“We are a vibrant, very friendly and small department, the only interdisciplinary department in the UK to combine sociology and philosophy. Our committed staff provide a unique mix of theory and practical work at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.”

Professor Brian Rappert
Head of Sociology and Philosophy

Sociology and Philosophy at Exeter

Sociology and Philosophy is a department of excellence for teaching and research across a diverse range of areas. We are a dynamic, highly productive, and friendly team who offer intellectually stimulating teaching and a well established research culture. The department is part of the College of Social Sciences and International Studies.

High quality teaching

  • Our varied undergraduate and postgraduate programmes include philosophy of science, anthropology, applied ethics, sociology of art, cultural sociology, and social theory.
  • A distinctive feature is our commitment to interdisciplinary work. Philosophers, sociologists, and anthropologists work together in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, as well as research projects. We are committed to the idea that drawing sociology and philosophy together, and in ways that include empirical philosophy, enriches both fields.
  • We pride our department on having a student-friendly and informal atmosphere that delivers a high quality education.
  • 9th in the UK for Sociology in The Guardian University Guide 2012.
  • In 2010, Sociology ranked 5th in the National Student Survey.
  • Postgraduate students play an active role in the department and beyond.

International calibre research

  • In the latest Research Assessment Exercise, 55% of our research was rated as internationally excellent or world leading, while 95% of it was recognised as being of international quality.
  • We are highly successful at receiving grants from research councils, charities and philanthropic institutes. Since 2005, the department has received over £6.5 million in external research income.
  • The department houses the ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society, an internationally recognised leading centre for the philosophical and social analysis of genetics and the life sciences.   
  • We have a strong track record of supervising PhD study and have a growing postgraduate culture. 
  • Our excellent support for postgraduate students includes ESRC, Wellcome Trust, and other studentships.