Philosophy

The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy programme is aimed at students who wish to deepen their knowledge of philosophy at graduate level. It provides a pathway to enter the associated MA programme. The School of Philosophy encourages our students to be critical philosophical thinkers with the ability to reflect on current philosophical debates, history of philosophical thought and add their own contribution. We aim to provide a learning environment that fosters collegiality and a pluralistic approach to the main areas of philosophy and encourages students to engage critically with questions. As the largest teaching and research centre in philosophy in Ireland and the School is ranked in the top 100 QS World rankings 2024, the programme benefits from many world-leading figures in philosophy that give invited seminars and conferences throughout the year. Small group seminars and participation in conferences and workshops are a key element of the programme design. As such, the programme uses key approaches to teaching such as philosophical debates, critical reflections, essays and paper presentations.



You will develop your skills of critical analysis in both speech and writing, precision and clarity in your self-expression and a much more nuanced appreciation of central philosophical questions.



- School considered in the world’s top ten for “20th Century Continental Philosophy”

- Two streams to choose from: (i) General; (ii) Contemporary European.

- Students on General stream can take classes in contemporary European philosophy, analytic philosophy and ancient philosophy



The programme is suitable for those who have studied some philosophy as part of a university BA degree, and who would like the opportunity to continue their studies in a much more focused environment with like-minded peers and with more support from experienced staff.

Stage 1 Options - B) Min 6 of:

Students should choose 6 modules from the Optional Modules Group.



PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception Autumn 10

PHIL40410 Philosophy & Literature Autumn 10

PHIL40970 Topics in Philosophy of Mind and Cognition Autumn 10

PHIL41240 John Henry Newman - Philosophical Perspectives Autumn 10

PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory Autumn 10

PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philos Autumn 10

PHIL41510 Ethics in Public Life Autumn 10

PHIL41890 Authenticity and Implicit Attitudes Autumn 10

PHIL41950 Philosophy of Religion Autumn 10

PHIL41530 Reading and Research Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate) 10

PHIL40420 The Good Society Spring 10

PHIL40960 The Cultural Mind Spring 10

PHIL41350 Metaphysics (Level 4) Spring 10

PHIL41810 Critique, Destruction & Deconstruction Spring 10

PHIL41880 Reading Nietzsche Spring 10

PHIL41920 Love & Friendship in Early Modern Philosophy Spring 10

PHIL41960 Environmental Ethics Spring 10

This programme is intended for students with a primary degree in Philosophy, or in another degree that has significant philosophical components; an upper second class honours, or international equivalent is required.



- Candidates with an upper second class honours in a postgraduate conversion course such as a Higher Diploma in Philosophy may be considered.



- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EU) applicants: No

60

1 year full-time.

Mode of Delivery: Face-to-Face.

GradDip Philosophy (W226) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 5855

nonEU fee per year - € 13270


***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

W226 Graduate Diploma in Philosophy

Graduate Diploma Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Careers & Employability

Philosophy graduates work in diverse fields including business, public-sector management, marketing and advertising, media and broadcasting, recruitment and human resources. Graduates of UCD School of Philosophy have continued to have successful academic careers in Ireland, UK and the US. Others are prominent playwrights, journalists, human-rights activists, broadcasters, film-makers and musicians.