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Philosophy (PLS1)

Undergraduate (Level 8 NFQ, Credits 180)
Academic Year 2024/2025
Study Abroad
Duration:
3 Year(s)
Next Intake:
2024/2025 September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.

Curricular information is subject to change.

Are you interested in thinking for yourself? Do you like problem solving? Do you want to tackle some of the most challenging questions that have fascinated thinkers for centuries, such as:

  • How can we know anything?
  • Do we have free will?
  • What is consciousness?
  • How should we live?
  • Does God exist?Maths, sciences, literature or history are all equally good preparation for studying Philosophy. The main requirement is a capacity for clear thinking and methodical argument.
  • About this Course

    You will be introduced to a wide spectrum of philosophical approaches, from ancient thought through to existentialism and conceptual analysis.
    Students attend lectures and tutorials and undertake independent study. They are also encouraged to attend public lectures by eminent philosophers and other formal and informal academic events organised by the School of Philosophy. If you are pursuing the single subject degree you will also undertake at least one major research project.

    Assessment is through a combination of end-of-trimester written examinations, class tests and continuous assessment.

    Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

    Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

    Module ID Module Title Trimester Credits
    Stage 1 Options
         
    PHIL10160 Critical Thinking Autumn

    5

    PHIL10040 Introduction to Ethics Autumn and Spring (separate)

    5

    PHIL10020 Introduction to the Problems of Philosophy Spring

    5

    PHIL10030 Introduction to Modern Philosophy Spring

    5

    PHIL10070 The First Philosophers Spring

    5

    PHIL10100 Existentialism and Humanism: An Introduction to Continental Philosophy Spring

    5

    PHIL10110 Introduction to Eastern Philosophy

    5

    Stage 1 Options
         
    Stage 2 Options
         
    PHIL20010 Rationalism and Empiricism Autumn

    5

    PHIL20440 Feminism & Gender Justice Autumn

    5

    PHIL20490 Knowledge & Scepticism Autumn

    5

    PHIL20500 Phenomenology & Existentialism Autumn

    5

    PHIL20630 Art and Society Autumn

    5

    PHIL20020 Logic Spring

    5

    PHIL20240 Applied Ethics Spring

    5

    PHIL20570 Philosophy & Literature Spring

    5

    PHIL20580 Plato's Republic Spring

    5

    PHIL20640 Philosophy of Mind Spring

    5

    PHIL20710 Body, Mind, World Spring

    5

    Stage 2 Options
         
    Stage 3 Options
         
    PHIL30260 Philosophy of Law Autumn

    5

    PHIL30280 Philosophy of Interpretation Autumn

    5

    PHIL30590 Aristotle: Ethics & Politics Autumn

    5

    PHIL30900 Personal Identity Autumn

    5

    PHIL30920 Training as a Philosophy Researcher Part 1 Autumn

    5

    PHIL30070 Philosophy of Language Spring

    5

    PHIL30650 History & Philosophy: Nazi Germany Spring

    5

    PHIL30870 Philosophy of Fiction Spring

    5

    PHIL30880 Applied Epistemology Spring

    5

    PHIL30890 Wittgenstein's Philosophical Investigations Spring

    5

    PHIL30910 Irish Enlightenment Spring

    5

    PHIL30930 Training as a Philosophy Researcher Part 2 Spring

    5

    PHIL30520 Philosophy of Religion

    5

    PHIL30670 Practical Philosophy: Work Experience

    5

    You may apply to study abroad for either a trimester or a year through the Erasmus programme or on a non-EU exchange.

    UCD has over 200 Erasmus partners in Europe and an increasing number of non-EU exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and elsewhere. Please visit the Erasmus section by clicking on the International Office link at the top of this page.

    The year abroad takes place when you have accumulated at least 110 credits and satisfied any subject prerequisites, adding a fourth year to the BA programme and turning it into a BA International.

    Careers that involve problem-solving abilities, imagination and the communication of complex ideas in a clear and coherent form will welcome Philosophy graduates. Our graduates have established careers including:

  • Media
  • Law
  • IT
  • Management
  • Advertising
  • Politics
  • Civil and diplomatic services
  • Education
  • Humanitarian NGOs

    Students may continue to graduate study at MA and PhD level in universities in Ireland and abroad, from Paris to Oxford to Harvard.
  • The following advice is for Non-EU applicants. For Irish/EU/UK students, please apply via MyUCD.

    The following entry route(s) are available:
     

    Applications are not open for this Course

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    Philosophy (PLS1)

    Undergraduate (Level 8 NFQ, Credits 180)