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 can study the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation as a double degree combination with:
As 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:
Major | Campus Availability |
Creative Writing | Wollongong (On Campus) |
English Literatures | Wollongong (On Campus) |
Global Sustainable Development | Wollongong (On Campus) |
History | Wollongong (On Campus) |
Indigenous Studies | Wollongong (On Campus) |
International Relations | Wollongong (On Campus) |
Philosophy | Wollongong (On Campus) |
Politics | Wollongong (On Campus) |
Sociology | Wollongong (On Campus) |
UOW Ramsay Scholarship
The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation has generously donated funding for scholarship opportunities with a value of up to $20,000 per annum for up to three (3) years.
Scholarship recipients will enjoy access to a dedicated study lounge, small class sizes, academic mentoring and an opportunity to engagement in a bespoke scholarly experience.
You are strongly encouraged to apply for this scholarship opportunity if you are a high-achieving student applying to study the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation, and believe you demonstrate the UOW Ramsay Scholar Attributes.
Scholarship – How to apply and Eligibility
Reminder: The Course application and Scholarship application are two separate applications.
UOW Ramsay Scholarship applicants must complete the Bachelor of Arts in Western Civilisation online application, and then secondly complete the UOW Ramsay Scholarship online application.
The scholarship application requires applicants to submit a 1-page CV, as well as a written essay.
