| Code | PDPHL |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year Full-time; 2 years Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time, Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Dip |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Closing Date | Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised. |
| Non-EU Closing Date | Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised. |
| Start Date | 8 September 2025 |
Course Outline
On this one-year course you will 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 offers you a rare chance to study Western as well as Eastern philosophy at postgraduate level.
You will take six modules of your choice. The modules are designed to give you an overview of up-to-date thinking in the area.
In your modules you will study and discuss philosophy and acquire familiarity with relevant concepts and authors. The course will develop your knowledge about the history of philosophy and ideas and help you to improve your skills in writing, critical reading, and in understanding and summarising arguments.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for 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 Postgraduate Certificate (9 months; one taught term) serves as an exit point.
You 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 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
- 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. Our wide-ranging modules help you to acquire a unique comparative philosophical education. Our teaching staff come from Ireland, UK, Germany, Italy and USA. Together we bring different perspectives to bear on our shared philosophical concerns, and create a diverse and energetic environment for study and philosophical research.
Skills and Careers Information
This course will help you 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
In order 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; and (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 to 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.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following:
- You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
- In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
- Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
- Please add the name and email address of two referees.
- Please submit a copy of a short analytical/critical/report writing sample or essay (1,000 words approx.)
The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Apply Now