Philosophy & Public Affairs

The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy and Public Affairs is especially designed for those people with an interest in public policy debates, e.g. in journalism, the civil service, public policy research institutes. At the same time, it will be useful for any job requiring a subtle understanding of debate and disagreement, or requiring close attention to texts.



The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy and Public Affairs programme is aimed at students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the core areas of philosophy and its application to public affairs at graduate level. It aims to provide an integration of social and political theory 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.



- Unique combination of philosophy and social science

- Close attention from dissertation supervisor

- Vibrant academic and social community

Stage 1 Options - A)3 of:

Philosophy Option Group

PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception Autumn 10

PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory Autumn 10

PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philos 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)2 of:

Social Sciences Option Group

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn 10

POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn 10

POL40100 Politics of Development Autumn 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn 10

POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn 10

POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn 10

POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:

Theory Option Group

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Autumn 10

EQUL40070 Human Rights Law and Equality Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

Applicants need at least four philosophy courses as part of an undergraduate degree (to be confirmed by a transcript); an overall mark of B- (60%) in your undergraduate degree (to be confirmed by a transcript); two academic letters of reference and a sample of philosophical writing, such as an undergraduate essay.



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



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

1 year full-time,

2 years part-time.

W307 Graduate Diploma in Philosophy & Public Affairs

Graduate Diploma Full-Time

Commencing September 2026



W308 Graduate Diploma in Philosophy & Public Affairs

Graduate Diploma Part-Time

Commencing September 2026