Philosophy
The one-year Higher Diploma in Philosophy gives you a rare chance to study different philosophical concepts and theories, from issues of mind and consciousness, action and politics, ethics and aesthetics, to society and culture, globalism, and power and territory.
| Award Name | Higher Diploma (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Diploma (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.
Entry Requirements
It is intended for those who already have a 3 or 4-year primary degree, preferably in the area of Arts or the Sciences, and who wish to study the subject of Philosophy intensively over one academic year. The Higher Diploma in Arts is a conversion programme and applicants would not normally have studied the relevant subject to Honours Degree level previously.
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.
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
Throughout the course, we emphasise that philosophy is not just something that you learn about, rather, it is also something that you do. To this end, we offer a number of courses that enable students to develop philosophical skills of their own, and we aim to foster the skills of analysis, creativity and discovery, as well as developing an in-depth understanding of non-European thought and culture.
On this course you will develop the following skills:
critical thinking
inter-cultural competence
professional writing
construction and evaluation of arguments
communication
information management
design and planning
research and investigation.
Employers in diverse fields value the skills of analysis, creativity and discovery that we aim to foster, and so, a degree in philosophy can be the starting point for many different career paths.
Further information
Start Date 8 September 2025
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.
Course Outline
The one-year Higher Diploma in Philosophy gives you a rare chance to study western as well as eastern philosophy. You will study different philosophical concepts and theories, from issues of mind and consciousness, action and politics, ethics and aesthetics, to society and culture, globalism, and power and territory.
The course begins in September and gives students from all disciplines an opportunity for intensive study in both eastern and western philosophy. Students select 12 modules (60 credits) from year 2 and 3 undergraduate options.
The modules are designed to introduce philosophical questions, theories, and texts in a particular area. They typically involve set readings and writing assignments. It is generally expected that you will have an interest in reading and writing philosophical texts, but specialised knowledge of philosophical concepts or approaches is not presupposed.
In your modules you will study and discuss philosophy and become familiar with relevant concepts and authors. The course will develop your knowledge of the history of philosophy and ideas, improve your writing and critical reading skills, and hone your ability to understand and summarise arguments effectively.
For each seminar class, you must prepare the set readings and complete the required coursework. Modules are typically assessed by written essays and end-of-year or in-class exams.
The assessment of many modules also includes attendance and/or participation segments.
Contact Details For This Course
Colette Connolly
c.connolly@ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 490 2588
http://www.ucc.ie/en/philosophy/postgrad/
Dr Bengt Autzen
bengt.autzen@ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 490 2550