Dr Joshua Andrews teaches across both the Philosophy, Ethics and Religion, and Politics degrees, bringing together questions of meaning, belief and power to help students understand how ideas shape the world we live in and how we might respond to the most pressing issues of our time.

Joshua’s philosophical work is rooted in ethics, viewed through an existential lens. He is interested in questions of lived human experience such as: What does it mean to live freely and authentically? How do we navigate the tension between autonomy and responsibility to others? How do questions of sex, taboo and morality interact with cultural values? And how can human rights be defended in a world where they are often challenged or denied? Students working with Joshua are encouraged to confront these themes directly, developing the tools to think critically about themselves, their communities and the ethical challenges of modern life.

His teaching in Religion complements this focus by exploring how Hinduism and Buddhism are practiced in the modern world. He examines how Hindu ideas of dharma shape approaches to social justice, how Buddhist teachings on suffering and compassion inform responses to issues such as climate change and migration, and how both traditions continue to guide the lives of practitioners today. This opens up opportunities for students to see how religious ideas and practices influence societies and politics in diverse and meaningful ways.

In Politics, Joshua’s teaching and research concentrate on political philosophy, political theory and ideologies. He explores foundational debates about justice, freedom, authority and power, while also examining how theories such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, feminism and postcolonialism have shaped political life. For Joshua, political philosophy is not simply academic but central to understanding why societies are organised in the ways they are and what possibilities exist for transformation. His approach encourages students to think critically about the structures and ideas that underpin political systems and to imagine how these might evolve in the future.

Beyond his university role, Joshua is Co-Director of the National Centre of Religious Education for Wales (NCREW), working with colleagues to strengthen the way religion is taught across the country. He is committed to ensuring that teaching and learning in this area fosters curiosity, understanding and thoughtful engagement with the world.

Joshua is also known for his creative approach to assessment. Alongside traditional methods, he designs assignments such as think tank projects, panel discussions, curated music playlists with commentary, social media campaigns, political manifestos and podcasts. These are carefully crafted to build creativity, communication skills and the ability to apply theory to real-world problems. Students leave his classes not only with a strong academic foundation but also with the confidence and skills needed for the challenges of the modern world. Testimony to his innovate assessment and pedagogical approaches, Joshua was awarded the highly-esteemed Bangor University Teaching Fellowship in 2023.

For those considering Philosophy, Ethics and Religion, or Politics, Joshua’s teaching offers an education that is both intellectually stimulating and practically useful. Whether exploring the dilemmas of freedom and morality, the practice of global religions, or the power of political ideas, students are continually encouraged to ask difficult questions, make connections and imagine new possibilities for the future.

Name: Joshua Andrews

Position: Lecturer

Email: j.andrews@bangor.ac.uk

Phone: 01248 382103

Location: T22

Modules taught

  • Existentialism 
  • Political Philosophy 
  • Applied Ethics
  • Hinduism in the Modern World
  • Buddhism in the Modern World
  • Sex and Society
  • Tales of Might and Morality
  • Religious Education
  • Existentialism and Human Rights 
  • Dissertation

I welcome enquiries from prospective doctoral students interested in exploring topics at the intersection of philosophy, religion and politics. In particular, I am keen to supervise projects in the following areas:

  • Hindu ethics

    Projects exploring classical and contemporary Hindu approaches to ethical life, including debates on dharma, social justice, gender, sexual ethics and LGBTQ+ experiences within Hindu traditions.

  • Political existentialism

    Research examining how existentialist thought can inform political philosophy, political theory and human rights discourse. Areas of interest include freedom, authenticity, dignity, democracy, oppression, activism and resistance, with particular focus on how existentialism can be applied to contemporary political and social challenges.

  • The ethics of sex and taboo

    Studies analysing how existentialist and religious perspectives can illuminate debates around sexuality, desire, taboo and transgression, and their implications for contemporary ethics and social policy.

  • Comparative philosophy (Hinduism, Buddhism and existentialism)

    Comparative projects bringing Eastern and Western traditions into dialogue, considering how Hindu and Buddhist thought interacts with existentialist philosophy in relation to ethics, identity, liberation and the meaning of human existence.

  • Religious Education and RVE

    Research on the theory, practice and policy of Religious Education, including the development of Religion, Values and Ethics in Wales.

2024

2023

  • Launch of the National Centre for Religious Education in Wales at the Eisteddfod

    The Welsh-medium launch of the National Centre for Religious Education in Wales was held at the Bangor University stall at the Llyn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod 2023. Joshua Andrews and I presented as co-directors of the Centre. Interesting contributions were given by Emilia Johnson, Daniel Latham, Modlen Lynch, and Natasha Roberts, in addition to a fascinating discussion with Kristoffer Hughes, the Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order. We were also able to announce that the first Honorary Fellow of the Centre is the National Poet for Wales, Hanan Issa.

    6 Aug 2023

    Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Public lecture/debate/seminar (Contributor)

Administrative Roles

  • Director of Student Engagement
  • Admissions Tutor (Philosophy, Ethics and Religion; Politics)
  • School Liaison Officer

Recognition and Awards

  • 2017: Postgraduate Teacher of the Year, Bangor University Student-Led Teaching Awards
  • 2019: Student Engagement Award, Bangor University Student-Led Teaching Awards
  • 2023: Student Voice Award, Bangor University Student-Led Teaching Awards
  • 2023: Bangor University Teaching Fellowship
  • 2024: Teacher of the Yearand Student Voice Award, Bangor University Student-Led Teaching Awards
  • 2025: Dissertation Supervisor of the Yearand Student Voice Award, Bangor University Student-Led Teaching Awards