Back in those days it was Bolton Institute of Technology, or BIT. Philosophy at Bolton (whatever its name) always punched well above its weight. Originally part of the Humanities degree, Philosophy later gained its independence. In the 1970s there was a strong emphasis on part-time degrees which brought in those who had missed out on higher education the first time around. This meant evening teaching and in general long hours, but interesting students. As swelling university numbers shrank this constituency, and the institution persistently failed to gain University status, the takers for Philosophy dwindled until in 2007 it was decided to close the degree down. A sad shame. However they made it up a little for me by giving me an honorary doctorate in 2012.