Philosophy

Course Outline
On this one-year course you will study different philosophical concepts concerning the mind and consciousness, action and politics, ethics and aesthetics, society and culture, globalism, power, territory, and more. The course offers you a rare chance to study Western as well as Eastern philosophy at postgraduate level.

You will take six modules of your choice. The modules are designed to give you an overview of up-to-date thinking in the area.

In your modules you will study and discuss philosophy and acquire familiarity with relevant concepts and authors. The course will develop your knowledge about the history of philosophy and ideas and help you to improve your skills in writing, critical reading, and in understanding and summarising arguments.

Further details on the content and modules are available in the Postgraduate College Calendar.

Why Choose This Course
UCC's Department of Philosophy offers the unique opportunity to study in three distinct philosophical traditions: Asian philosophy, continental philosophy, and analytic philosophy. Our wide-ranging modules help you to acquire a unique comparative philosophical education. Our teaching staff come from Ireland, UK, Germany, Italy and USA. Together we bring different perspectives to bear on our shared philosophical concerns, and create a diverse and energetic environment for study and philosophical research.

Modules
Further details on the modules listed above can be found in our book of modules. Any modules listed above are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

University Calendar
You can find the full academic content for the current year of any given course in our University Calendar.

Requirements
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 to 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.

English Language Requirements
Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university approved English language requirements.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland:
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements.

International/non-EU applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

For more information please contact the International Office.

How Do I Apply

1. Choose Course
Firstly choose your course. Applicants can apply for up to two courses under one application. Details of taught courses are available on our online prospectus.

2. Apply Online
Once you have chosen your course you can apply online at the online application portal. Applicants will need to apply before the course closing date. There is a non-refundable €50 application fee for all courses apart from the Education - Professional Master of Education - (Secondary School/Post-Primary Teacher Training) which has a €100 application fee.

Note: Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Nursing must apply on the PAC website when the programme opens for applications.

3. Gather Supporting Documents
Scanned copies of the following documents will need to be uploaded to the online application portal in support of your application. Applicants may need to produce the original documents if you are accepted onto a course and register at UCC.

- Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC

- Any supplementary items requested for your course.

Please log into the online application portal for more details.

4. Application processing timeline
Our online application portal opens for applications for most courses in early November of each year. Check specific course details.

5. Rounds
For courses that are in the rounds system (Irish and EU applicants), please check the rounds closing dates below.

Questions on how to apply?
Please use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please add the name and email address of 2 referees.

Please submit a copy of a short analytical/critical/report writing sample or essay (1,000 words approx.)

The closing date for non-EU applications is 15 June.

Assessment

The grade is based on the assessment for modules. Modules are assessed by written essays. There are no final exams.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Additional Teaching Mode Information
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.

Start Date: 7 September 2020

Skills and Careers Information
This course will help you develop the following skills:

Critical thinking
Professional writing
Construction and evaluation of arguments
Communication skills
Information management
Design and planning
Research and investigation

Employers in diverse fields value the skills of analysis, creativity and discovery. A Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy can be the starting point for many different career paths.