Philosophy & Literature

GradDip Philosophy & Literature

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 60)



The Grad Dip in Philosophy and Literature is designed to offer graduates of either philosophy or literature (English and other literatures) the opportunity to study the many areas of overlap between the disciplines.



- Unique combination of philosophy and literature

- Close attention from dissertation supervisor

- Vibrant academic and social community



Our Graduate Diploma in Philosophy and Literature programme is aimed at students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the core areas of philosophy and literature at graduate level. It provides a pathway to enter the associated MA programme. It aims to provide an integration of literary theory and text-based work 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.

Students have to take the 'flagship' module, 'Philosophy and Literature', co-taught by a philosopher and a literary theorist. In addition, students must take two further modules: (i) 'Philosophy of the Emotions', (ii) 'Merleau-Ponty'.



The other three modules are to be taken from a list of approved modules in other literature schools.



While it is recommended that full-time students take three modules in each semester, it is up to the student. Students must then complete the dissertation by the end of August, and this will be worth 30 credits.



Stage 1 - Core

Philosophy & Literature PHIL40410



Stage 1 - Option

Digital MethodsEDF40060

Joyce, UlyssesENG41640

Expressions of ModernityENG41650

Energy, Modernity, CultureENG42150

The Plays of EuripidesGRC40290

Exploring New WorldsGRC40330

Creative ApproachesHUM40040

Arts and Events ProgrammingHUM40050

The Narrative ArtIRFL40170

Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of PerceptionPHIL40250

Autonomy as a Philosophical ProblemPHIL40840

The Cultural MindPHIL40960

Consciousness, Agency & the SelfPHIL40970

John Henry Newman – a philosophical prespectivePHIL41240

Feminist & Gender TheoryPHIL41280

Topics in Continental PhilosPHIL41320

Philosophy of TimePHIL41330

Ethics in Public LifePHIL41510

Critique, Destruction & DeconstructionPHIL41810

Invention of the Modern SelfPHIL41840

Introduction to Cultural TheorySLL40230

Historical Memory in SpainSPAN40360

You will need:

- An undergraduate degree in either Philosophy or a Literature.



- If the undergraduate degree is in literature, you should have at least two courses in literary theory, each with a grade of at least B- (60%).



- An overall grade of B- (60%) in your undergraduate degree (to be confirmed by a transcript);



- Two academic letters of reference;



- A sample of philosophical or literary-theoretical writing, such as an undergraduate essay.



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

60

1 Year Full Time, 2 Years Part Time.

GradDip Philosophy & Literature (W305) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 5855

nonEU fee per year - € 13270


GradDip Philosophy & Literature (W306) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 3775

nonEU fee per year - € 6635


***Fees are subject to change

Commencing September 2025

Graduates of UCD School of Philosophy have continued to have successful academic careers in Ireland, Europe and the US. Others are prominent playwrights, journalists, human-rights activists, broadcasters, film-makers and musicians. A small number of our graduates continue into PhD programmes both at UCD and abroad.