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 short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 107,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 215,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 56,400 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C- or above. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 2 years, full-time, part-time, with 0 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 3 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
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.
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 programmeIntroduction 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 | Against it |
|---|---|
| The programme provides a strong foundation in critical thinking and ethical reasoning. | Direct career opportunities in philosophy are limited without further study. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Philosophy or theology degree programmes. | The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options. |
| Philosophical training develops transferable analytical skills valuable in many fields. | — |
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 coursesAnnual 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 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
10 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Mombasa Cement Scholarship
Closes 31 May 2027PartialMombasa Cement Ltd
KES 100,000 per year
- Safaricom Foundation ICT Scholarship
Closes 30 June 2027FullSafaricom Foundation
Full tuition + internship
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Certificate in philosophical studies or related field from a recognised institution, or equivalent qualification.
When it next starts
Taught at 3 institutionsIncluding Consolata International University, Tangaza University, University of Nairobi.
Including University of Nairobi.
Including Consolata International University, Tangaza University, University of Nairobi.
How you are assessed
3 componentsContinuous 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
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 rolesReligious 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
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.