Why I love Philosophy at York
When I first chose to study Philosophy at York, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. I just knew I loved to ask and think about big questions.
Once I started, I loved studying it! The course offers an amazing variety of modules. We cover everything from ethics, feminism, logic to metaphysics, AI and so much more. The range of topics was a huge draw for me when deciding where to apply.
I’ve always had an interest in ethics from studying it at school. Naturally, I chose to study Ethics in my first year, and continued that with Applied Ethics and Religious Ethics in my second year. I got to study various ethical dilemmas in depth, by reading arguments, and talking about different ethicists and their different views.
The department
The Department of Philosophy at York is really supportive. The academics keep you engaged and interested—making even the most abstract arguments and ideas feel relevant and understandable. Seminar leaders also encourage open discussion and invite students to provide their viewpoints on an argument, no matter how different they might be. Every debate challenges my assumptions, and I always leave each seminar with fresh ideas and perspectives.
There’s an amazing sense of community in the department. It’s genuinely inspiring. Every student I’ve met has a different reason for choosing to study it, and they are from such a variety of backgrounds—which makes for a fascinating mix of perspectives and conversations. Everyone is also so welcoming and warm, which made it easy to make friends both within the course and at department run events. There is a real sense of shared curiosity within the community that connects each of us, even outside of lectures and seminars.
Why Seminars are a great way to learn:
Seminars gives students a great opportunity for discussion and debating, while also learning the content of the module. This mode of learning has helped me massively, as it gives me a chance to discuss the content of the lectures and readings, through answering questions and debating. It also allows me to ask any questions I have on the content that I don’t quite understand, meaning that by the end of each teaching week, I have a clear understanding of the topic.
I still remember one seminar from my first year when we debated John Taurek’s argument in “Should the Numbers Count?”—whether we should always save the greater number when faced with life-and-death choices. That discussion stuck with me because it showed how philosophy forces you to think beyond your instincts and really defend your reasoning, even as each student has a different perspective.
What transferable skills does Philosophy give you for your future?
By studying Philosophy, I’ve built on skills I already had, such as communication and debating. I’ve also learned how to write concise and persuasive copy. I’ve gained strong critical and analytical thinking skills. These are essential for careers such as law, government, teaching, and many others.
For me, as someone aspiring to go into law or the health and safety industry, these skills are incredibly transferable beyond university. Philosophy teaches you how to think critically, communicate clearly, and analyse problems. While philosophy is a great subject for anyone to study, I’ve learned from attending Law events aimed at students from non-law backgrounds that it’s particularly valuable for those considering a legal career. It is reassuring to know that the skills I’m developing will continue to benefit me in the future.
What opportunities does studying Philosophy at York give you?
By studying Philosophy at York, you gain access to a variety of opportunities such as being able to take elective and interdisciplinary modules in other departments, studying abroad in another country, and access to the incredible department for any queries and support.
These opportunities mean that you’re able to be more independent in shaping your degree. A year abroad gives you the opportunity to study in top universities such as Peking University in Beijing, University of Western Australia in Perth, Yonsei University in South Korea, and so many more. What I love about this is that you can tailor your course to your interests, discover new areas of thought, and see how philosophy connects to other subjects.
If you love thinking about big ideas, asking questions about problems that don’t yet exist, or just enjoy writing or debating, studying Philosophy at York would be a great choice. You’ll learn about some of the great philosophers (old and new) and explore their arguments, all while developing invaluable skills that you will have for life.
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