Research & Expertise

One of the largest Philosophy departments in the UK.

We combine comprehensive coverage of the discipline with unique areas of specialisation in the history of philosophy; in metaphysics, the philosophy of action, mind and psychology and particularly at the intersection of these disciplines; in the philosophy of medicine; in formal philosophy; and in legal and political philosophy.

We have been ranked 6th in the UK in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) Power Rankings and 1^st in the country for Research Environment and Support. 86 per cent of our research was valued as being ‘world leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*).

We have been ranked in the top ten departments worldwide for four consecutive years in the QS World University Rankings.

Our research excellence is demonstrated and supported by success in securing research grants and donations from both public and private bodies. These include a £1.4 million donation from the Sowerby Foundation to fund the Chair in Philosophy and Medicine and recent grants of more than £3 million to support projects on topics from metacognition to EU solidarity, from the status of animals in Islamic Philosophy to the role of bots in online networks.

Postgraduate Research

Study at one of the top Philosophy research departments, 6th in the UK in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) Power Rankings and 1st for Research Environment and Support.

86 per cent of our research was valued as being world-leading or internationally excellent so you’ll be undertaking your PhD with real experts in their field.