Faculties & Departments

The Humanities Division combines the faculties of Classics, English, Fine Art (Ruskin School), History, Linguistics, Medieval and Modern Languages, Music, Oriental Studies, Philosophy, and Theology, as well as the Rothermere American Institute and the Voltaire Foundation. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, the University of Oxford was judged to have the largest submission of world-leading research in the UK (4* rated by HEFCE). Of the University’s 17 top-rated units of assessment, 10 were in Humanities: French, German, Middle Eastern and African Studies, Asian Studies, English, History, Philosophy, Classics, Theology, and Music.

As well as continuing the tradition of scholarship in subjects abandoned by many other institutions, we are at the forefront of technological and academic development in many areas of Humanities research. From Nepalese culture to neuro-linguistics, Byzantine Studies to bio-ethics, our work represents a greater breadth of arts and humanities activity than in any other university in the world. There are 17 interdisciplinary research centres in the Humanities Division, and the Division hosts an increasing range of collaborative projects, many funded by external awards. The move to the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter will enhance opportunities for this kind of work.