Certificate in Political Philosophy

NFQ Level

8 Delivery

Blended

Duration

12 weeks

Fees

€360

Start

January

Award

Minor

The Certificate in Political Philosophy aims to provide learners with an overview of the classic topics in political philosophy and the major thinkers in the western political tradition, and support learners to examine the influence of these philosophical concepts influence on contemporary political structures. It also aims to deepen learner understanding of the links between into social, scientific, and philosophical subjects.

This course is divided into two parts. The first part examines classic topics in political philosophy, from the historical figures in Greek philosophy to social contract theories of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as key critiques. The second part of the course will explore issues within contemporary political philosophy, such as equality, human rights, and the politics of immigration with reference to contemporary case studies.

Credits: 5 ECTS

Delivery:

Course is delivered via a two-hour online lecture every second Saturday (11.30am – 1.30pm) and 6-hours self-directed learning with an on-campus workshop scheduled during the semester. There will also be an on-site orientation before week one (date TBC).

Classes commence on 24th January 2026, with remaining classes scheduled for: 07/02/2026, 28/02/2026, 14/03/2026, 28/03/2026 and 18/04/2026.

There will also be an on-site orientation before week one (date TBC).

Delivery mode: On-site: 17% | Synchronous online: 66% | Asynchronous online: 17%. See our Blended Learning FAQs for more details.

Course Structure

The course will cover the following areas:

Introduction to Political Philosophy and Philosophical Inquiry such as the origins of and development of Political Philosophy; linking philosophy, social and scientific disciplines in the context of politics and sociology.
Theorists and Concepts such as Plato and the Republic; Social Contract theories of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
Key themes in Political Philosophy such as human nature; natural rights; sovereignty; the Social Contract; notions of freedom and equality; political membership; critiques of political philosophy.
Applying Political Philosophy to the Contemporary World such as immigration; open borders; distributive justice; citizenship – inclusion and exclusion.