Philosophy & Literature

- Unique combination of philosophy and literature
- Close attention from dissertation supervisor
- Vibrant academic and social community

Vision and Values Statement
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.

Related Programmes
MA Philosophy FT
MA Philosophy & Literature FT
MA Philosophy & Public Affairs FT
MA Consciousness & Embodiment FT
MSc Cognitive Science FT

Subjects taught

Students have to take the 'flagship' module, 'Philosophy and Literature', co-taught by a philosopher and a literary theorist. In addition, students must take two further modules: (i) 'Philosophy of the Emotions', (ii) 'Merleau-Ponty'.

The other three modules are to be taken from a list of approved modules in other literature schools.

While it is recommended that full-time students take three modules in each semester, it is up to the student. Students must then complete the dissertation by the end of August, and this will be worth 30 credits.

Stage 1 - Core
Philosophy & Literature PHIL40410

Stage 1 - Option
Gender and Sexuality in Theory and Representation ENG40940
World-Systems,World-Literature ENG41570
Queer Frictions: Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Literature & Culture ENG41860
Translation German-English GER40260
Youth and Cruelty GER40270
Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception PHIL40250
The Good Society PHIL40420
The Cultural Mind PHIL40960
Consciousness, Agency & the Self PHIL40970
John Henry Newman – a philosophical prespective PHIL41240
Feminist & Gender Theory PHIL41280
Topics in Continental Philos PHIL41320
Ethics in Public Life PHIL41510
Moral Agency PHIL41660
Critique, Destruction & Deconstruction PHIL41810
Philosophy of Life Writing PHIL41820
Introduction to Cultural Theory SLL40230
Identity, Sex & Sexuality in Post-Revolutionary Cuban Culture SPAN40330

Entry requirements

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.

Application dates

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

Grad Dip Philosophy & Literature FT (W305)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

Grad Dip Philosophy & Literature PT (W306)
Duration 2 Years
Attend Part Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised.

Credits

60

Duration

1 Year Full Time, 2 Years Part Time.

Fees

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

Enrolment dates

Next Intake: 2020/2021 September

Post Course Info

Careers & Employability
It is very difficult to generalise about the career paths of our MA graduates. A small number continue into PhD programmes both at UCD and abroad. Others have gone into journalism, the civil service, arts management, secondary school teaching, and the corporate world.

More details
  • Qualification letters

    GradDip

  • Qualifications

    Postgraduate Diploma (Level 9 NFQ)

  • Attendance type

    Full time,Part time

  • Apply to

    Course provider