Department of Philosophy
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.
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
Postgraduate study
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.
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.
World-leading status affirmed in QS World University Rankings 2025
Durham is now ranked 89th in the world top 100 universities. Our top performance came in the Sustainability category, where we ranked 19th in the world. We also have a world-class reputation with employers, being ranked 65th.
What's new?
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.
Transformative Humanities framework launched
Professor Peter Vickers launches new book - Identifying Future-Proof Science
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.
Durham research has a lasting global impact
Expecting the Unexpected: Philosophy in the search for the Extra-terrestrial
Philosopher wins prestigious scientific book prize
Congratulations to Professor Matthew Daniel Eddy who has won The British Society for the History of Science’s (BSHS) Pickstone Prize.
Transformative Humanities framework launched
What does social justice mean and why does it matter?
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 philosopher selected as BBC New Generation Thinker
Durham philosopher explores the mystery of existence with his second book
Updates from the Department
Find the latest blog articles and posts on social media
Highlights
What’s it like studying Philosophy?
Choosing the right university, and why I chose Durham
Social feeds
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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