Philosophy Graduate Diploma

Durham University

Course Summary

The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy is a nine month conversion course (18 months part-time), designed for those who already have a degree and wish to pursue an interest in philosophy. No formal training in philosophy is required. The course provides an ideal learning environment if you are interested in progressing to an MA in Philosophy, or simply want the opportunity to learn about philosophy.

Course Learning and Teaching

You will receive an average of eight timetabled contact hours per week. The contact hours come in the form of lectures, tutorials and seminars, depending on the four modules chosen by you. In addition, you are offered six hours of one-to-one dissertation supervision with an expert in your chosen research area.

Philosophical development involves not only familiarising yourself with a body of knowledge but also acquiring skills in critical reasoning and argumentation. In addition to introducing you to key works in philosophy, the course offers many opportunities for dialogical interaction. Lecture sessions include time for questions, tutorials consist mainly of structured, critical dialogue in a supportive environment, and seminars provide opportunities for extended discussion. Dissertation supervision meetings give guidance on suitable reading, critical discussion of relevant sources, detailed advice on how to write a 12,000 word piece of research, and intensive critical engagement with your philosophical position and argument.

Timetabled contact is only a part of the learning process; its aim is to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the relevant literature yourself and to pursue independent learning. Lectures and accompanying documents contextualise material and introduce you to topics, positions and debates. At least four hours of additional study per week are recommended for each lecture or seminar, which includes reading and the completion of assignments. Having completed the reading, you will engage in discussion in seminars or return to lecture topics in small group tutorials. These will help you to refine your understanding of the material and to develop the reasoning skills needed to formulate, present, defend and criticise philosophical positions.

You can also benefit from a range of other activities in the department, including the department’s postgraduate philosophy society (EIDOS), weekly research seminars and reading groups, and occasional conferences, workshops and Royal Institute of Philosophy lectures. The programme director remains in contact with you throughout the year and is always available to discuss any issues that might arise, whether personal or academic.