Course Summary
The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy programme is aimed at students who wish to deepen their knowledge of philosophy at graduate level. It provides a pathway to enter the associated MA programme. 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.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
This programme is intended for students with a primary degree in Philosophy, or in another degree that has significant philosophical components; an upper second class honours, or international equivalent is required.
- Candidates with an upper second class honours in a postgraduate conversion course such as a Higher Diploma in Philosophy may be considered.
- 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://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax
Application Details
How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
Grad Dip Philosophy (W226)
Duration
1 Years
Attend
Full Time
Deadline
Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Commencing September 2025
Fees
GradDip Philosophy (W226) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 6710
nonEU fee per year - € 15070
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Career Progression
Philosophy graduates work in diverse fields including business, public-sector management, marketing and advertising, media and broadcasting, recruitment and human resources. Graduates of UCD School of Philosophy have continued to have successful academic careers in Ireland, UK and the US. Others are prominent playwrights, journalists, human-rights activists, broadcasters, film-makers and musicians.