Programme overview

This diploma is for graduates in any subject who would like to obtain a qualification in philosophy or to acquire an informed understanding of the subject. The diploma aims to bring students to a postgraduate level in philosophy in one year.

The Department of Philosophy has a reputation for high-quality research in all aspects of the subject.

The 2017/18 Philosophical Gourmet Report ranks Bristol as one of the top 10 philosophy departments in the UK. In particular, Bristol is ranked as the strongest department in the UK for Mathematical Logic and Philosophy of Biology; the joint strongest for General Philosophy of Science; and the second strongest for Decision, Rational Choice and Game Theory and Philosophy of Mathematics. You will be taught and supervised by members of a friendly and informal department with one-to-one tutorials, seminars and lectures. You will also be assigned a personal tutor who will help you to structure your course of study and choose the topics you wish to research.

You will join our flourishing research culture, getting involved in the three weekly research seminars on a wide range of philosophical issues. There is also a weekly postgraduate seminar, where you may present your own work before your peers, helping you to develop your argumentative strategies in a supportive environment.

Conversion to an MA within the period of registration for the diploma may be considered if you consistently achieve high marks in the programme.

Careers

Most students who undertake this qualification go on to study the subject at master's level.