Why is this course for me?
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:
Science, literature or history are all equally good preparation for studying Philosophy. The main requirement is a capacity for clear thinking, honesty and discussion.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Corporate head-hunters often target Philosophy graduates for their rigorous analysis of real-world problems and their clear, coherent communication of complex ideas and concepts, and a capacity for detailed research. Philosophy graduates are employed in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors in business and management, marketing and advertising, media and broadcasting, public relations, education and human resources.
Many Philosophy graduates continue with further study of their discipline or proceed directly to Master’s degrees in social sciences, law, or business. Our graduates have studied at MA and PhD level in internationally renowned universities from Oxford to Paris-Sorbonne to Harvard. UCD philosophy graduates have established prominent careers in Ireland and internationally as barristers, public policy analysts, human rights activists, journalists and academics.
What Will I Study
Philosophy is essentially about dialogue and discussion, about giving reasons and examples, about counter-arguments and counter-examples. We read the work of great philosophers, but we also challenge their arguments and conclusions. Although all the modules are based on lectures, many of these are highly interactive. In addition, philosophy is rare in the university for offering small-group tutorials for all of its modules.
First Year
You will be introduced to a wide spectrum of philosophical approaches, from historical to contemporary, from ethics to critical thinking, from existentialism to philosophy of science. As Social Sciences students you will also take the core module, ‘Societal Challenges in the 21st Century’.
Second Year
Modules include:
Third Year & Fourth Year
The third year provides the opportunity for students to apply to study abroad or undertake an internship. Students can choose from a wide range of modules, including:
Students can switch into a Single Major in Philosophy at the end of their second year. In doing so they will graduate with a BA Philosophy at the end of their degree.
International Study Opportunities
Destinations include: France, Germany, Belgium, US and Italy. Students studying Philosophy with Chinese will study abroad for their third year.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
Belfield Campus
Belfield,
Belfield,
Dublin,
D04 V1W8, Leinster, Republic of Ireland
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
UCD College of Arts and Humanities
BELFIELD,
Dublin,
Republic of Ireland
Students must have completed their secondary level/high school studies or have never studied at university before are eligible to apply bachelor’s degree at UCD. Requirements vary from country to country.
There are minimum entry requirements that all applicants, applying based on school leaving results, must meet.
IELTS - An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version;
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section;
English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English), Acceptable Examinations:
Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2)
First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1)
Pearson English Language Text: Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
Duolingo English Test (DET) - The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland, and is the destination of choice for over 10,400 international students.
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