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Philosophy

Welcome to the Discipline of Philosophy

Philosophy is the oldest and most fundamental of all the subjects you might study at University, yet is more relevant today than ever. It concerns the very basis of human knowledge, our relations with one another and the way we value things and persons. Studying philosophy at University of Galway opens up a rigorous and disciplined investigation into basic questions under the guidance of friendly, dedicated and internationally recognized academics. In our classes you can learn to comprehend difficult material quickly and accurately, to think clearly and critically, and to write and speak persuasively. This is an excellent training with transferable skills that can be applied across a wide range of subject areas. In today's world of fast-paced change, philosophical skills of thinking flexibly and critically are becoming ever more important

Read here Philosophy Brochure

Studying with us

Studying Philosophy involves asking fascinating questions about Ethics, Politics, Nature, Knowledge, Art and much more. In Philosophy at University of Galway we teach in all the main philosophical subject-areas and historical periods, covering a wide range of philosophical authors, methods and core concerns. You will gain an understanding of philosophical debates as well as being equipped with the thinking and communication skills needed to engage in critical analysis of complex ideas and engage in dialogue about philosophical questions effectively and respectfully with others. You can do Philosophy as a BA subject or with certain combinations as a Minor. In 2025 we will be launching a research MA in Philosophy.

Research

Our Teaching is Research-led, which means that we are at forefront of contemporary debates in our specialist areas of research. Our work engages with contemporary concerns from a wide range of philosophical perspectives. In Philosophy, we have experts working on aesthetics, environmental ethics, disability and social justice, public philosophy and philosophy for/with children, data analytics, science and expert knowledge, the ethics of information technologies, religion and violence. We also have particular specializations in the work of such philosophers as Nietzsche, Heidegger, Kant and Merleau-Ponty.

Our graduates

Employers value the analytical, critical reasoning, communication and interpretive skills that are cultivated over the course of a degree in Philosophy. A Philosophy degree from NUI Galway also opens doors to further postgraduate study. Our graduates are in careers in a wide variety of sectors.