think, not what to think. This is a course for the intellectually courageous – for those who want to be tested by serious ideas and take part in deep conversations that matter. You will study: A Liberal Arts Major focused on close reading, peer discussion and big questions about truth, virtue and the self A second major of your choice (from available majors, see below) A core curriculum based on small group study of great worksA unique scholarly experience designed to develop intellectual virtues like honesty, humility, and rigourThis degree also offers scholarship opportunities for domestic students valued at up to $20,000 per annum for up to three (3) years. You can study the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation as a double degree combination with: Bachelor of LawsBachelor of International StudiesBachelor of Creative ArtsAs part of studying the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation, you are required to complete the Liberal Arts major, alongside another major of your choice. You will choose a second major from the following: MajorCampus AvailabilityCreative Writing Wollongong (On Campus) English Literatures Wollongong (On Campus) Global Sustainable DevelopmentWollongong (On Campus) HistoryWollongong (On Campus) Indigenous StudiesWollongong (On Campus) International Relations Wollongong (On Campus) Philosophy Wollongong (On Campus) Politics Wollongong (On Campus) Sociology Wollongong (On Campus) UOW Ramsay Scholarship (domestic students only)The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation has generously donated funding for up to 30 Scholarships with a value of up to $20,000 per annum for up to three (3) years. The scholarship page will be kept up to date on all details, including eligibility and how to apply. Scholarship recipients will enjoy; access to a dedicated study lounge, small class sizes, academic mentoring and opportunities to engage in a distinctive and enriching scholarly experienceYou are strongly encouraged to apply if you are a high-achieving student intending to study the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation and believe you demonstrate the UOW Ramsay Scholar attributes. UOW Ramsay Scholars are passionate, engaged, and entrepreneurial. They are responsible and collaborative contributors to their communities, creative and critical thinkers who challenge boundaries, and confident participants in discussion and debate. They demonstrate self-awareness, empathy, humility, and a commitment to empowering others. Ramsay Scholars exemplify UOW graduates as intellectually fearless, socially connected, and future-focused leaders.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Tower 1 'Darling Park, Level 2, 201 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) available — the student contribution amount depends on your enrolment year and study area. See UOW domestic student fees and CSPs.

Intakes

Autumn 2026

Study Mode

On Campus

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students

Assumed Knowledge:

UOW assumes students will have studied any two units of English.

Recommended Studies:

Ideally, students will have studied English Advanced and History Extension.

Recent Secondary Education:

If you are a current high school student in Australia, or you’ve finished high school recently, your admission to UOW will also be based on your Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or International Baccalaureate admissions score (IBAS).
Other high-school qualifications UOW considers for entry include:
See UOW Admissions for more information.
The minimum score for guaranteed entry (or for consideration if this course has limited places) is a Selection Rank of 85. Your Selection Rank is your ATAR or IB Combined Rank plus any adjustments you are eligible to receive.
Adjustments are used to increase your Selection Rank. Factors such as the subjects you are studying, the location of your school, or your eligibility for equity and access schemes may be taken into consideration. Find out more about UOW's adjustment factors.
GCE A-Levels
New Zealand NCEA Level 3
Overseas senior secondary qualifications comparable to Australian qualifications See UOW Admissions for more information

Higher Education Study:

For your application to be assessed on your university results you need to have completed at least one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) at a bachelor's degree level or higher. Your grades will be converted to a selection rank to be used for admission purposes. Students may also be eligible for credit for prior learning.

Work and life experience:

Admission to UOW is primarily based on your academic qualifications, with work or life experience generally not considered. If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, we recommend exploring recognised pathway programs, such as the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC). For more information, please refer to the UOW Admissions Information page.

Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications:

If you have completed prior studies or relevant professional experience, you can request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.
Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous study or work experience related to your chosen subjects.
UOW values lifelong learning and recognizes various types of prior learning, regardless of how or where it was obtained. For more information, refer to UOW's Credit for Prior Learning page.

International Students

Academic Entry Requirements:

Applicants need to have achieved the required score in a qualification equivalent to the completion of 13 years of schooling in Australia.
To succeed in your chosen course, you should have completed relevant subjects in senior high school or other qualifications. For more information, refer to UOW's Entry Requirements page.

English Language Requirements:

The following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:
UOW College: English for Tertiary Studies: Distinction (weighted average mark of 75 overall and minimum 75 in Academic Reading and Writing) Other qualifications may also be considered. Full details can be found on our English Language Requirements website.

IELTS Academic:

Overall Score 8.5, Reading 8.5, Writing 8.5, Listening 8.5, Speaking 8.5

TOEFL (Internet-based):

Overall Score 115, Reading 29, Writing 29, Listening 29, Speaking 29

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Archiving and Librarianship
Art & Design
Arts
Business Development & Administration
Community & Social Services
Consultancy
Diplomacy
Education
Entrepreneurship
Government Policy
Healthcare Policy & Management
Heritage Specialist
Historian
Human Resources
Information Technology & Design
Journalism
Social Policy
Translation & Interpreting
Legal Work
Marketing & Advertising
Media & Publishing
Politics
Production and Management
Tourism and Hospitality
Writing

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content