Module PHIL3151: Graduate Diploma Essay

Department: Philosophy

PHIL3151: Graduate Diploma Essay

Tied To

• V5K022: Philosophy (see Postgraduate Handbook 2026-2027 for details)

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• The aim of the Diploma essay is to enable students to master a particular philosophical issue on an approved subject area to an appropriate depth, bringing together and demonstrating the knowledge and skills gained through participation in the Taught Postgraduate (TPG) Seminars , the self-directed seminars, and undergraduate lectures and tutorials.

Content

• The content of the module will be determined by student choice from the range of philosophical areas and issues studied for other modules. The choice of topic will be approved by the Programme Director.

Learning Outcomes

• When students have completed this module, they should know about a particular philosophical issue in depth, they should understand how relevant literature bears on the issue.

• Students should be able to present their findings on the topic to a self-directed work-in-progress seminar and to the main Taught Postgraduate Seminar.
• Students should be able to learn from the comments of their peers and their tutor, and this learning should be reflected in their ability to write a properly presented 3,00 word essay, with an abstract and suitable bibliography, on the issue.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The TPG seminars will assist students in selecting a suitable topic. The work-in-progress seminars will assist students in acquiring the skill of presenting their and others' ideas and arguments intelligently, and in responding appropriately to comment and criticism.
• Learning through independent research will contribute to the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the issues, as well as the ability to present, discuss and write about it at the required level.
• Assessment by a 3,000 words essay will contribute to the acquisition of the skill of writing up a piece of research in the light of discussion at a presentation. It will also contribute to the skill of submitting polished work to demanding deadlines within a strict word-limit. These skills are vital for further study and in the world of work.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

None.