Program Overview

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If you do not have the appropriate undergraduate preparation to embark directly on our MA Philosophy course, this nine-month Graduate Diploma in Philosophy is right for you. It constitutes a qualifying degree for the MA Philosophy. You can choose from our existing list of modules taught by our enthusiastic, friendly and expert academics – such as modules on ethics, phenomenology and existentialism, feminism, philosophy of religion or contemporary political philosophy. At the end, you will be able to complete a capstone module, putting you into an excellent position for further study in Philosophy. At Essex, you have the freedom to study what most interests you. Our Graduate Diploma consists of eight modules at 3rd-year undergraduate level (up to two of these can be at 2nd-year level). You must complete the appropriate coursework and examinations and can also write a project on a topic of your choice if this is agreed with your course director. Regardless of the topics you pursue, we are committed to research-based teaching, with a particular emphasis on bringing the approaches of philosophy into contact with other disciplines and discourses. We are 7th in the UK for research impact in philosophy (Grade Point Average, REF2021). Why we're great.

• We are world-renowned for our combination of Continental and Anglo-American philosophy
• Tailor your course to focus on continental philosophy, critical social theory, psychoanalysis, or art history
• We are 7th in the UK for research impact in philosophy (Grade Point Average, REF2021)

Our expert staff

Our courses are taught by world-class academics and we are 7th in the UK for research impact in philosophy (Grade Point Average, REF2021). Our open-minded and enthusiastic staff are known for our unique combination of Anglo-American and European philosophy, and as a leading centre for critical theory, phenomenology, German idealism and medical humanities. Some recent projects and publications include:

• Timo Jütten’s major new Leverhulme-funded research project, Competition and Competitiveness
• Irene ene McMullin’s Existential Flourishing: A Phenomenology of the Virtues (Cambridge, 2018)
• Steve Gormley’s Deliberative Theory and Deconstruction: A Democratic Venture (Edinburgh, 2020)

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Specialist facilities

• Attend our Critical Theory Colloquium
• Attend the Werkstatt , where recent work on phenomenology is presented
• An exciting programme of research seminars, reading groups and mini-courses that help you expand your philosophical knowledge beyond what you learn on your course
• Access a variety of philosophy textbooks and journals in the Albert Sloman Library and in our departmental library

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Your future

Successful completion of this diploma acts as a qualifying degree for our MA Philosophy. Our graduates have gone into careers in law, the media, local administration, HM Revenue and Customs, and top jobs in the Civil Service. We work with the university’s Careers Services to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.