Department of Philosophy

Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/philosophy/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/

We address contemporary philosophical questions through impactful research and creative thinking.

Study with us

Take a degree in philosophy at York. Consider the fundamental questions of the world we live in.

Join an outstanding and inclusive community that's always evolving. Engage with and debate the complex challenges facing our society.

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Find scholarships and funding

Our research

Using philosophical thinking to address global issues.

At York, we bring interdisciplinary approaches and historical awareness to contemporary philosophical debates.

Our research spans broad areas of philosophy. We contribute to discussions in public health, technology and data privacy, the political economy, and beyond.

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Schools outreach

We aim to inspire and inform young people about the study of philosophy through a range of talks and resources.

We're happy to visit schools within easy travelling distance of York. We'll speak to Year 12 and 13 students about studying philosophy at university, or to give talks to support their A Level work.

View our resources

Philosophy begins in wonder... but what comes next? At York, we believe that philosophy is nothing if it is not addressing the question of what we – situated, historical, diverse human beings – should think and do. That is what all our excellent teaching and research aims for.

Professor Keith Allen, Head of Department

2nd in the UK

for research in Philosophy, in the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).

Athena Swan bronze award

for our commitment to gender equality and putting equality into practice.

7th in the UK

for Philosophy, in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2025.

News

10 March 2026

Two leading York academics have been awarded the title of Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in recognition of their outstanding contributions to these fields.

News

Project to examine how AI is changing the way science is done

22 December 2025

A new research project is set to investigate how artificial intelligence is extending and transforming the abilities that scientists use to investigate the world.

News

Successful renewal of the Athena Swan Bronze Award

22 December 2025

The Department of Philosophy is delighted to announce their successful renewal of the Athena Swan Bronze Award.

News

Chevening Scholarships 2025/2026

16 September 2025

Chevening Scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue a one-year Masters degree in the UK. Chevening looks for the kind of people who have the passion, ideas, and influence to provide the solutions and leadership needed to create a better future.

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