Program Overview
The Grad Dip in Philosophy and Public Affairs combines philosophy and social science to provide critical thinking skills and an understanding of public policy debates. The program emphasizes pluralism, collegiality, and engagement with philosophical questions, fostering a unique learning environment. Students develop skills in critical reflection, philosophical debates, essay writing, and paper presentations, preparing them for careers in journalism, civil service, NGOs, and academia.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Grad Dip in Philosophy and Public Affairs is a graduate-level program designed for individuals interested in public policy debates and related fields. It aims to provide a unique combination of philosophy and social science, fostering critical thinking skills and a nuanced understanding of debate and disagreement.
Key Objectives:
- Deepen knowledge of core philosophical areas and their application to public affairs.
- Provide a pathway to the associated MA program.
- Integrate social and political theory with philosophical implications.
- Encourage critical philosophical thinking and reflection on current debates and the history of philosophical thought.
- Foster a learning environment that promotes collegiality, pluralism, and critical engagement with philosophical questions.
- Benefit from world-leading figures in philosophy through invited seminars and conferences.
- Develop skills in philosophical debates, critical reflections, essays, and paper presentations.
Outline:
Program Structure:
- The program requires students to take a "flagship" module, "The Good Society," taught by a philosopher and a social scientist.
- Students must also choose two modules from the following:
- "Law, Liberty and the State"
- "Critical Theory"
- "Religion and Society"
- The remaining three modules can be selected from a list of approved modules in other social science schools.
- Full-time students are recommended to take three modules per semester, but this is flexible.
- The program culminates in a dissertation worth 30 credits, to be completed by the end of August.
Module Descriptions:
- "The Good Society": This module explores foundational questions of public policy, delivered in collaboration with the Schools of Social Policy and Social Justice, Sociology, Politics, and International Relations.
- "Law, Liberty and the State": This module examines the relationship between law, liberty, and the state, exploring philosophical perspectives on these concepts.
- "Critical Theory": This module delves into critical theory, analyzing its origins, key thinkers, and applications to contemporary issues.
- "Religion and Society": This module investigates the intersection of religion and society, exploring philosophical and sociological perspectives on their relationship.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Philosophical debates
- Critical reflections
- Essays
- Paper presentations However, it is likely that assessments will be evaluated based on:
- Depth of understanding of philosophical concepts and theories
- Critical thinking skills
- Ability to construct and defend philosophical arguments
- Clarity and coherence of writing
- Research skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Small group seminars
- Participation in conferences and workshops
- Philosophical debates
- Critical reflections
- Essay writing
- Paper presentations
Faculty:
- The program benefits from the expertise of world-leading figures in philosophy, who deliver invited seminars and conferences throughout the year.
Unique Approaches:
- The program emphasizes a unique combination of philosophy and social science, fostering a nuanced understanding of public policy debates.
- The program encourages a pluralistic approach to philosophical inquiry, fostering a diverse and engaging learning environment.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Journalism
- Civil service
- Public policy research institutes
- Secondary school teaching
- NGOs
- Think tanks
- Corporate world
Opportunities:
- The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in academia or other fields requiring critical thinking and analytical skills.
Outcomes:
- The program aims to equip students with a deep understanding of philosophical concepts and their application to public affairs, enabling them to contribute to public policy debates and related fields.
Other:
- The program is delivered face-to-face.
- The next intake is in September 2024/2025.
GradDip Philosophy & Public Affairs (W307) Full Time EU fee per year - € 6710 nonEU fee per year - € 15070 GradDip Philosophy & Public Affairs (W308) Part Time EU fee per year - € 4340 nonEU fee per year - € 7540
