What our students think!
Don't take our word for it. Find out what our students, past and
present, think about their own experiences of studying Philosophy @
Hull.
Kieth Diener
International Exchange Student
Philosophy
I was originally introduced to Hull through the foreign exchange
programme affiliated with my home university, the University of
North Carolina at Wilmington. We were told to go and research the
participating universities on the Internet. I wanted a department
with a good reputation, in an English speaking country, and in a
city where it was cheap to live and that had good connections with
continental Europe. Hull fitted all four and I was sold. Friends,
who had traveled to England before, informed me that "England is a
country full of alcoholics." They did not tell me, however, of the
constant use of the word "Cheers!" I find it amusing that in a
culture permeated by alcohol use that it has become common to use
this word over-frequently. In the States it is never used, for
example, to thank someone for holding open a door. I have found the
department in Hull to provide a very relaxed learning environment,
which allows ample time for independent study (as a student of
philosophy, it is necessary to have free time in order to think and
examine one's ideas). I would not recommend this program to someone
who is not self-motivated. The program at Hull allows excellent
professors to teach those who want to learn. I have really enjoyed
my year here.
María J. Dapena Vilariño
Socrates/Erasmus Exchange Student
Philosophy
The university here offers the student a wide range of
facilities and support networks, all of which come as a surprise to
the Spanish 'explorer'. I say 'explorer' because that is how you
feel in the first few days; curious and defenceless. Nevertheless,
very quickly the people and the friendly atmosphere, and the
English warmth, start to protect you. Unlike many continental
universities, the student here has very close contact with friendly
and supportive staff in the department, who help you feel at home.
In Hull you will not find the cosmopolitanism you would find in
London, but you will find an interesting heterogeneity and a
multiculturalism that will not disappoint (with a large number of
students from all around the world). What I miss of home is the
eloquence and spontaneity that speaking in one's mother tongue
allows. Studying and working in a new language is hard work, though
I've enjoyed Hull and the department so much I'm intending to
return to finish my degree here.
Jay Fincham
BA Single Honours
Philosophy
I developed an interest in philosophy after studying ethics at A
level and wanted to expand my knowledge of the subject. From
studying it for a couple of years now, I find that I tend to
question most things and do not accept them at face value. The
subject has taken everything I thought I knew, has taken it apart
and turned it upside down. Now I'm not entirely sure I know
anything with certainty, but it has been one hell of an exciting
voyage of discovery. The course, and the way that it's taught
(encouraging lots of discussion) has definitely enhanced my skills
of analysis and argumentation. It's now easy to see just how
inconsistent and poor many arguments are - and especially those
constituting what passes for public debate. The most positive
aspect of the course for me was also the most surprising; that
philosophy has a lot to do with everyday life. I also like the way
students are encouraged to express their own views (so long as
these are argued for!) and not simply report the views of others. I
have learned to take aspects of the philosophy I have been taught,
and the views of the famous philosophers I've read, and incorporate
them into my own philosophical opinions. Philosophy is one of those
subjects at university that is a real challenge; but one that will
influence you for the rest of your life.
Richard Madsen
BA Single Honours
Philosophy
Before university I served ten years in the RAF as a police-dog
handler. My decision to leave the forces was based on a desire to
not be doing what I was doing, rather than because I had a clear
idea of what I wanted to do. I then spent a couple of years
drifting along until I discovered philosophy, decided to take an
access course, and applied for university. Although I planned to
become a teacher, my reason for studying philosophy was that it
interested me greatly. I was determined to find others who shared
my interest and, in coming to Hull, I have not been disappointed.
The department has a friendly atmosphere, and welcomes mature
students, and the subject is taught in such a way as to be
accessible whilst remaining challenging and enjoyable. I'm still
not absolutely sure what I will do with my degree, but for now I'm
certain that I am doing something I enjoy.
Mireille Palin
BSc Joint Honours
Maths and Philosophy
During the couple of years I've been studying here I've found
this to be a challenging and exciting degree programme and the
combination of Maths and philosophy works extremely well. In their
own ways, both subjects are concerned with the idea of 'proof' and
this link has been clear throughout the course. In particular, I
have found that the methods of mathematical proof mastered in first
year mathematics have proved extremely useful in formulating
effective philosophical argument. As a combination of what are
usually regarded as an arts and a science (though neither subject
is really one or the other), the degree is a good choice for
students who want to leave their options open. As well as providing
a good basis for further study in either subject, it provides
students with proficiency in more general skills necessary in all
areas of study and employment.
