Philosophy - Licentiate in Philosophy
The Licentiate in Philosophy (LPhil) is a full-time Level 9 Award. It is a specialised licentiate in the systematic study of Philosophy.
| Award Name | Degree - Masters |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Pontifical University Maynooth |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Masters | Pontifical University Maynooth |
Duration
2 years full-time.
Entry Requirements
Applicants whose mother-tongue is not English should provide evidence of possessing the necessary level of English, both written and spoken. The requirements correspond to the standards demanded by Maynooth University.
Applicants should provide certificates to establish that they have received a Baccalaureate or Bachelor's degree in Philosophy institution. Students who have done their philosophical studies in a civil Faculty of Philosophy can only be admitted if their preparation meets the requirements for an Ecclesiastical Faculty of Philosophy. Where a deficiency exists, certain modules must be taken to satisfy the ecclesiastical undergraduate requirement.
Applicants must normally have been awarded at least an upper second or equivalent in their Bachelor's degree in Philosopy
Applicants should provide a letter of recommendation showing evidence of their character and integrity. In the case of seminarians or priests, this letter should be provided by their Ordinary or College Rector; in the case of religious or consecrated persons, this should be provided by their Superior or Study Director; in the case of lay students, this should be provided by an ecclesiastical person who knows the candidate well.
Applicants should provide a personal statement accompanying their application, in which they provide reasons for applying to study for a Licentiate, the prior preparation (undergraduate study) and skills (e.g. knowledge of philosophy, organizational and critical thinking abilities, etc.) they possess, and the goals they have, including both short-terms aims for the programme, and long-term goals for their work after the proposed degree.
Applicants should undergo an interview with two members of staff, which will normally be based on the personal statement they have submitted as well as upon their academic history.
Applicants should provide evidence that they have a funding plan for their studies
Careers / Further progression
The LPhil degree is an important postgraduate degree in its own right as well as being a stepping stone towards a doctoral degree. In itself the LPhil is suggested for lay, clergy, and religious to further philosophical expertise for service in official capacities in religious communities and dioceses, and for teaching in higher education, diocesan schools and seminaries. As a stepping stone to a doctoral degree, the LPhil, much like a masters degree, functions as a prerequisite for application to doctoral programmes. Not only that, the LPhil introduces the student to postgraduate research and thus provides a valuable entryway into doctoral research.
Further information
Course Start Date: September 2024
Application Deadline: 02nd August 2024
For EU & those living on the island of Ireland (Late applications may be considered).
31st May 2024 For non EU
Applications are now being accepted on www.pac.ie (Code - MU522)
If you have any queries please contact admissions@spcm.ie.
PLEASE NOTE: Application forms must be completed in full, and all documentation must be provided BEFORE an application can be considered. Applicants will not be called for interview if an application is incomplete.
In order to be admitted to the Licenciate in Philosophy (LPhil) a candidate shall have followed, and taken the examinations in, the required postgraduate courses over two years and submitted a dissertation that demonstrates ability for scientific study in philosophy.
Candidates must complete at least nine graduate Modules, and a minor dissertation, the topic of which must be first approved by the director and reader of the dissertation. Modules are chosen from the suite of modules available at the appropriate level (Level 9/10) through the Faculties of Philosophy and Theology at the Pontifical University, and the Department of Philosophy, Maynooth University. The Programme of Study must be arranged in consultation with the Dean of Philosophy.
Successful candidates for the MA (Mode 2) examination in the Faculty of Philosophy, Maynooth University, may also be admitted to the Licentiate. They are required in addition to present a Minor Thesis, on a separate topic from the MA thesis but of comparable length. The thesis should focus on an area of Christian philosophy. Prospective candidates should contact the Philosophy Office by the end of January of their degree year.
Programme of Study
Candidates are required to follow, and take examinations in, the required postgraduate courses over two years and submit a dissertation that demonstrates an ability for systematic study in philosophy. Candidates must complete at least nine graduate Modules, and a minor dissertation, the topic of which must be first approved by the director and reader of the dissertation. Modules are chosen from the suite of modules available at the appropriate level (Level 9/10) through the Faculties of Philosophy and Theology at the Pontifical University, and the Department of Philosophy, Maynooth University. The Programme of Study must be arranged in consultation with the Dean of Philosophy.
Below are a list of postgraduate modules offered by the Faculty of Philosophy at St Patrick's
PY401 Philosophical Themes in Ancient and Medieval Thought: Metaphysics, Epistemology, Ethics
PY402 Perspectives on Selfhood
PY403 Mind and World
PY404 Philosophy, Science, Nature
PY405 Creation And Desire
PY406 Texts in Modern Philosophy
PY407 Themes from the Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas
Non-EU students should contact pgadmissions@spcm.ie for guidance on their application.
For Postgraduate queries: email pgadmissions@spcm.ie.