The Ramsay Centre For Western Civilisation

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The Ramsay Centre For Western Civilisation

Igniting timeless curiosity through scholarships, educational partnerships and events The Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarships, valued at up to $AUD100,000 p.a.

The Ramsay Centre was established in March 2017 through an extraordinary endowment by the late Mr Paul Ramsay AO, a leading Australian businessman and philanthropist. Paul was deeply grateful for the opportunities Australia had afforded him, as one of many nations that had benefited from being part of the long continuum of Western civilisation. To ensure others – especially young Australians – wou

ld appreciate this heritage, Paul resolved to establish a centre dedicated to the study of Western civilisation. The Centre has forged partnerships to offer Western civilisation degrees and related scholarship programs with the University of Wollongong, the University of Queensland and the Australian Catholic University. We have also established one of the most generous postgraduate scholarship programs in Australia. are open to Australian graduates from a range of disciplines, for study at the world's best overseas universities. Our first Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarships were awarded in 2021.

20/08/2026

What does Frankenstein still have to teach us about AI, humanity, loneliness and responsibility?

A packed house recently gathered at the State Library of NSW for a special HSC Masterclass hosted by ACU's Western Civilisation Program, featuring world-leading Mary Shelley scholar Professor Eileen Hunt in conversation with Professor Sophie Gee, Princeton University Professor of English, University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor's Fellow, and co-host of the award-winning The Secret Life of Books podcast.

Together, they explored the enduring relevance of Shelley's masterpiece, from artificial intelligence and scientific innovation to human connection, responsibility and what it means to be human. Attendees were also treated to a preview of new material from Professor Hunt's forthcoming biography of Mary Wollstonecraft, including fascinating revelations about the Shelley-Wollstonecraft family's connections with early colonial Sydney.

The event also featured a special display of works relating to Mary Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft and their contemporaries from the State Library's collections.

For more information on Ramsay-supported undergraduate courses visit: https://ramsayundergraduate.com/

19/08/2026

Very special panel sessions with Ramsay alumni and current scholars at our recent 2026 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars Orientation.

A panel on Charting a Path to Success featured Dr Nishank Motwani, 2022 Ramsay Scholar and Vice President of Technology, Industry and Strategy at Levenhall; Roseanna Bricknell, 2021 Ramsay Scholar and Senior Legal Adviser to the Commonwealth Attorney-General; and Alex Bourne, Government and Media Relations Analyst at the Australian Banking Association. Together, they shared insights on career progression, networking, leadership, sustaining success and building strong professional foundations.

Scholars also heard from Dr Samuel Murison, Mathias Richter, Isabelle Napier and Xander Jackman, whose recent overseas study experiences offered practical insights into thesis writing, adapting to different academic systems and writing styles, managing finances, building networks, and making the most of leadership and extracurricular opportunities.

Generous sharing of wisdom and experience with the next generation of Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars.

18/08/2026

What does studying Western Civilisation teach beyond the classroom?

For Australian Catholic University (ACU) student Ethan Haesloop, it has been learning how to engage thoughtfully with different ideas and perspectives from around the world, while developing communication and people skills that will stay with him long after university.

These are skills that employers increasingly value: critical thinking, clear communication, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to engage constructively with people and ideas. Ethan believes they'll help him navigate both the workplace and life more broadly.

Interested in where a Western Civilisation degree could take you? Learn more about the Ramsay-supported programs available at our partner universities: https://ramsayundergraduate.com/

14/08/2026

Can opera teach us about diplomacy?

A packed house this week as the Western Civilisation Program at Australian Catholic University (ACU) welcomed Harvard historian Professor David Armitage as part of its Aletheia Lecture Series.

A prolific author and leading authority on intellectual history, political thought and international history, Professor Armitage also spent more than a decade teaching in Columbia University's renowned Core Curriculum, an educational model closely aligned with the Great Books and interdisciplinary approach that underpins ACU's Western Civilisation program.

In his lecture, 'Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and the Ethics of Diplomacy', Professor Armitage showed how Mozart's famous work offers surprising insights into power, representation and justice by drawing together opera, political theory, international law and international relations.

A fascinating reminder that the great works of the Western tradition continue to illuminate some of the most enduring questions of public life.

13/08/2026

Pictures from our recent 2026 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars Dinner in Sydney, which brought together our new scholars, alumni, university partners, board members, and distinguished guests to celebrate the achievements and aspirations of this exceptional cohort.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address, Preserving the Institutions of Western Civilisation in an Age of Populism, delivered by Senator James Paterson, Shadow Minister for Defence and Liberal Senator for Victoria. His thoughtful reflections prompted discussion on the enduring importance of democratic institutions, civic responsibility, and principled leadership.