Daniel Porsa
BA Single Honours Philosophy
My route to university, and Hull itself, was very much
non-standard, having had several jobs and an abortive career in the
army before convincing anyone to allow me access to higher
education. Despite this, I have never felt more relaxed and at home
in an environment than I do here. I really feel that what I think
is significant to those around me, and the department itself is
very active and lively. In my first semester I have managed to
serve on the Staff-Student Committee and participate in the
department's research seminars. Beyond the limitless confines of
philosophy I have also managed to represent the University in
basketball, learn a new sport ('Hulltimate frisbee'), and have
performed in a play with the university Drama Society. And if this
excitement wasn't more than I deserve, there is an active social
life and I can always be sure that if I wander into a bar I will
find someone to talk to (be it another fresher, or a lecturer -
though probably not the Vice Chancellor!), and then talk about
anything - from Socrates to Star Wars, and probably both at once.
The course itself is exceptionally interesting and taught by
dedicated and passionate people who are themselves still very much
involved in philosophy as it happens. The course puts a lot of
emphasis on the individual deciding what interests them, and even
allows outside interests in other disciplines. To conclude, I'm
really rather pleased with the place and the course and anyone
seriously interested in taking a degree in philosophy should
strongly consider Hull.
Darren Robinson
BA Interdisciplinary Honours
Politics, Philosophy, and Economics
Having completed an undergraduate degree in Astrophysics at the
University of Newcastle, I spent one year in a variety of work
environments, from accounting to engineering. I never really
settled, so I decided to return to university and study towards
another degree at another first-division university; this time in a
more interesting and more marketable subject. Not having studied
any of the subjects that constitute the PPE degree before made me a
little nervous; but I have not found this to be a hindrance in any
way. The genuine enthusiasm of the lecturers here certainly helps
to make the subjects interesting and accessible, and I've found
that the PPE degree at Hull provides an excellent introduction to
all three disciplines. There is the option of maintaining a balance
between the three subjects, or of specialising as you progress.
This flexibility is one of its aspects that most appeals to me, as
I enjoy being able to take an active role in deciding the content
of my degree. As for the city of Hull, it's one of the cheapest
places in the UK to live (and drink!). A flexible, interesting, and
contemporary course, in an inexpensive and lively city - need I say
more?
Erwin van Ryswoud
Socrates/Erasmus Exchange Student
Philosophy
Philosophy is a strange thing. On the one hand it is a highly
personal matter, concerned with one's own way of looking at the
world. This can give the impression that philosophers, and
philosophy students, are heads with legs (hiding in the library and
doing nothing more). This is not true because, on the other hand,
due to its relatedness to the world, philosophy is also a way of
relating to other people and exploring issues that question our
prejudices. This thrills me and is why I study philosophy; it is
the art of living. I was born and raised in the Netherlands and was
studying Humanities in a small university in Utrecht when I had the
desire to expand my academic and personal horizons. I wanted to
study philosophy abroad, specifically in the UK, and in the end
chose to go to Hull. What appealed to me most was that it has a
varying curriculum in philosophy and seemed to be a university that
was not aimed at the mass production of degrees, but more at a
quality education. I came for the first semester only but was
seduced into staying for a year by even more attractive modules in
the second semester. I am now thinking of returning to Hull as a
graduate student, once I finish my first degree.
Victoria Whitby
BSc Major/Minor Honours Psychology with Philosophy
I chose to study psychology together with philosophy at
university because I thought they were two subjects that would
complement each other perfectly. I was not disappointed. Their
combination gives you a chance to apply knowledge from one area in
the other; with the wide scope and analytical approach of
philosophy providing an interesting contrast to the heavily
specific and scientific way in which psychology is studied. Reading
psychology makes the philosophy that bit more tangible, giving real
life insight into the issues involved, whereas the philosophy helps
me consider the ethical implications of my psychological studies,
understand their theoretical basis and their relevance to the way
we live. I've found it to be an immensely varied and rewarding
course. You do learn something new every day and you will end up
talking about it to your mates down the pub. I love you all.