Course summary
The Postgraduate Certificate in Philosophy is a part-time course in philosophy aimed at those with a degree in the arts, humanities and social or natural sciences. Taught over a series of 2-day teaching weekends and supporting one-to-one supervisions, the course explores a range of philosophical topics, from ancient philosophy to existentialism. The first unit examines the origins of our notions of truth and reality by exploring a variety of texts from the ancient world. In the second unit, students will consider how these ideas developed in early modernity as scientific enquiry takes hold. In the third unit, students will grapple with existentialism. Throughout, students will engage in one-to-one supervisions and will be asked to choose one element of the taught content to relate to a contemporary problem in modern life, such as artificial intelligence or post-truth politics. Students may use this course as a progression route to further postgraduate study at university. Prior study in philosophy is helpful but is not essential. This course is for anyone with an interest in philosophy. More specifically, it will appeal to:
- students who have completed Professional and Continuing Education’s Advanced Diploma (level 6) courses, or another level 6 qualification
- students particularly interested in, amongst other things, the history of philosophy, metaphysics, philosophy of language, existentialism and continental philosophy
- anyone wishing to improve their analytic, critical and creative thinking, or anyone wishing to progress to further postgraduate study in philosophy
- provide students with specialist knowledge and understanding of philosophical ideas and concepts at the frontiers of philosophical debate and research
- enable students to acquire and develop the skills necessary to conduct critical analysis and evaluation at the highest levels
- develop the student’s ability to analyse and evaluate different methods for conducting independent and collaborative research
Modules
The Postgraduate Certificate is divided into 3 units which are structured chronologically spanning philosophical thought, ancient to modern. Each of the 3 units is taught via a 2-day teaching block and an individual supervision. Students are expected to attend all of the teaching blocks and their supervisions throughout the year. Unit 1: Topics in Ancient Philosophy: Reason and the Self. Unit 2: Topics in Modern Philosophy: Kant on Reason and Intuition. Unit 3: Topics in Existentialism: Kierkegaard’s Existential Thought. More details about the modules can be found on the PACE course website.
Assessment method
You will be required to submit summative assignments totalling 11,500 to 14,500 words across the course, further details of which will be given in the course guide when available.
How to apply
International applicants
Our courses are taught in English and require a good level of fluency. If English is not your first language, you'll need to prove you have sufficient fluency before admission. If we offer you a place, it will be subject to you meeting this requirement. As a minimum, you will be required to demonstrate an overall score of 7.5 in IELTS Academic with a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component (or equivalent). We welcome applications from international students. If you're coming from overseas, you would attend the in-person teaching sessions for this course with visitor immigration permission. It's important to be aware that entering the UK as a visitor for study purposes comes with certain expectations and restrictions, and you should fully understand the requirements.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from students with a variety of backgrounds and professional experiences. As part of our admissions process, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and make sure you’re able to attend teaching sessions in the UK. Typically, we expect a good UK undergraduate degree, such as a 2.1, or international equivalent in the arts, humanities and social or natural sciences.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5406 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £5406 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £5406 | Whole course |
| Wales | £5406 | Whole course |
| International | £10812 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
There is a £85 application fee.
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN