Overview

The Philosophy and Literature programme at University College Dublin offers an advanced interdisciplinary exploration of the complex relationships between philosophical thought and literary expression. Students examine the status of the text and the world it represents, alongside the intricate connections between authors, readers, and reality. This curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and a pluralistic approach to global academic debates.

Why Philosophy and Literature at University College Dublin?

University College Dublin hosts the largest teaching and research centre for philosophy in Ireland, providing students with access to world-leading figures in the field. The programme benefits from a vibrant academic community where small group seminars and international conferences are central to the learning experience. Students receive close attention from expert dissertation supervisors while engaging with a curriculum delivered in collaboration with the Schools of English and Modern European Languages.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: EUR 22600 per year
European fee: EUR 10350 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates literary theory with philosophical inquiry, allowing students to specialise in areas of overlap between the two disciplines. Modules may include:

Philosophy & Literature
Dissertation
Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology of Perception
Philosophy of Mind and Cognition
Feminist & Gender Theory
Ethics in Public Life
Philosophy of Religion
The Good Society
Metaphysics

Careers with Philosophy and Literature

Graduates are equipped with transferable skills in research, organisation, and the construction of complex arguments, making them suitable for roles in the cultural sector and academia. Alumni from the School of Philosophy have established successful careers as journalists, broadcasters, playwrights, and human-rights activists. The programme also provides a robust foundation for those intending to pursue doctoral research in Ireland or abroad.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Newman - a philosophical perspective

Themes in American Philosophy

Feminism & Gender Theory

Heidegger from Dasein to the Kehre

Concepts of Modernity

Theory of Gender & Sexuality

Translation Theory.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

UCD operates a rolling admissions policy for Graduate Taught Courses, with decisions being taken as soon as possible after receipt of completed applications.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

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PTE Academic

65

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OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

90 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dublin, Ireland

Disciplines

Philosophy Literature View 12 other Masters in Philosophy in Ireland

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

65

Schedule a PTE test!

OTE

140

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must present an undergraduate degree in either Philosophy or a Literature. If the undergraduate degree is in literature, you should have at least two courses in literary theory, each with a grade of at least B- (60%). An overall grade of B- (60%) in your undergraduate degree (to be confirmed by a transcript); two academic letters of reference; a sample of philosophical or literary-theoretical writing, such as an undergraduate essay.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Dublin and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22600 EUR / year

≈ 22600 EUR / year
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

10350 EUR / year

≈ 10350 EUR / year

Additional Details

The displayed fees are for 2024. Fees for 2025 will be updated soon.

Living costs

Dublin

Ireland

1100 - 1800 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Philosophy and Literature.

Available Scholarships

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Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Dublin

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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