Professional Programmes - Full Time |
2 Years |
| Fees and Funding | |
Application Deadline: |
31st August 2025
For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered). |
|
31st August 2025
For non EU |
|
Course Start Date: |
September 2025 |
| Get info | Apply now |
Introduction
In the tradition of St Patrick's Pontifical University, Philosophy has always has always been highly regarded in its own right, as well as being an important preparation for studying other disciplines.
Description
The Diploma in Philosophy and the Higher Diploma in Philosophy have been designed by the Pontifical University to provide a rich introduction to the field and history of philosophy, while also introducing students into the kind of critical thinking that is beneficial for other disciplines.
Diploma in Philosophy is a full time Level 7 award
The Higher Diploma in Philosophy is a full time Level 8 award aimed at those who currently possess a third level qualification.
The Faculty of Philosophy at SPPU offers a suite of modules designed to cover all aspects of philosophical life.
There are modules which are offered annually primarily to first year students, with the exception of the academic and personal reflection offered exclusively to second year students.
There are then modules which are offered cyclically. The modules in Cycle A are offered in an even numbered year (e.g. 2020/21 is in Cycle A). The modules offered in Cycle B are offered in an odd numbered year (e.g. 2021/22 is in Cycle B).
See Course Structure for an overview of our modules.
Upon completion of the Diploma/Higher Diploma students may apply for the Bacclaureate in Philosophy.
Career Outcomes
On completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
Knowledge (Breadth, Kind)
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the main branches of philosophy and its history 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the primary and secondary sources, and the influence of one branch of philosophy on another.
Skills (Know-How, Range, Selectivity, Context)
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of philosophical analysis.
2. Evaluate theoretical and historical work in order to formulate judgements in various philosophical domains.
Competence (Role, Learning to Learn, Insight)
1. Demonstrate an ability to work independently on philosophical reading, analysis, and writing.
2. Demonstrate an ability to engage critically with others on a philosophically contentious issue.
3. Exercise personal responsibility in adapting knowledge and skills acquired to address novel questions and problems in varying contexts.
Course Structure
Diploma in Philosophy: Module codes beginning PY07... Higher Diploma in Philosophy: Module codes beginning PY08...
Application Requirements
Diploma in Philosophy (Code - MU102)
1. In order to register for courses leading to the Degree of Diploma in Philosophy, a student must have obtained a pass grade in five subjects of the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent: three of these must be academic subjects in the Maynooth University matriculation syllabus.
2. Students who do not qualify under 1 (a) may be considered for admission by the Faculty: (a) if they are of mature age, i.e. if they have reached the age of 23 on or before 1st January of the year of entry into the programme;
or
(b) if they present a transcript of particular merit from an appropriate institute of Third Level education, containing full details regarding subjects studied, approximate number of lectures, and level of achievement in each subject.
Higher Diploma in Philosophy (Code - MU103)
1. In order to register for courses leading to the Degree of Higher Diploma in Philosophy, a student must have a third-level qualification in any subject or combination of subjects at ordinary or honours bachelor level.
2. Students who do not qualify under 1 (a) may be considered for admission by the Faculty: (a) if they are of mature age, i.e. if they have reached the age of 23 on or before 1st January of the year of entry into the programme;
or
(b) if they present a transcript of particular merit from an appropriate institute of Third Level education, containing full details regarding subjects studied, approximate number of lectures, and level of achievement in each subject.
If you live outside Ireland, check out our dedicated area for international students.
Let’s talk
For Undergraduate queries: email admissions@spcm.ie.
For Postgraduate queries: email pgadmissions@spcm.ie.
For The Centre for Mission & Ministries queries, email: cmmadmissions@spcm.ie.