Philosophy

Philosophy is about critically making sense of ourselves and the world around us. It involves asking and trying to answer the most fundamental questions about the natural and social world – from puzzles about the nature of consciousness, free will, the metaphysics of gender, the ethics and politics of sustainability, to questions about whether modern culture dominates or liberates people.

By studying philosophy, you’ll find yourself in dialogue with a range of diverse and fascinating figures, such as Socrates, Baruch Spinoza, and David Hume, to more contemporary thinkers such as Frantz Fanon, Hannah Arendt, and Patricia Hill Collins. You’ll critically reflect on many ground-breaking philosophical positions across multiple areas of philosophy. And along the way, you’ll find your intellectual voice and develop a rich set of academic and professional skills invaluable for your future – with the power to positively influence others and drive progressive change.

As a student in the Department of History, Politics and Philosophy, you will join a hub of research-active internationally acclaimed philosophers, many of whom are invited to present at major international conferences and workshops. Our staff work across key areas including history of philosophy, critical social theories, philosophy of art, metaphysics, philosophy of education, history and philosophy of science and much more – with this expertise behind us, we can give you a rounded, international, balanced understanding of the subject.

You may also have the opportunity to spend a year studying overseas, including in the US, or on placement, with opportunities available in Britain or abroad.*

This course has a foundation year available.

*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

• Learn from experts - our academics are specialists in their fields, producing cutting-edge research across Anglo-American and Continental European philosophical traditions. And because we bring our expertise into the classroom, you can be confident you’re learning at the forefront of your discipline.

• Wide range of units - from your second year you’ll choose from a diverse range of option units, allowing you to pursue your own interests, including Feminist Ethics and Gender, Race and Sexuality.

• Inclusive curriculum - we offer an inclusive, interdisciplinary curriculum that engages with philosophical thought outside of mainstream Western philosophy and centres the principles of equity, diversity and inclusivity - this will enable you to successfully challenge established modes of thought.

• Assessments - we’ll encourage you to think deeply, critically and creatively through a variety of assessment methods including learning diaries, portfolios, presentations and short essays.

• Employability - we place a strong emphasis on key employability skills, ensuring you have the digital, communication and team-working abilities that employers value. We also offer a distinctive link to the PGCE provision at Manchester Met through the final year Philosophy of Education 1 and 2 units.

• The Human Sciences Research Seminar Series - a fixture at the University for 40 years and funded by the Royal Institute of Philosophy, it has hosted internationally renowned thinkers, and today offers you the chance to hear from leading philosophers at the forefront of their research specialisms.

• Dedicated Support - we believe that a first-class learning experience starts with an open, inclusive, welcoming, and supportive pedagogical environment. The philosophy staff provide rigorous and enjoyable research-led teaching that intellectually stimulates, challenges, and inspires you – both in-person and online.