Philosophy & Public Affairs

GradDip Philosophy & Public Affairs

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 60)



The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy and Public Affairs programme is aimed at students who wish to deepen their knowledge of the core areas of philosophy and its application to public affairs at graduate level. It aims to provide an integration of social and political theory 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.



Unique combination of philosophy and social science

Close attention from dissertation supervisor

Vibrant academic and social community

Module Trimester Credits



Stage 1 Options - A)3 of:

Philosophy Option Group

PHIL41280 Feminist & Gender Theory Autumn 10

PHIL41810 Critique, Destruction & Deconstruction Autumn 10

PHIL41840 Invention of the Modern Self Autumn 10

PHIL41890 Authenticity and Implicit Attitudes Autumn 10

PHIL40250 Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception Spring 10

PHIL41320 Topics in Continental Philos Spring 10

PHIL41330 Philosophy of Time Spring 10

PHIL41880 Reading Nietzsche Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B)2 of:

Social Sciences Option Group

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn 10

POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn 10

POL41020 Politics of Human Rights Autumn 10

POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies Autumn 10

POL40100 Politics of Development Spring 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Spring 10

POL40160 Comparative Public Policy Spring 10

POL40370 International Political Economy Spring 10

POL40540 Comparative European Politics Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - C)1 of:

Theory Option Group

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

POL40050 Theories of International Relations Autumn 10

SLL40230 Introduction to Cultural Theory Autumn 10

EQUL40070 Human Rights Law and Equality Spring 10

POL40140 Theories of Global Justice Spring 10

POL41030 Theory of Human Rights Spring 10

Applicants need at least four philosophy courses as part of an undergraduate degree (to be confirmed by a transcript); an overall mark of B- (60%) in your undergraduate degree (to be confirmed by a transcript); two academic letters of reference and a sample of philosophical writing, such as an undergraduate essay.



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.

60

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

GradDip Philosophy & Public Affairs (W307) Full Time

EU fee per year - € 5855

nonEU fee per year - € 13270


GradDip Philosophy & Public Affairs (W308) Part Time

EU fee per year - € 3775

nonEU fee per year - € 6635


***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website.

Commencing September 2025

Careers & Employability

It is very difficult to generalise about the career paths of our MA graduates. A small number continue into PhD programmes both at UCD and abroad. Others have gone into journalism, the civil service, secondary school teaching, NGOs, think tanks and the corporate world.