Graduate Diploma of Philosophy

Do you have a bachelor’s degree in another subject area but want to explore some of the big questions? If you wish to study philosophy due to personal interest or professional ambition, you will find this one-year Graduate Diploma of Philosophy at The University of Notre Dame Australia immensely rewarding. The program consists of eight postgraduate courses, where you can choose from subjects including Natural Law, Metaphysics, Moral Philosophy and Epistemology. In addition to a grounding in Western philosophical thought, you will develop the capacity to think critically and creatively at an advanced level – these are skills in great demand in the workplace. Start your learning journey today.

Why study this degree?

• The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Graduate Diploma of Philosophy has been designed to facilitate skills associated with studying philosophy and provide a firm foundation for independent research. With an array of choices on offer, you can tailor this degree in alignment with your needs and interests in the discipline of philosophy.
• Over the course of your studies, you will explore the foundations of philosophy within the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, emphasising the need to consider arguments from every point of view. Guided through a combination of the best ideas and problems that philosophy offers and teaching methods that emphasise the unity of experience, reason, and reasonable discourse, you will practise what it means to lead an examined life.
• It is widely accepted that studying philosophy promotes a high level of critical thinking. As a result, employers hold our graduates in high demand. Philosophy graduates have the knowledge and skills needed in careers that require rational, well-educated problem solvers. While many of our graduates will go on to teach, others might find themselves working in journalism, politics, medicine or private enterprise.

Learning outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Philosophy:
• Articulate an advanced body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in the discipline of philosophy as a basis for independent lifelong learning
• Critically analyse, consolidate, and synthesise knowledge
• Demonstrate advanced technical skills to a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in philosophy
• Exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
• Communicate and present a clear, coherent, and independent exposition of philosophical knowledge and concepts; and
• Apply philosophical reflection, knowledge, and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed theoretical and practical judgement, and ethical responsibility.

Career opportunities

• A Graduate Diploma of Philosophy will open up careers in teaching, working in journalism, politics, medicine or private enterprise.

Real-world experience

• You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.