Philosophy

In the tradition of St Patrick's Pontifical University, Philosophy has always has always been highly regarded in its own right, as well as being an important preparation for studying other disciplines.



The Diploma in Philosophy and the Higher Diploma in Philosophy have been designed by the Pontifical University to provide a rich introduction to the field and history of philosophy, while also introducing students into the kind of critical thinking that is beneficial for other disciplines.



Diploma in Philosophy is a full time Level 7 award



The Higher Diploma in Philosophy is a full time Level 8 award aimed at those who currently possess a third level qualification.



The Faculty of Philosophy at SPPU offers a suite of modules designed to cover all aspects of philosophical life.



There are modules which are offered annually primarily to first year students, with the exception of the academic and personal reflection offered exclusively to second year students.



There are then modules which are offered cyclically. The modules in Cycle A are offered in an even numbered year (e.g. 2020/21 is in Cycle A). The modules offered in Cycle B are offered in an odd numbered year (e.g. 2021/22 is in Cycle B).



See Course Structure for an overview of our modules.



Upon completion of the Diploma/Higher Diploma students may apply for the Bacclaureate in Philosophy.

Diploma in Philosophy: Module codes beginning PY07... Higher Diploma in Philosophy: Module codes beginning PY08...



Annual



Semester 1

PY07125 Fides et Ratio

PY07139 Academic Writing and Research

PY07145 Introduction to Philosophy



Semester 2

PY07124 Logical Reasoning and Critical Thinking



Second Year Only Semester 2

PY07302 Reading Proofs of God's Existence



Annual



Semester 1

PY08125 Fides et Ratio

PY08139 Academic Writing and Research

PY08145 Introduction to Philosophy



Semester 2

PY08124 Logical Reasoning and Critical Thinking



Second Year Only Semester 2

PY08302 Reading Proofs of God's Existence



Cycle A



Semester 1

PY07130 General Ethics

PY08130 General Ethics

PY07153 The History of Modern Philosophy

PY08153 History of Modern Philosophy

PY07214 Philosophy, Politics, and Religion

PY08214 Philosophy Politics and Religion



Semester 2

PY07134 Atheism and Philosophy

PY08134 Atheism and Philosophy

PY07149 The History of Contemporary Philosophy

PY08149 The History of Contemporary Philosophy

PY07150 Issues in Ethics

PY08150 Issues in Ethics

PY07151 The Philosophy of Aquinas

PY08151 The Philosophy of Aquinas



Year 2 Semester 1

PY07152 The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel

PY08152 The Philosophy of Gabriel Marcel

PY07215 Foundations of Analytic Philosophy

PY08215 Foundations of Analytic Philosophy



Cycle B



Semester 1

PY07121 Classical Metaphysics

PY08121 Classical Metaphysics

PY07154 The History of Ancient Philosophy

PY08154 History of Ancient Philosophy

PY07155 Philosophy of Mind

PY08155 Philosophy of Mind



Semester 2

PY07135 Phenomenology

PY08135 Phenomenology

PY07147 The Philosophy of the Human Person

PY08147 Philosophy of the Human Person

PY07140 The History of Medieval Philosophy

PY08140 History of Medieval Philosophy

PY07142 The Philosophy of Augustine

PY08142 The Philosophy of Augustine



Year 2 Semester 2

PY07141 The Philosophy of Science and Nature

PY08141 Philosophy of Science and Nature



Year 2 Semester 1

PY07146 Epistemology

PY08146 Epistemology

Diploma in Philosophy (Code - MU102)



1. In order to register for courses leading to the Degree of Diploma in Philosophy, a student must have obtained a pass grade in five subjects of the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent: three of these must be academic subjects in the Maynooth University matriculation syllabus.



2. Students who do not qualify under 1 (a) may be considered for admission by the Faculty: (a) if they are of mature age, i.e. if they have reached the age of 23 on or before 1st January of the year of entry into the programme;



or



(b) if they present a transcript of particular merit from an appropriate institute of Third Level education, containing full details regarding subjects studied, approximate number of lectures, and level of achievement in each subject.



Higher Diploma in Philosophy (Code - MU103)

The course is open to any student who satisfies the entry requirements, viz. a third level qualification in any subject or combination. Applicants must have completed an Honours or Ordinary Bachelor Degree.

Application Deadline:



31st August

For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered).



31st August

For non EU

2 years full-time.

Course Start Date: September 2026