Program Overview
The Grad Dip in Philosophy and Literature explores the intersection of philosophy and literature, offering students an in-depth understanding of both disciplines. It provides training in critical thinking, research, and academic writing, preparing graduates for careers in academia and beyond. The program emphasizes the complementary nature of philosophy and literature, fostering a pluralistic approach to critical inquiry and engagement with contemporary issues.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Grad Dip in Philosophy and Literature is designed for graduates of either philosophy or literature (English and other literatures) to explore the intersection of these disciplines. It offers a unique combination of philosophy and literature, with close attention from dissertation supervisors and a vibrant academic and social community. The program aims to deepen students' knowledge of core areas in philosophy and literature at the graduate level, providing a pathway to the associated MA program. It integrates literary theory and text-based work with the philosophical implications of the area. The School of Philosophy encourages critical philosophical thinking, reflection on current philosophical debates, and contributions to the history of philosophical thought. The program fosters collegiality, a pluralistic approach to philosophy, and critical engagement with philosophical questions. As the largest teaching and research center in philosophy in Ireland, the program benefits from world-leading figures in philosophy who give invited seminars and conferences throughout the year. Small group seminars, conference participation, and workshops are key elements of the program design. Teaching methods include philosophical debates, critical reflections, essays, and paper presentations.
Programme Outcomes:
- Deepened appreciation of the significance and value of ideas in and for internationalisation and globalisation
- Grasp of how to pursue a career in academic life and the acquiring of transferable skills in research and organisation
- Knowledge of how to write research proposals and attain funding from national and international organisations
- Awareness of how to present and defend philosophical papers in seminars, workshops, conferences and other fora.
- Enhanced awareness of how to work with texts, organise a thesis and set out extended philosophical arguments clearly and compellingly.
- Enhanced awareness of the relevance of philosophy to other academic disciplines and to personal, professional and political life.
- Extensive knowledge of library and online sources that facilitate research, including classical and foreign language sources.
- Detailed studies of these complementary disciplines (philosophy and literature) and of literary theory through a programme delivered with the Schools of English and Modern European Languages.
Outline:
Students must 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.
Teaching:
The program uses key approaches to teaching such as philosophical debates, critical reflections, essays and paper presentations. Small group seminars, conference participation, and workshops are key elements of the program design.
Careers:
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, arts management, secondary school teaching, and the corporate world.
GradDip Philosophy & Literature (W305) Full Time EU fee per year - € 6710 nonEU fee per year - € 15070 GradDip Philosophy & Literature (W306) Part Time EU fee per year - € 4340 nonEU fee per year - € 7540
University College Dublin
Overview:
University College Dublin (UCD) is a leading research-intensive university located in Dublin, Ireland. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global engagement. UCD offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCD provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. The university emphasizes the holistic development of its students, offering a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Research Excellence:
UCD is renowned for its strong research output and collaborations with industry partners.Global Partnerships:
The university boasts a vast network of partner institutions worldwide, providing students with opportunities for international study and exchange.Transformational Learning:
UCD focuses on providing a transformative learning experience that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.Other:
UCD is actively involved in promoting sustainability and social responsibility. The university is committed to creating a positive impact on society through its research, teaching, and engagement activities.
Entry Requirements:
- **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.