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Department of Philosophy

World leading in research and teaching excellence in philosophy, at the forefront of the discipline, its reform, and its application to the major issues facing the world.
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Welcome to Philosophy at Durham

The Durham Philosophy Department is amongst the most prestigious departments in the UK. The Department is a hub for the wider Philosophy community at Durham, which is a lively, friendly group of people including undergraduates, postgraduates and staff, committed to the pursuit of philosophical knowledge and understanding. We are a pluralistic department that values and promotes a variety of approaches to philosophical reflection including research in analytic, Continental, African, Buddhist, and other philosophical traditions.

 

Find out more about our staff
World Top 40 Our Arts & Humanities subjects were ranked 40th in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025
31st
31st in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
7th
7th The Complete University Guide 2026
REF 2021 77% of our research graded world-leading or internationally excellent

Study with us

Durham University’s Department of Philosophy is a centre for world-class research and teaching in a wide range of fields. Discover all of our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate study

Find out more about our undergraduate opportunities.
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Postgraduate study

Find out more about our postgraduate opportunities.
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Meet our Students

Meet our students and find out more about why they chose to study Philosophy at Durham University and what career paths they pursue.

Meet all of our students
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Research

At Durham, we have a very different vision of the life of the philosopher. For us, philosophy is a joint enterprise, a subject that one makes progress in through conversation, collaboration, and community.

Discover Our Research
QS World University Rankings 2024

World-leading status affirmed in QS World University Rankings 2026

Durham University has been named in the QS World University Rankings world top 100, a position it has achieved every year since 2010. The rankings have confirmed the University’s strong global reputation for employability (64th) and it is also 22nd in the world for sustainability.

Learn more about the QS World University Rankings

What's new?

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Faculty of Arts and Humanities Earns Prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has been awarded a highly regarded Athena Swan Silver Award, becoming only the second faculty of its kind in the UK to receive this distinction. This milestone acknowledges the significant progress made in advancing gender equality across all departments and highlights a firm commitment to continued improvement through to 2030.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Group picture with Executive Dean Janet Stewart and Deputy Executive Dean (People and Workplace Culture) Alexandra Harrington.

Philosophy study suggests ‘negligent racism’ shaped global Covid-19 response

Were the lockdown policies implemented around the globe during the Covid-19 pandemic racist?
Research news
A line of white people wearing medical facemasks with a black person in the centre

New book delves into the ethical dilemmas of using AI

The challenges of aligning artificial intelligence (AI) with human values are the focus of a compelling new book by Dr Travis LaCroix from our Department of Philosophy.
Durham news
Dr Travis LaCroix is pictured against a plain background

Ilona Maher and the myth of feminine fragility – how one rugby player is reshaping sport

Professor Stephen Mumford from our Department of Philosophy and Associate Professor Sheree Bekker discuss the impact that Ilona Maher is having on women's sports and perceptions of femininity, fragility.
Research news
White and blue rugby ball resting on the grass, with a sunny sky

Professor Peter Vickers uncovers new method to measure global scientific consensus

A team of international researchers led by Professor Peter Vickers from our top-rated Philosophy department has developed a breakthrough method for gathering and analysing global scientific opinion with speed and precision.
Research news
Scientists analysing reports

Philosophy of Life: In conversation with Professor Nancy Cartwright (at 80)

On 22 June 2024, our Department of Philosophy threw a party to honour and celebrate the world-class academic achievements of our colleague, Nancy Cartwright, to mark the occasion of her 80th birthday.
Durham news
Nancy Cartwright at 80 (Photo: Mags Leighton)

Transformative Humanities framework launched

Durham University's Transformative Humanities launched yesterday and gathered more than 130 researchers, colleagues, students, and partners from across the region and beyond to celebrate this new interdisciplinary framework.
Research news
Transformative Humanities launch news banner
Read all news articles

Professor Emily Thomas visits the USA

Head of Department Professor Emily Thomas attends Liberal Arts Summit.

Professor Emily Thomas - Head of Department

The mystery of consciousness shows there may be a limit to what science alone can achieve

Science is rightly celebrated, but as the problem of consciousness is revealing, there may be a limit to what we can learn through science alone, argues Professor Philip Goff in our Department of Philosophy.
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Durham research has a lasting global impact

We have launched a new Global Research Brochure where we shine a light on some of our incredible researchers who are making a difference in the world.
A globe with lines showing connections between different parts of the world.

Professor Stephen Mumford chairs the new edition of the Philosophy Statement!

Stephen Mumford chaired the panel that produced the new QAA Philosophy Subject Benchmark Statement

Profile Picture of Professor Stephen Mumford

Professor Emily Thomas award grant!

Congratulations to Professor Emily Thomas who has won a 'Philosophy of History Forum' (USA) grant.
Professor Emily Thomas - Head of Department

Dr Katherine Puddifoot has a book symposium published.

A symposium on Dr Katherine Puddifoot's book, How Stereotypes Deceive Us, has been published at The European Journal of Analytic Philosophy
Book Cover for How Stereotypes Deceive Us by Dr Katherine Puddifoot

New book delves into the ethical dilemmas of using AI

The challenges of aligning artificial intelligence (AI) with human values are the focus of a compelling new book by Dr Travis LaCroix from our Department of Philosophy.

Dr Travis LaCroix is pictured against a plain background

Philip Goff participates in a high profile public debate!

Philip Goff participated in a high profile public debate on the topic of 'Beyond God and Atheism.'
Debate Poster

Philosophy of Life: In conversation with Professor Nancy Cartwright (at 80)

On 22 June 2024, our Department of Philosophy threw a party to honour and celebrate the world-class academic achievements of our colleague, Nancy Cartwright, to mark the occasion of her 80th birthday.
Nancy Cartwright at 80 (Photo: Mags Leighton)

  • Faculty of Arts and Humanities Earns Prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award

    The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has been awarded a highly regarded Athena Swan Silver Award, becoming only the second faculty of its kind in the UK to receive this distinction. This milestone acknowledges the significant progress made in advancing gender equality across all departments and highlights a firm commitment to continued improvement through to 2030.
    Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
    Group picture with Executive Dean Janet Stewart and Deputy Executive Dean (People and Workplace Culture) Alexandra Harrington.

Faculty of Arts and Humanities Earns Prestigious Athena Swan Silver Award

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has been awarded a highly regarded Athena Swan Silver Award, becoming only the second faculty of its kind in the UK to receive this distinction. This milestone acknowledges the significant progress made in advancing gender equality across all departments and highlights a firm commitment to continued improvement through to 2030.

Group picture with Executive Dean Janet Stewart and Deputy Executive Dean (People and Workplace Culture) Alexandra Harrington.

Updates from the Department

Find the latest blog articles and posts on social media

Highlights

What’s it like studying Philosophy?

Find out why Emily decided to study Philosophy at Durham and how an average week as a Philosophy student looks like.
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Choosing the right university, and why I chose Durham

Get to know Sophie and read why she chose to study at Durham University.
Sophie Clarke and friends

Get in touch

Find out more about our department, courses and support. Contact us by phone or email below.

Department of Philosophy

Durham University
50 Old Elvet
DH1 3HN
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)191 334 5325
Tel Undergraduate: +44 (0)191 334 6559
Tel Postgraduate: +44 (0)191 334 6553

 

 

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