Philosophy Ranking (UK)

The study of philosophy has long been considered one of the most intellectually rigorous and enriching academic pursuits, with numerous universities worldwide offering programs that span diverse areas such as metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, logic, and philosophy of mind. In the United Kingdom, a number of universities consistently stand out for their excellence in philosophy programs. These institutions have earned their reputations through their world-class faculty, innovative research, and rigorous academic environments. According to the Guardian University Guide 2015, several UK universities were recognized for their outstanding philosophy departments, with Cambridge, Oxford, and St Andrews taking the top spots in the rankings.

Cambridge: The Top Philosophy Department in the UK

The University of Cambridge was ranked No. 1 for Philosophy in the Guardian University Guide 2015, reaffirming its position as one of the most prestigious and renowned centers for philosophical study in the world. Cambridge's philosophy department has long been a beacon of intellectual rigor, attracting some of the brightest minds in the field. The university is particularly noted for its analytic philosophy, as well as its strengths in metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and ethics.

Cambridge offers an undergraduate Philosophy Tripos that allows students to engage with a broad spectrum of philosophical topics, ranging from the history of philosophy to contemporary debates. The department’s focus on critical thinking and logical analysis makes it a hub for rigorous intellectual exploration. The teaching at Cambridge is shaped by one-on-one tutorials, which foster close student-faculty interaction and help students develop their philosophical ideas and arguments.

Additionally, the faculty at Cambridge includes several internationally recognized philosophers, many of whom have made significant contributions to contemporary philosophy. These scholars are actively involved in groundbreaking research across various philosophical subfields, which creates a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment for students. Cambridge’s position at the top of the Guardian University Guide reflects its continued dominance in the field of philosophy, as well as its ability to nurture the next generation of philosophers.

Oxford: A Close Contender with a Rich Philosophical Tradition

Oxford University ranked second in the Guardian University Guide 2015 for philosophy, further solidifying its reputation as one of the best places to study philosophy in the world. Like Cambridge, Oxford boasts a long tradition of excellence in philosophy, with its Faculty of Philosophy offering a wide range of courses that span both analytic and continental traditions.

Oxford is especially well-known for its tutorial system, which is a distinctive feature of the university's teaching style. The tutorial system emphasizes individualized attention, with students typically meeting with tutors in small groups or one-on-one to discuss philosophical texts and ideas. This method of teaching encourages deep intellectual engagement and allows students to refine their philosophical arguments in a supportive and challenging environment.

Oxford's philosophy department is home to several eminent scholars who are leading figures in areas such as philosophy of language, logic, philosophy of mind, and ethics. The university also has a strong interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore connections between philosophy and other fields such as politics, economics, psychology, and history.

While both Oxford and Cambridge are renowned for their similar intellectual rigor and academic prestige, Oxford’s particular emphasis on fostering individual critical thinking through its tutorial system sets it apart. It remains one of the most influential centers for philosophical thought globally, as reflected by its consistently high rankings in various university guides.

St Andrews: A Rising Star in Philosophy

St Andrews University, located in Scotland, is another top contender in the UK philosophy scene, ranking third in the Guardian University Guide 2015. Known for its strong commitment to both teaching and research, St Andrews has become one of the premier institutions for philosophy in the UK, consistently ranking among the top universities for this subject.

St Andrews offers a variety of philosophy programs, including undergraduate Philosophy and Philosophy and Theology degrees, as well as postgraduate courses. The university’s Philosophy Department is known for its strength in history of philosophy, epistemology, and metaphysics, as well as its growing focus on political philosophy and ethics.

The department at St Andrews combines rigorous academic study with a strong emphasis on independent research. Students are encouraged to think critically and engage with complex philosophical ideas, and the department has a reputation for fostering a close-knit and collaborative academic community. St Andrews' rankings reflect the growing reputation of its philosophy program and its ability to offer a comprehensive and stimulating education in the subject.

Oxford Brookes University: A Strong Showing for Philosophy

Oxford Brookes University ranked 39th out of 116 institutions in the Guardian University Guide 2015, but what stands out is its strong showing in philosophy, where it ranked 5th out of 44 institutions. While Oxford Brookes is a relatively young institution compared to the traditional Oxbridge universities, it has made a name for itself with its high-quality philosophy programs.

Oxford Brookes' philosophy department is known for offering a range of courses that emphasize critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and philosophical logic. The university provides students with a robust grounding in the major areas of philosophy, including philosophical history, ethics, and philosophy of mind. The department’s emphasis on student satisfaction and quality teaching helps ensure that philosophy students are well-prepared for both academic and professional careers.

University of Exeter: Climbing the Ranks

The University of Exeter made significant strides in the Guardian University Guide 2015, moving up from 22nd to 10th for philosophy, marking a notable achievement for the university. Exeter's philosophy department is renowned for its research strength and its commitment to providing students with a comprehensive education in philosophical thought.

Exeter offers a range of philosophy courses that encompass both analytic and continental traditions, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education in the discipline. Areas such as political philosophy, ethics, and philosophy of science are central to the department’s offerings. The university is also known for its strong postgraduate research community, providing ample opportunities for students to engage with cutting-edge philosophical research.

The improvement in Exeter’s ranking reflects the department’s growing reputation and its ability to provide a high-quality philosophy education, preparing students for a range of careers in academia, public service, law, and beyond.

University of Southampton: Significant Improvement and Satisfaction

The University of Southampton achieved a remarkable rise in the Guardian University Guide 2015, climbing 14 places to 18th nationally for philosophy. The department's strong emphasis on student satisfaction and graduate prospects has contributed significantly to its improvement in the rankings.

Southampton is particularly known for its research excellence, especially in the areas of metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophy of science. The department is home to a number of distinguished philosophers whose work is recognized internationally, and it offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university’s strong graduate employment prospects and high course satisfaction ratings further underscore the quality of its philosophy department.

Keele University: Consistently Strong Performance

Finally, Keele University is another institution that has consistently ranked highly for philosophy in the UK. Known for its outstanding student satisfaction rates, Keele's philosophy department ranks among the top 30 in major league tables, and in the 2015 Guardian University Guide, Keele earned the 5th highest student satisfaction rating in the country at 96%. This reflects the department’s strong commitment to creating a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for philosophy students.

Keele offers a wide range of philosophy programs, including options in ethics, metaphysics, political philosophy, and history of philosophy. Its emphasis on student-centered learning and its strong pastoral support systems have made Keele an appealing choice for philosophy students seeking a well-rounded academic experience.

Conclusion

The Guardian University Guide 2015 highlights several UK institutions as leaders in the field of philosophy. From the historical and academic strength of Cambridge and Oxford to the growing reputations of St Andrews, Exeter, and Southampton, the UK offers a wide range of high-quality philosophy programs. Universities like Keele and Oxford Brookes also demonstrate that newer institutions can provide an excellent education in philosophy. Whether students are drawn to the deep philosophical traditions of Oxbridge or the innovative, interdisciplinary approach of other universities, the UK remains home to some of the best philosophy departments in the world.