Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy

The Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy is a one-year course that offers students the opportunity to study different philosophical concepts concerning the mind and consciousness, action and politics, ethics and aesthetics, society and culture, globalism, power, territory, and more. The course provides a rare chance to study Western as well as Eastern philosophy at postgraduate level.

Course Outline

On this course, students will take six modules of their choice, designed to give them an overview of up-to-date thinking in the area. The modules will cover various topics, including the history of philosophy, ideas, and concepts, as well as critical thinking, writing, and argumentation skills.

Academic Programme Catalogue

The Academic Programme Catalogue provides the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.

Course Practicalities

The Postgraduate Diploma is taken over 9 months with two taught terms, for which the Postgraduate Certificate (9 months; one taught term) serves as an exit point. Students will take six taught modules, two hours of lectures each week.

Part-Time Option

The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over two years (18 months; four taught terms), for which the Postgraduate Certificate (18 months; 2 taught terms) serves as an exit point.

Assessment

The grade is based on the assessment for modules. Modules are assessed by written essays. There are no final exams.

Who Teaches This Course

The course is taught by a team of experienced lecturers, including:

• Dr Bengt Autzen: Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Biology, Philosophy of Medicine, Philosophy of Economics
• Dr Vittorio Bufacchi: Political Philosophy, Human Rights, Violence, Social Justice
• Dr Jason Dockstader: History of Philosophy, Metaethics, and Moral Psychology
• Dr Kian Mintz-Woo: Moral Philosophy, both theoretical and applied to climate change policy, Meta-ethics, Philosophy of Science (Economics)
• Dr Adam Loughnane: Aesthetics, Continental Philosophy, Asian Philosophy
• Dr Julie Reshe: Existential Philosophy; Continental Philosophy; Negative Psychoanalysis; Depressive Realism
• Professor Don Ross: Philosophy of Economics, Philosophy of Science, Scientific Metaphysics
• Dr Alessandro Salice: Phenomenology, Philosophy of Mind, Philosophical Psychology, Social Ontology, Moral Psychology
• Dr Joel Walmsley: Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Science, Cognitive Science

Why Choose This Course

UCC's Department of Philosophy offers the unique opportunity to study in three distinct philosophical traditions: Asian philosophy, continental philosophy, and analytic philosophy. The wide-ranging modules help students acquire a unique comparative philosophical education. The teaching staff come from Ireland, UK, Germany, Italy, and the USA, bringing different perspectives to bear on shared philosophical concerns and creating a diverse and energetic environment for study and philosophical research.

Skills and Careers Information

This course will help students develop the following skills:

• Critical thinking
• Professional writing
• Construction and evaluation of arguments
• Communication skills
• Information management
• Design and planning
• Research and investigation

Employers in diverse fields value the skills of analysis, creativity, and discovery. A Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy can be the starting point for many different career paths.

Requirements

To be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma programme in Philosophy, an applicant should normally have at least a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent. Graduates with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) on a case-by-case basis. Successful applicants must demonstrate evidence of:

1. Having taken undergraduate or postgraduate modules in philosophy, or courses with philosophical relevance in social theory, social science, cultural theory, politics, psychology, literature, or other cognate discipline.
2. Relevant skills in writing and critical thinking (by receiving indicative marks on previous assessments, for example).

If a significant amount of time has passed since the candidate received their undergraduate degree, it may be possible to appeal for entrance based on work or other degree experience. These cases will be considered carefully by the Graduate Studies Committee on a case-by-case basis.

It is recommended that applicants who are uncertain whether they qualify consult with the department in advance of submitting an application. All applicants are subject to the approval of the Graduate Studies Committee in Philosophy.

Applicants will be required to answer specific supplementary questions as part of the online application process for this programme.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is Full-time: €5,200 Part-time: €3,200. The Non-EU fee for this course is €12,300.

How to Apply

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Check the opening and closing dates for the application process.
2. Gather supporting documents, including original qualification documents and transcripts.
3. Apply online, uploading the required documents and answering supplementary questions.

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Degree Overview:

This one-year course allows students to delve into various philosophical concepts encompassing the mind, consciousness, action, politics, ethics, aesthetics, society, culture, globalism, power, territory, and more.

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Outline:

• Duration: 1 year Full-time; 2 years Part-time
• Teaching Mode: Full-time, Part-Time
• Structure:
• The program consists of six modules chosen by the student.
• Students will study and discuss philosophy, gaining familiarity with relevant concepts and authors.
• The course aims to enhance knowledge of the history of philosophy and ideas, as well as improve skills in writing, critical reading, understanding, and summarizing arguments.
• Modules:
• The specific modules offered are subject to change from year to year.
• Schedule:
• The Postgraduate Diploma is completed over 9 months with two taught terms.
• The Postgraduate Certificate (9 months; one taught term) serves as an exit point.
• Students take six taught modules, with two hours of lectures each week.
• The part-time option is taught during weekday working hours over two years (18 months; four taught terms).
• The Postgraduate Certificate (18 months; 2 taught terms) serves as an exit point for the part-time option.

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Assessment:

• The final grade is based on module assessments.
• Modules are assessed through written essays.

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Teaching:

• The teaching staff includes:
• Dr Bengt Autzen
• Dr Vittorio Bufacchi
• Dr Jason Dockstader
• Dr Kian Mintz-Woo
• Dr Adam Loughnane
• Dr Julie Reshe
• Professor Don Ross
• Dr Alessandro Salice
• Dr Joel Walmsley
• The Department of Philosophy at UCC offers a unique opportunity to study in three distinct philosophical traditions: Asian philosophy, continental philosophy, and analytic philosophy.
• The diverse teaching staff from Ireland, UK, Germany, Italy, and USA bring different perspectives to the shared philosophical concerns, creating a diverse and energetic learning environment.

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Careers:

• The course develops skills such as:
• Critical thinking
• Professional writing
• Construction and evaluation of arguments
• Communication skills
• Information management
• Design and planning
• Research and investigation
• Employers in various fields value the skills of analysis, creativity, and discovery.
• A Postgraduate Diploma in Philosophy can serve as a starting point for many different career paths.

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Other:

• The program provides a comparative philosophical education.
• The program is open to both EU and non-EU applicants.
• Applicants must meet the university-approved English language requirements if they are non-native speakers of English.

University College Cork

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Overview:

University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

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Services Offered:

Student Support:

UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

Library:

The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.

Campus Life:

UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.

Accommodation:

UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

International Office:

The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.

Adult Continuing Education:

UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.

Continuing Professional Development:

UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.

Micro-credentials:

UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.

Scholarships and Prizes:

UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.

Transition-In Programme:

UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.

Graduate Attributes:

UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Education:

UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.

Strong Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

Vibrant Campus Life:

UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Beautiful Location:

UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.

International Reputation:

UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.

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Academic Programs:

UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Business and Law
• Engineering and Science
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Education
• Music

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Other:

• UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
• UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
• UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
• UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.