Graduate Diploma Philosophy

The Graduate Diploma in Philosophy is a nine-month full-time course designed for students who do not have the appropriate undergraduate preparation to embark directly on the MA Philosophy course. This diploma constitutes a qualifying degree for the MA Philosophy.

Overview

• Course: Philosophy
• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Full-time
• Duration: 9 months
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies

The course allows students to choose from existing modules taught by enthusiastic, friendly, and expert academics, including modules on ethics, phenomenology, existentialism, feminism, philosophy of religion, or contemporary political philosophy. At the end of the course, students can complete a capstone module, putting them in an excellent position for further study in Philosophy.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree, or international equivalent, in any discipline.

International & EU Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

English Language Requirements

• If English is not your first language, we require IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.
• If you do not meet our IELTS requirements, you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Structure

Course Structure

Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field. The course consists of eight modules at 3rd-year undergraduate level (up to two of these can be at 2nd-year level).

Components and Modules

• Components are the blocks of study that make up your course.
• Modules are the individual units of study for your course.
• Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.

Teaching

• Postgraduate students in the School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies usually attend a one-hour lecture and one-hour seminar for each module each week or workshops.
• We run a number of mini-courses, seminars, and conferences.

Assessment

• Assessment is normally on the basis of coursework and your capstone project.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• Ł7,277

International Fee

• Ł15,758

Scholarships and Financial Support

There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.

What's Next

Open Days

We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex.

Applying

You can apply for this postgraduate course online. Before you apply, please check our information about necessary documents that we'll ask you to provide as part of your application.

Visit Colchester Campus

Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.

Related Courses

• MA Philosophy
  • Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
  • Location: Colchester Campus

University of Essex

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Overview:

The University of Essex is a public research university located in Colchester, Essex, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of social sciences, humanities, and law. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and apprenticeships.

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Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

Guaranteed, affordable accommodation for new undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Student Support:

A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.

Careers and Employability:

The university offers resources and programs to help students develop their career skills and find employment.

Essex Sport:

A wide range of sports facilities and activities are available to students, including fitness classes, performance sport, and scholarships.

Faith:

The university provides support for students of all faiths.

Cost of Living Support:

The university offers financial assistance to students who are struggling with the cost of living.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Essex can expect a vibrant and diverse campus experience. The university has a strong sense of community, with a variety of clubs, societies, and events to get involved in. The university also has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

The university is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.

Excellent Research:

The university is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on innovation and impact.

Diverse and Inclusive Community:

The university is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Excellent Student Support:

The university provides a wide range of support services to help students succeed.

Beautiful Campus:

The university has a beautiful campus, with green spaces, lakes, and modern facilities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Essex offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, business, and science.

Postgraduate Programs:

The university offers a wide range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional qualifications.

Short Courses and CPD:

The university offers a variety of short courses and continuing professional development programs.

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Other:

The university has three campuses: Colchester, Southend, and Loughton. The Colchester campus is the main campus and is located in a beautiful parkland setting. The Southend campus is located on the seafront and offers a more urban experience. The Loughton campus is home to the university's drama school, East 15 Acting School.

The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Research in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management (REIMI) and the Human Rights Centre.