Is the Advanced Diploma in Philosophy analytic or continental?

Predominantly analytic in method, with serious engagement with continental texts where they bear on the question. The reading list covers both traditions and the seminar approach is methodologically pluralist.

Do I need a philosophy background to enrol in the Advanced Diploma in Philosophy?

Some prior humanities or social-science study helps, but the entry route is open to mature applicants with relevant work experience. The essay sample lets us match you to a tutor and set a reading list at the right pace.

Does the Advanced Diploma in Philosophy include applied ethics?

Yes. A dedicated applied module covers research ethics, journalism ethics, public-sector decision-making, technology ethics and biomedical ethics. The applied work is grounded in the same analytic frameworks taught earlier in the course.

Can I study the Advanced Diploma in Philosophy online?

Yes. Weekly online seminars run with the same set texts as on-campus students. Distance-learning students follow the reading list and complete written tasks within structured deadlines, joining live sessions where their schedule allows.

Will the Advanced Diploma in Philosophy prepare me for a BA top-up year?

Yes. The Advanced Diploma in Philosophy is mapped to the final-year entry requirements of a UK BA in Philosophy at LSJHML and partner universities. The long-form paper is designed as both a credential and a strong sample for any onward application.

Advanced Diploma in Philosophy | LSJHML London | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Advanced Diploma in Philosophy at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a twelve-to-fifteen-month UK qualification for students and professionals who want serious philosophical training without committing to a full undergraduate degree first. You will read the central texts in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics and political philosophy, and learn to map and assess an argument with the precision the subject demands.

This Advanced Diploma is built for the kind of person who finds themselves reading the footnotes. By the end of the Advanced Diploma in Philosophy you can read a primary text closely, reconstruct an argument fairly, identify where it succeeds and where it fails, and write a philosophical paper that a working philosopher would take seriously.

Key Features

Long-form paper project — a 6,000-word philosophical paper with tutor supervision and a defended viva at year end.
Argument-mapping clinics on primary texts from analytic and continental traditions.
Applied philosophy module — ethics in journalism, public-sector decision-making, business, technology and biomedical contexts.
Three study modes — on-campus in central London, fully online with cohort seminars, or distance learning with structured deadlines.
Industry-led masterclasses from academic philosophers, ethics advisers, policy researchers and compliance professionals.
Credit transfer into the final year of a UK Bachelor's degree at LSJHML or a partner university.

What You Will Learn

The Advanced Diploma in Philosophy is structured around the disciplinary skills a serious philosophy student needs — close reading, argument analysis, principled disagreement, and writing that lets the argument do the work. You leave able to read a paper for what it actually says, write a piece that defends its own claims, and apply philosophical method to a non-philosophical problem.

Epistemology — knowledge, justification, scepticism, the social epistemology of testimony.
Metaphysics — identity, causation, time, mind.
Ethics — utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, contemporary applied ethics.
Political philosophy — liberty, equality, justice, the state, contemporary debates.
Philosophy of language and mind — meaning, reference, the mental.
Argument analysis — premise and inference mapping, valid vs sound argument.
Applied philosophy — research ethics, journalism ethics, public-policy reasoning.
Philosophical writing craft — structure, charitable interpretation, scholarly apparatus.

Who This Course Is For

Diploma-level humanities or social-science graduates ready for a senior-track philosophical credential.
Professionals in policy, compliance, journalism or technology applying ethical reasoning in their day-to-day work.
Career-changers from law, healthcare or the public sector wanting a structured philosophy credential.
International students seeking a recognised UK philosophy qualification with a BA top-up route.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Philosophy move into research, policy and analytical roles, and many continue into a BA top-up year. Typical roles include:

Ethics Adviser (NHS trust, professional body, technology firm)
Researcher (think tank, parliamentary office, university research centre)
Policy Analyst (civil service fast-stream eligibility, public-interest charity)
Compliance Officer (regulated industry, professional services)
Lecturer in Philosophy (FE college, evening programme)
Editorial Researcher (longform magazine, philosophy podcast, academic press)

Graduates progress directly into the final year of a UK BA in Philosophy or a related discipline at LSJHML or a partner university.

Entry Requirements

A UK Diploma (Level 4) or equivalent in a related subject, OR completion of secondary school plus one year of relevant work experience.
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement, CV and a 1,000-word essay sample on a philosophical topic of your choice.
Mature applicants (21+) without standard qualifications may apply with three years of relevant work experience.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.