Arts & Humanities

Diploma in Philosophy

The Diploma in Philosophy is a programme that equips students with foundational knowledge in philosophical reasoning, ethics and the great traditions of philosophical thought. Offered at Consolata International University, the programme provides a solid grounding in philosophy ideal for ministry preparation or further academic study.

The curriculum covers introduction to philosophy, logic, epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, history of philosophy, African philosophy, philosophy of religion, philosophical anthropology, social and political philosophy, philosophy of science and research methods. Students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning and ethical reflection skills.

The programme serves as a foundational course for students preparing for theological studies, religious ministry or further philosophical education. It responds to the need for individuals trained in critical thinking, ethical reasoning and philosophical analysis in religious, educational and social contexts.

The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, philosophical text analysis, group discussions, research projects, tutorials and independent study. Students engage with primary philosophical texts and develop their analytical and argumentation skills through structured academic discourse.

Graduates pursue further studies in philosophy, theology or related fields, or serve in religious ministries, educational institutions and faith-based organisations. They can progress to a Bachelor of Philosophy or Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree programme.

Prospective students should have interest in critical thinking, ethical reflection and philosophical inquiry. The programme is suitable for students preparing for religious ministry or seeking a foundation in philosophical studies.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 107,500
Private, up to: Ksh 56,400
Job market: Low

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Diploma

What you study

8 subjects

Introduction to Philosophy and Logic
Epistemology and Metaphysics
Ethics and Moral Philosophy
History of Philosophy and African Philosophy
Philosophy of Religion and Philosophical Anthropology
Social and Political Philosophy
Philosophy of Science and Research Methods
Philosophical Text Analysis and Seminar

Modules

8 in the programme

Introduction to Philosophy and Logic
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers introduction to philosophy, branches of philosophy, philosophical method, logic, deductive and inductive reasoning, argument analysis and informal fallacies.
Epistemology and Metaphysics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers epistemology, theories of knowledge, truth, justification, metaphysics, ontology, causality, free will and the nature of reality.
Ethics and Moral Philosophy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers ethics, moral theories, virtue ethics, deontological ethics, utilitarianism, applied ethics, bioethics and social ethics.
History of Philosophy and African Philosophy
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary philosophy, major philosophers, African philosophy, ethnophilosophy and philosophical trends in Africa.
Philosophy of Religion and Philosophical Anthropology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers philosophy of religion, arguments for God's existence, problem of evil, religious experience, philosophical anthropology and the nature of the human person.
Social and Political Philosophy
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers social and political philosophy, justice, democracy, human rights, political authority, social contract theory and African social and political thought.
Philosophy of Science and Research Methods
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers philosophy of science, scientific method, scientific realism, research methods in philosophy and a philosophical research project.
Philosophical Text Analysis and Seminar
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers close reading and analysis of primary philosophical texts, seminar presentations, philosophical argumentation and a final philosophical essay.

Specialisations

Ethics and Moral Philosophy
Focuses on ethical theory and applied ethics for careers in ethics education and advisory roles.
African Philosophy
Specialises in African philosophical thought for careers in cultural studies and community development.
Philosophy of Religion
Focuses on philosophical theology for careers in religious ministry and theological education.
Social and Political Philosophy
Specialises in political theory and social justice for careers in public service and advocacy.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on logic or epistemology, followed by a seminar discussion on a philosophical text. Afternoon sessions may include a tutorial on ethics, a group discussion on African philosophy, or independent study in the library. Students also work on philosophical essays and research assignments.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme provides a strong foundation in critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Philosophy or theology degree programmes.
Philosophical training develops transferable analytical skills valuable in many fields.

Against it

Direct career opportunities in philosophy are limited without further study.
The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public108k to 108k

108k at University of Nairobi108k at University of Nairobi

Private56k to 56k

56k at Tangaza University56k at Tangaza University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Tangaza 56,400/yr confirmed. UoN (public) Dip Philosophy 107,500/yr (intracolleges, uonbi.ac.ke).

Students can access HELB loans. The university may offer church-based sponsorships and internal bursaries for philosophy students, particularly those preparing for religious ministry.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C-
Alternative entry: Certificate in philosophical studies or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering logic, epistemology, ethics and history of philosophy.
Philosophical Essays
Assignment40% of the mark
Assessment of philosophical essays, text analysis papers and argumentative writing assignments.
Final Philosophical Essay
Project30% of the mark
A final philosophical essay on a chosen topic, assessed through a written paper and oral defence.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Consolata International University, School of Philosophy.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Consolata International University, School of Philosophy.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Religious Ministry Worker
Low demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 120,000
Supports religious ministry activities, provides ethical guidance and supports faith-based educational programmes in churches and religious organisations.
Research Assistant
Low demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 130,000
Supports research projects in philosophy, ethics or social sciences, conducting literature reviews and assisting with data analysis.
Ethics and Values Educator
Low demandKsh 24,000 to Ksh 110,000
Teaches ethics and values in schools, religious institutions or community organisations, supporting moral education programmes.
Community Development Worker
Moderate demandKsh 26,000 to Ksh 120,000
Supports community development initiatives in faith-based organisations, applying ethical reasoning and social philosophy to development work.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue further studies in philosophy or theology, or serve in religious ministries, educational institutions and faith-based organisations.

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Philosophy has no practical application.
Philosophy develops critical thinking, ethical reasoning and analytical skills that are valuable in law, education, ministry, public service and many other fields.
Philosophy is only for religious studies.
While this programme serves as preparation for theological studies, philosophy is a broad discipline applicable to many academic and professional fields.
A diploma in philosophy cannot lead to further study.
Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Philosophy or Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree programme at CIU or other universities.
Philosophy is just about opinions.
Philosophy involves rigorous logical analysis, systematic argumentation, critical examination of assumptions and evidence-based reasoning, not mere opinion.