Graduate Diploma Philosophy

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).