Philosophy,GDip

The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy enables you to pursue your ambition to study philosophy, be it to progress to an MA or to feed a desire to understand more about the study of knowledge and existence, and the contribution it has made to society for millennia.

The course is offered over nine months full-time or 18 months part-time and does not require any formal background in philosophy as an academic discipline. You will select four optional modules, ranging in content from ethics and values to the history and theory of medicine, and from ancient philosophies to 20th century European philosophy. You will also be required to produce a dissertation.

As a GDip student you will benefit from the wealth of activities in the Department, including joining EIDOS, the postgraduate philosophy society, weekly research seminars and reading groups, and occasional conferences, workshops and Royal Institute of Philosophy lectures.

We not only pride ourselves on our reputation for excellence in research and teaching but also in being able to offer a vibrant and supportive place of learning for our student community. We are at the forefront of teaching and research in philosophy and how it may be applied to major issues that we face throughout the world.

Our intention for you as a GDip student is to develop the skills and knowledge that will enable you to make a positive contribution in global debates and policy that informs the lives that we all lead.

This GDip conversion course provides a bridge to higher level study in philosophy for students who do not have formal training in the subject.

You will be usually be expected to have at least a 2:1 (or international equivalent) undergraduate degree in any discipline.

However, this is not a strict requirement and decisions are made on a case by case basis. The entry requirements for this course have been designed to encourage applications from as wide a range of interested and able people as possible, including mature students, who may have been away from university for a long time, and international students.

A 500-word personal statement which may include the following:

• Why have you chosen the GDip in Philosophy at Durham University?
• What are your specific philosophical interests and how do they relate to your chosen programme?
• Which specific philosophical texts interest you and why?
• How do your prior qualifications prepare you for your chosen programme? You may wish to highlight essay writing experience or other relevant work.
• What do you hope to get out of the course?

English language requirements

An MA in philosophy at Durham University develops the skills and knowledge needed to carry out research at a higher PhD level or progress to a rewarding professional career position.

A philosophy qualification fosters a creative and innovative approach to challenges and situations that is widely sought after by employers.

Such a degree enhances your intellectual, communication, organisational, interpersonal and research skills, and graduates have found employment in teaching, law, journalism, business and politics, the charity sector and the civil service among other professions.

The University maintains fruitful relationships with our alumni and organise annual events where there is the opportunity to meet them, find out about their career paths and learn from their experiences.