Kevin Layne

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

I’m from Barbados and I have worked in the field of IT for more than 25 years. I love philosophy: there is no other way to describe it. I have been intrigued with the subject since I was a teenager and had an English teacher who would talk about the ‘cogito’ and ‘sine qua non’. When I then got the opportunity to study philosophy at university I embraced it.

Ethics, and in particular applied ethics, piqued my interest because I firmly believe that philosophy should be a means of bettering the lives of those who one interacts with and influences. This is why I wish to lecture in Philosophy – to help shape the minds of those who will be an influence to make reasoned decisions. 

How would you describe your experience of studying at Leeds?

I enjoyed literally everything about the course! The coursework, the many readings we had to cover, and the interactions with the other students who were a truly eclectic and international group. The tutors were always professional and helped to mould the type of thinking needed for the next level of philosophy. 

My course was taught by online and I found the facilities first class. It was easy to navigate the system and find the right resources, and if there was a problem the staff always worked tirelessly to rectify the issue quickly and efficiently. The human and technology elements worked seamlessly to make the experience as straightforward as possible. 

This course is one that will allow you to broaden your horizons, no matter what field of study you are coming from. Ethics applies to all spheres of life and as such, your personal as well as professional life will be greatly enhanced.

In my professional life, I am now able to give seminars and lectures on ethics in the workplace because of the knowledge gained on the course. I am currently looking to study for a PhD in philosophy, and the skills that I have learned at Leeds will help to propel me forward.