PHIL20041 Phenomenology and Existentialism
University of Melbourne · Level 2 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- Final exam 50%
- About 3 class hours a week
Is PHIL20041 hard?
PHIL20041: Harder. Not counted by Bachelor of Science, so it isn't on its lists. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it’s hard (4 reviews), Reviewers say it takes a lot of time.
What you learn
Classic texts of phenomenology and existentialism by Husserl, Heidegger, Sartre and Merleau-Ponty on freedom, others and the body.
After it you can
- Explain core ideas of phenomenology
- Interpret difficult philosophical texts closely
- Assess views on freedom and authenticity
What you need first
None
How it’s assessed
Reports and essays 50%, Final exam 50%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 4 students on StudentVIP (2021–2025)
- Every reviewer from 2021 to 2025 found it very hard: dense continental texts, often book chapters out of context, and abstract ideas.
- Lectures were criticised as unstructured or hard to follow, especially online in 2021; tutors were the bright spot.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate PHIL20041
Quick answers
- When is PHIL20041 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 2.
- What do I need before taking PHIL20041?
- No prerequisites.
- Does PHIL20041 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 50% of the mark. Assessment: Reports and essays 50%, Final exam 50%.
- Is PHIL20041 hard?
- From 4 student reviews on StudentVIP: Every reviewer from 2021 to 2025 found it very hard: dense continental texts, often book chapters out of context, and abstract ideas.
- What do students say about PHIL20041?
- Every reviewer from 2021 to 2025 found it very hard: dense continental texts, often book chapters out of context, and abstract ideas. Lectures were criticised as unstructured or hard to follow, especially online in 2021; tutors were the bright spot.
- How many class hours a week does PHIL20041 have?
- 3 h a week in class
- Can I take PHIL20041 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Biomedicine, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- Can I rate PHIL20041?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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