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Oxford University

Faculty of Philosophy

Over 150 Oxford academics are employed by or associated with the Faculty of Philosophy, making it one of the largest philosophy departments worldwide.

View of the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter from Radcliffe Humanities

Radcliffe Humanities fountain with the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter in the background. Credit: Ved Patel / Graduate Photography Competition

Overview

In the most recent Philosophical Gourmet Report (2024-25), Oxford University’s Faculty of Philosophy was once again ranked top in the list of Philosophy Faculties in the United Kingdom and still ranked second in the overall ranking of philosophy faculties in the English-speaking world. More than 150 professional philosophers work in the University and its colleges, between them covering a vast range of subjects within philosophy, and many are international leaders in their fields.

The faculty offers a wide range of graduate classes, seminars and supervisions, providing you with high-quality tuition in philosophy. Many philosophy subjects at Oxford are ranked highly in the most recent Philosophical Gourmet Report’s breakdown of programmes by speciality, including:

  • Metaphysics
  • Epistemology
  • Philosophical Logic
  • Philosophy of Language
  • Philosophy of Religion
  • Applied Ethics
  • Metaethics Normative Ethics
  • Political Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Law
  • Philosophy of Physics
  • Philosophy of Science
  • Philosophy of Mathematics
  • Mathematical Logic
  • Ancient Philosophy
  • Medieval Philosophy
  • 17th and 18th Century Early Modern Philosophy
  • 19th and 20th Century Continental Philosophy.

Courses offered

Humanities Division

Oxford is at the forefront of international research in the humanities, with five subject areas judged to have the highest volume of world-leading 4*-rated research in the UK in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

“As we delve into our particular subjects, we’re invited not to lose sight of the general awe of what it means to be human,” said Julia, an MPhil student in Linguistics and Comparative Philology. Oxford offers an unparalleled range of Humanities subjects, from music and fine art to ancient and modern languages.

The Humanities Division comprises around a third of the University's community of staff and students, offering taught graduate and research degrees in a very wide range of subjects. Humanities departments and faculties attract outstanding students, academics and researchers from across the globe. As a result, graduate students have the opportunity to undertake their studies and research in a stimulating, challenging and highly rewarding intellectual environment.

Some of these subjects are relatively new, and cross the boundaries of traditional disciplines. Others are areas of academic research that have long been recognised as of central importance, and they include some that few other universities are still able to support. In each case, the objective is to sustain and to teach the highest standards of scholarship. The dynamism of intellectual activity is evident in the wide variety of open lectures and seminars, in addition to those for specific courses.

You will have access to an immense range of research material, including digital resources. These resources are provided through Oxford’s impressive library system, based on the central Bodleian libraries, through the work produced by the University's research projects, and through the rich and diverse holdings of its museums.

In addition to materials and support focused on conveying subject-specific knowledge, there are a wide range of facilities aimed at the personal and professional development of students, strengthening their existing skills, developing new skills, and preparing them for careers after they have completed their studies.

Further information