Welcome to Philosophy at Hull

At Hull, where philosophy has been taught since 1927, we aim not just to teach philosophy as a body of knowledge, but to engage students in doing philosophy, to encourage them to evaluate the ideas of others and form their own understandings of the relation between themselves and their world.

The approach to philosophy at Hull is an open one. We engage with and teach courses in both Analytic Anglo-American philosophy and, what is often termed Continental philosophy. We see them not as separate spheres but as traditions which benefit from being placed in conversation with each other. There are also opportunities for those who wish to study Eastern philosophical thinking, which, if desired, can form a pathway through the degree. We also specialise in Applied Philosophy, employing philosophical thought to think through the crucial issues of our times and forging interdisciplinary links with politics, law and medicine. We are home to the Editorship of the Journal of Applied Philosophy, a journal of international importance for work published in this area

Currently, philosophy programmes have about 200 undergraduates and 20 or so graduates. Through the close contact possible in a smallish department, staff and students get to know each other very well and we have been especially commended for the support which we provide to students of all ages and from all kinds of backgrounds. Students are actively involved in decision making, and in keeping us up to scratch. (See excellence and what our students think).

All our staff are active researchers which ensures that the teaching is up to to date and well informed.

We hope you finish the course as articulate, thoughtful and perceptive human beings who take nothing for granted (and get a nice well paid job as most of our graduates do!).

Any questions? For further information do not hesitate to contact us.