The Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy is a full-time programme running for 9 months or a part-time programme running for 18 months over two academic years from the date of first registration for the programme.

In order to be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma programme in Philosophy, a candidate should normally have at least a Second Class honours, Grade 1, primary degree (or equivalent). Graduates with a Second Class Honours Grade 2 degree will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Successful applicants must demonstrate evidence of (1) having taken undergraduate or postgraduate modules in philosophy, or courses with philosophical relevance in social theory, social science, cultural theory, politics, psychology, literature or other cognate discipline; and (2) relevant skills in writing and critical thinking (by receiving indicative marks on previous assessments, for example).

If a significant amount of time has passed since the candidate received their undergraduate degree, it may be possible to appeal for entrance based on work or other degree experience. These cases will be considered carefully by the Graduate Studies Committee on a case by case basis.

It is recommended that candidates who are uncertain whether they qualify consult with the department in advance of submitting an application. All applicants are subject to the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee in Philosophy.

Applicants will be required to answer specific supplementary questions as part of the online applications process for this programme.

Students select 60 credits from the following:
PH6012 Human Rights 1 (10 credits)
PH6016 Territorial Rights (10 credits)
PH6047 Philosophy of Health (10 credits)
PH6048 The Philosophy of Death and Dying (10 credits)
PH6052 Advanced Moral Psychology (10 credits)
PH6053 Professional Ethics: Advanced (10 credits)
PH6054 Measuring Society: Growth, Poverty, Inequality, and Human Capital (10 credits)
PH6056 Advanced Political Philosophy (10 credits)
PH6057 Philosophy and the Biological Health Sciences (10 credits)
PH6058 Advanced Chinese Philosophy (10 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2019/2020 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2019/2020.

Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy
Students who pass taught modules to the value of at least 30 credits (but less than 60 credits) may opt to exit the programme and be conferred with a Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy.

MA in Philosophy
Students who pass taught modules to the value of 60 credits with an aggregate mark of 60% across all modules may opt not to be conferred with the Postgraduate Diploma and may transfer their registration to the MA in Philosophy in the same year (full-time) or by the next year (part-time).

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Generate and organise a coherent conceptual framework that enables effective participation in current philosophical debates;
• Identify philosophical problems in historical, social and cultural contexts;
• Apply critical thought and analytical skills to a range of philosophical questions;
• Identify Philosophical questions and problems;
• Explain a range of philosophical methods;
• Critically assess philosophical positions;
• Analyse and critique a range of problems or situations by means of different philosophical methods;
• Argue and defend positions in short critical essays and in in-class debate in an interdisciplinary setting to a professional standard.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy (NFQ Level 9, Minor Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate some familiarity with the most important philosophical concepts and approaches;
• Recognise a range of philosophical models and ideas;
• Apply philosophical concepts and questions to a wide range of problems or situations;
• Write short critical essays to a professional standard;
• Interact and communicate with other students in an interdisciplinary setting.