General Information for Graduate Applicants

The DECL offers master’s and doctoral degrees in the following areas:

Admission Requirements

Master’s Degree Program

  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent (degree or title) from the University or from other recognized institutions of higher learning;
  • A General Weighted Average (GWA) grade of 2.0 or better;
  • High quality and integrity of intellect;
  • English language proficiency;
  • Specific evidence of creative talent in any of the genres (for M.A. and Ph.D. Creative Writing);
  • Satisfaction of additional University/course requirements such as 3-12 units of undergraduate courses if previous academic degrees are deemed inadequate;
  • A passing mark in the admissions examination to be evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Committee; and
  • Other special admission requirements stipulated by the Graduate Admissions Committee.

These qualifications shall be determined through:

  • Examination of undergraduate credentials;
  • Recommendation of two former professors and/or recognized authorities in the discipline or area of specialization;
  • Character reference; and
  • Interview with the applicant, or other appropriate means.

Doctoral Degree Programs

  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree or equivalent degree or title(s) from the University or from other recognized institutions of higher learning;
  • All Ph.D. students must pass a written qualifying examination to be taken after nine (9) units of the core Ph.D. courses;
  • A dissertation proposal shall be a requirement for Ph.D. students and shall be defended after completion of the program of study, the passing of language examination(s), the comprehensive examination, and courses stipulated by the Maximum Residence Rule, where applicable;
  • A GWA of 1.75 or better;
  • High quality and integrity of intellect;
  • English language proficiency;
  • A passing mark in the admission examination to be evaluated by the Graduate Admissions Committee; and
  • Other special admission requirements stipulated by the Graduate Admissions Committee.

These qualifications shall be determined through

  • Examination of undergraduate and graduate credentials;
  • Recommendation of three recognized scholar professors in the discipline or professional area concerned;
  • Interview with the applicant, or other appropriate means; and
  • Character reference.

Language Proficiency

Proof of English proficiency is required for admission to graduate studies of students whose native language is not English, except those who have graduated from institutions where the medium of instruction is English. A score of at least 500 in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or, in exceptional cases, an equivalent certification from a duly authorized unit in UP should be presented.

Requirements to be submitted

  1. A formal letter of application for admission addressed to the Dean stating among others the applicant’s purpose in pursuing a graduate degree and specific field(s) of interest.
  2. Official transcript of academic record of undergraduate work (and graduate work, if any): one original and two photocopies. For evaluation purposes, photocopies of records may be accepted provided they are properly authenticated (in the case of foreign applicants, by the Department of Education or by duly designated authorities in the country of the applicant). Final admission will be subject to verification of documents submitted against original copies of credentials. Certified English translations should also be submitted, where necessary. Applications accomplished by photocopies of academic records not properly authenticated will not be processed;
  3. Two letters of recommendations from former professors and/or employers with their evaluation of the applicant’s potential for graduate work;
  4. Two copies of duly accomplished application for admission form, including two (2) passport-size photographs;
  5. Marriage contract, for married women applicants;
  6. Certification of English language proficiency – a TOEFL score of at least 500 or equivalent (for applicants whose native language is not English, except those who come from institutions where the medium of instruction is English);
  7. Endorsement of the Department Graduate Committee/Chair;
  8. A non-refundable application fee of P100 for Filipino citizens, P200 for resident aliens, and US$25 for non-resident aliens.

 

For more information, you may contact:

The Graduate Studies Office (GSO)
Palma Hall Pavilion 1
University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City
9818500 local 2106-08
cal_gso.updiliman@up.edu.ph

For admission/application concerns and inquiries, you may contact Ms. Erika Joy G. Ebue of the GSO at eagutierrez@up.edu.ph

For other inquiries and transactions with the GSO, click here.