Philosophy & Literature

The Grad Dip in Philosophy and Literature is designed to offer graduates of either philosophy or literature (English and other literatures) the opportunity to study the many areas of overlap between the disciplines.



- Unique combination of philosophy and literature

- Close attention from dissertation supervisor

- Vibrant academic and social community



Our Graduate Diploma in Philosophy and Literature programme is aimed at students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the core areas of philosophy and literature at graduate level. It provides a pathway to enter the associated MA programme. It aims to provide an integration of literary theory and text-based work with the philosophical implications of the area. 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, 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.

Stage 1 Core Modules

PHIL40410 Philosophy & Literature Autumn 10



Stage 1 Options - A)2 of:

-Students should select 2 modules from Philosophy Option Grp



PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception 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

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



Stage 1 Options - B)3 of:

Students should select 3 modules from the Literature Option Group. Students can only take one module from Humanities (HUM) and English, Drama and Film (EDF).



IRFL40170 The Narrative Art Autumn 10

SPAN40360 Historical Memory in Spain Autumn 10

EDF40060 Digital Methods Spring 10

ENG41640 Joyce, Ulysses Spring 10

GRC40330 Exploring New Worlds Spring 10

HUM40040 Creative Approaches Spring 10

You will need:

- An undergraduate degree in either Philosophy or a Literature.



- If the undergraduate degree is in literature, you should have at least two courses in literary theory, each with a grade of at least B- (60%).



- An overall grade of B- (60%) in your undergraduate degree (to be confirmed by a transcript);



- Two academic letters of reference;



- A sample of philosophical or literary-theoretical writing, such as an undergraduate essay.



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



Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes

International (Non EEA) applicants: No

60

1 Year Full Time,

2 Years Part Time.

GradDip Philosophy & Literature (W305) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 5855

nonEU fee per year - € 13270


GradDip Philosophy & Literature (W306) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 3775

nonEU fee per year - € 6635


***Fees are subject to change

W305 Graduate Diploma Philosophy & Literature Graduate Diploma Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



W306 Graduate Diploma Philosophy & Literature Graduate Diploma Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Graduates of UCD School of Philosophy have continued to have successful academic careers in Ireland, Europe and the US. Others are prominent playwrights, journalists, human-rights activists, broadcasters, film-makers and musicians. A small number of our graduates continue into PhD programmes both at UCD and abroad.