GDip conversion course in Philosophy

Program Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy at Durham University is a conversion course for individuals without formal training in Philosophy. It provides a strong foundation in philosophical thought through core modules, optional modules, and a dissertation. The program equips graduates with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills for careers in various sectors or further academic study in Philosophy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy at Durham University is a conversion course designed for individuals who lack formal training in Philosophy but wish to pursue this field at a higher level. It provides a strong foundation in philosophical thought and prepares students for further academic study in Philosophy through an MA program.

Outline:

The GDip program is offered over nine months full-time or 18 months part-time. It comprises a core module, a dissertation, and four optional modules. The core module involves a 12,000-word dissertation on a chosen topic supervised by a faculty member. Optional modules cover a diverse range of topics across various philosophical areas, including:

Level 1:

• Ethics and Values
• Knowledge and Reality
• Introduction to Logic
• Reading Philosophy
• History and Theory of Medicine
• Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science

Level 2:

• Philosophy of Mind
• Philosophy of Religion
• Political Philosophy
• Language, Logic and Reality
• Moral Theory
• Theory, Literature and Society
• Biomedical Ethics Past and Present
• Science and Religion
• Modern Philosophy I
• Philosophy of Science
• Philosophy of Economics: Theory, Methods and Values
• Ancient Philosophies West and East

Level 3:

• Modern Philosophy II
• Aesthetics
• Applied Ethics
• Issues in Contemporary Ethics
• Twentieth Century European Philosophy
• Language and Mind
• History of the Body
• Philosophical Issues in Contemporary Science
• Metaphysics
• History and Philosophy of Psychiatry
• Gender, Film and Society
• 20th Century European Philosophy
• History and Philosophy of Psychiatry
• Ethics in Business Practice
• Formal and Philosophical Logic
Students choose four optional modules, with at least two at Level 3 and no more than one at Level 1.

Assessment:

The GDip program uses a combination of assessment methods, including essays, exams, and the dissertation. The specific assessment methods vary depending on the chosen modules. Essays are based on seminar discussions and independent reading, while exams assess knowledge and understanding of specific topics. The dissertation is a significant piece of independent research on a chosen topic, supervised by a faculty member.

Teaching:

The GDip program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Lectures provide an overview of key concepts and theories, while tutorials offer a space for structured dialogue and critical discussion in a supportive environment. Seminars allow for further exploration of specific topics and provide a platform for students to present their own research and ideas. The program also includes individual dissertation supervision, where students receive guidance and support from an expert in their chosen subject area. This ensures that students receive personalized feedback and develop the necessary skills for independent research.

Careers:

A Philosophy GDip from Durham University equips graduates with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills highly valued by employers in various sectors. Graduates have pursued careers in teaching, law, journalism, business, politics, the charity sector, and the civil service. The program also provides a strong foundation for further academic study in Philosophy, with many graduates progressing to successful careers in research or academia.

Other:

The GDip program benefits from the vibrant and supportive learning environment at Durham University. Students have access to various resources, including the EIDOS postgraduate philosophy society, weekly research seminars, reading groups, and occasional conferences, workshops, and Royal Institute of Philosophy lectures. The program also emphasizes the application of philosophical ideas to real-world issues and global debates. The program provides a strong foundation in philosophical thought, fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, and prepares graduates for diverse career paths or further academic study in Philosophy.

Full Time Fees

Tuition fees

Home students £7,000 per year EU students £16,300 per year Island students £7,000 per year International students £16,300 per year The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).