Bachelor of Philosophy
At other universities, the term "Bachelor of Philosophy" refers to an undergraduate bachelor's degree. Frequently, the degree is either research-based or involves additional academic components, (e.g. independent study, interdisciplinary study, foreign language requirements, etc.) For example, at Pennsylvania State University, the B.Phil. program enables students to plan their own academic programs in conjunction with a faculty preceptor. At Miami University's Western College Program, B.Phil. candidates participate in a residential program, worked with faculty to design individualized majors, and produce a thesis. At the undergraduate Honors College of the University of Pittsburgh, B.Phil. candidates must pass oral examinations of a senior thesis. Northwestern University's B.Phil. degree requires two years of a foreign language. The University of Birmingham offers the B.Phil. as a taught, research-based undergraduate degree in the fields of Education and Counselling. The University of New Brunswick offers the B.Phil. as a seminar-based degree in interdisciplinary leadership. St. John's Seminary (Massachusetts) offers the B.Phil. degree upon completion of its two-year Pre-Theologate program, (for men studying for the Roman Catholic Priesthood.) The Technical University of Kenya offers the B.Phil. to those with Higher Diplomas in various subjects. Stellenbosch University offers a B.Phil. in journalism. Prospective students must have obtained a recognised undergraduate degree in any discipline and sat for the department's entrance examination, which is written across South Africa. Top-performing applicants are then invited to interview for final selection. The B.Phil. is regarded as one of the most sought after and demanding postgraduate offerings at the University.
Academic dress of University of Melbourne
The hoods are all black
lined with the colour specified for the relevant faculty or degree,
and bound with white (on the lower edge) for bachelors,
and no binding for masters. The faculty or degree colours are specified in the University Regulations.
Formerly, Pass degrees were bound in
fur and Honours
in silk
— however the distinction no longer exists.
Bachelors wear an Oxford Bachelors gown,
and Masters an Oxford Masters gown.
The undergraduate gown is the same as the bachelors,
but the sleeves must not be split.
Masters
may wear the mortar board, however undergraduate students and Bachelors are not permitted to wear the mortar board. This rule is strictly applied and extends to graduation photography as well as the ceremony itself.