Oxford is one of the great centres for philosophy; the Faculty is one of the largest departments of philosophy in the world and widely recognized to be amongst the best. There are over 50 full-time permanent Faculty members, each with a college Fellowship, together with a still larger number of associate members, between them covering a vast range of philosophical subjects. Many are international leaders in their fields. The Faculty’s reputation also draws many distinguished visiting philosophers each year to give lectures or seminars. Almost every major philosopher speaks in Oxford at some time.
More than 500 undergraduates are admitted to study philosophy in Oxford each year, always in combination with another subject. The Faculty also has more than 100 graduate students, taking either a taught graduate degree or working towards a doctorate. Oxford is a collegiate university, and every registered student becomes a member of one of the colleges with access not only to the extensive libraries and facilities of the University but also to the varied and more intimate life of a college. Colleges offer their students excellent libraries and facilities of their own.
Teaching at Oxford is by lectures and classes and by tutorials or supervisions. Courses of lectures and classes are offered on an extensive range of topics for both undergraduates and graduates. Tutorials are a special feature of Oxford; undergraduates receive regular and frequent tutorials either individually or in pairs from members of the Faculty. All graduate students also receive frequent individual supervisions.
The University itself dates from the 12th century, with the first colleges founded in the 13th century. The ancient buildings remain, mingled with magnificent architecture from subsequent centuries, to make Oxford one of the most inspiring and beautiful cities in which to study. You can discover more about the history of Philosophy at Oxford and its current home at Radcliffe Humanities by following the below links.
