Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) in Philosophy
University of Otago
Key Information
Campus location
Dunedin, New Zealand
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) in Philosophy
The Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) requires two semesters of full-time study. It entails a structured Program of postgraduate coursework and, in some instances, a piece of supervised research that counts for one or two of the required papers. The normal admission requirement is a completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in the major of the proposed Program.
Graduates are employed in administration, business, education, government, industry and journalism where their advanced knowledge of an academic area, ability to solve problems, research and writing skills are valued. It is also a recognised qualification for admission as a candidate for the Master of Arts (MA) and, if a dissertation is included, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Why study Philosophy?
The skills and knowledge you gain from studying philosophy will make you a better student in other subjects; they will also be invaluable in a wide variety of occupations because philosophy focuses less on what you believe and more on the quality of your reasons for believing it.
By examining the reasons we have for the claims we make, philosophy develops your powers of argument, analysis, and critical reasoning. It will help you to express yourself more clearly and give you the abilities required to address complex and difficult problems.
Philosophy provides a tool kit to critically engage with difficult and important questions. It seems that some actions are right and others are wrong but it is difficult to explain if this is because one produces better outcomes or the other respects humanity. It seems that some scientific claims are almost certainly true, but a crucial element of the success of science is its willingness to revise its claims in light of new evidence. It seems that there is little more to our brains than complex neural networks but how do these networks generate intense feelings?
Discussing these abstract problems develops the philosophical tools necessary to deal with practical problems, such as whether an unpopular theory should be accepted, or to what extent we can appeal to common sense when arguing about a radical claim. In grappling with these issues philosophers seek to build a well-grounded picture of the world and of human life. The key skill for a philosopher is the ability to construct and dissect arguments, so a central part of all philosophy is training in clear and effective reasoning. The core philosophical disciplines focus on the nature of reasoning, knowledge and existence.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Curriculum
- Every Program of study shall consist of approved 400- or 500- level papers worth 120 points in a subject listed in the PGDipArts Schedule or as prescribed for a taught masters degree that the candidate is exiting from.
- With the permission of the Heads of Schools or Programs concerned, a candidate may substitute a paper of another subject for one of the subject-specific papers. When such permission is granted, prerequisite and corequisite requirements laid down in the Prescriptions may be waived.
Subjects for the Diploma
- Anthropology
- Chinese
- Classics (including Classical Studies, Greek and Latin)
- Communication Studies
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Film and Media Studies
- Gender Studies
- Geography
- German
- History
- He Kura Matanui / Indigenous Development
- Information Science
- Japanese
- Linguistics
- Māori Studies
- Mathematics
- Music
- Philosophy
- Philosophy, Politics and Economics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Statistics
- Theatre Studies
Program Outcome
Level of Award of the Diploma
The diploma may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
Diploma in a Second Subject
A student who has obtained the diploma in one subject may become a candidate for the diploma in any other subject.
Program Tuition Fee
Program delivery
Application Details
Applicants should submit their online application form along with the following supporting documents: scanned copies of their previous official academic transcripts (awards gained, marks, grades); a certified copy of the personal details page of their passport or a birth certificate (in English); Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE); and certified/notarised translations of original documents which are not in English. After completion of online application, applicant’s proof of identity document must be posted to: International Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. International student applications for semester 1/summer school study close: Oct-31; Semester 2 study close: Apr-30.