Guests were also treated to a stunning performance of an aria from Faust by 2026 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholar Aimee Ryan, showcasing the extraordinary breadth of talent within this year's cohort. The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from 2026 Scholar Dr Megan Landgraf.

We were honoured to welcome distinguished guests including Senator James Paterson; Rear Admiral (Ret) Katherine Richards AM CSC, Chief Engineer at Engineers Australia; Dr Richard Alcock AO; Alex Martin from the Paul Ramsay Foundation; Professor Max Lu AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Wollongong; Prof Zlatko Skrbis, Vice-Chancellor and President of Australian Catholic University; April Palmerlee, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia; members of the Ramsay Centre Board; and representatives from our partner universities.

As our scholars prepare to embark on postgraduate study at leading universities in the UK, US and Europe, evenings such as this are a reminder of the community, leadership, ideas, and sense of purpose that connect the Ramsay Scholar network.

11/08/2026

Homer is back in the spotlight with 'The Odyssey'.

For students in our partner universities' Bachelor of Western Civilisation courses, however, Homer is more than an epic poet. He is a gateway to the ideas, questions and conversations that continue to shape our world.

For Lily Burke from The University of Queensland, Homer not only rekindled her love for history throughout her degree but reminded her how close the ancients really are to us, and how their teachings can apply to our modern lives.

Her story offers a glimpse into the transformative experience of studying the great works of the Western tradition.

Curious? Learn more: https://www.ramsayundergraduate.com/

10/08/2026

"Education is not about collecting qualifications or letters after your name. It's about developing curiosity. It's about being comfortable having your assumptions challenged. It's about recognising that there is always another perspective worth understanding."

At their recent orientation, our 2026 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars were energised by an address from Rear Admiral (Ret) Katherine Richards AM CSC, Chief Engineer of Engineers Australia, board member of Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) who shared reflections on leadership, lifelong learning, international education, and public service.

Drawing on a career spanning engineering, military leadership and postgraduate study at University College London and Harvard Kennedy School, Kath encouraged scholars to embrace challenge, remain curious, and approach their overseas experience with humility.

Reflecting on her own journey, Kath reminded scholars that some of life's most important lessons come outside the classroom. Through new cultures, new friendships and unfamiliar perspectives, overseas study has the power not only to expand knowledge, but to transform how we think.

Her message was both inspiring and practical: be willing to be uncomfortable, continue learning throughout your life, leave judgement behind, and make the most of every opportunity. Most importantly, she challenged scholars to see their education not simply as a personal achievement, but as an opportunity to serve something larger than themselves.

As Kath noted, Australia needs leaders who can bridge cultures, solve complex problems, and bring global knowledge home in service of their communities and country.

Thank you, Kath, for sharing your wisdom and experience with our scholars as they prepare for this exciting next chapter.

07/08/2026

Not every degree is designed to give you all the answers.

Some are designed to help you ask better questions.

The Bachelor of Western Civilisation brings together history, philosophy, literature and politics to help students think critically, communicate confidently and engage with the ideas that continue to shape society.

Curious? Learn more at: https://ramsayundergraduate.com/

06/08/2026

The Centre was proud to host our new 2026 Ramsay Postgraduate Scholars recently for a two-day Orientation in Sydney. The Orientation was designed to prepare them for their overseas studies and welcome them to the Ramsay Postgraduate Scholar community.

Over two days, scholars attended sessions with renowned leaders from business, government, higher education and the professions on topics including leadership, career development, personal brand and professional presence, resilience, postgraduate research, and the enduring lessons of the Western intellectual tradition. They also heard from Ramsay alumni and current scholars about their experiences studying and living overseas, and had the opportunity to connect with fellow scholars, alumni and members of the Ramsay community.

The Orientation concluded with a welcome reception and celebratory dinner at the State Library of New South Wales, featuring keynote speaker Senator James Paterson, Shadow Minister for Defence and Senator for Victoria.

Scholars pictured at work during the many sessions and activities throughout the two-day Orientation program.

03/08/2026

Behind every student in our Bachelor of Western Civilisation courses is a different story.

Kimberly's is one of many, offering a glimpse into the ideas, opportunities and community that make the Bachelor of Western Civilisation a unique university experience.

Offered at the UOW: University of Wollongong, Australia, the university of The University of Queensland and Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Learn more: https://ramsayundergraduate.com/

Address

Suite 8. 01, Aurora Place, 88 Phillip Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

Telephone

+61291347900

Website

http://www.ramsaycentre.org/

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