Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford - Gibbs Prizes in Philosophy

Gibbs Prizes in Philosophy

For top marks in the philosophy examinations during your degree at University of Oxford, you will receive a one-off cash prize of approximately 150 to 440 EUR (£150 to £380). The exact amount depends on your degree programme. For example, you will receive approximately £380 in Philosophy and Theology, £350 in Classical Philology (Literae Humaniores), £285 in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), £200 in Philosophy and Modern Languages, and £150 in Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics. The prizes are funded by a trust established by Charles Day Dowling Gibbs and are awarded by the Faculty of Philosophy. They are among the most prestigious prizes for undergraduates at Oxford.

Who can apply

• University: You’re studying for a bachelor’s degree at the University of Oxford.
• Degree: You are in the ‘Final Honour School’ (the final examination phase) of a degree programme that includes philosophy, such as PPE, Philosophy and Theology, Mathematics and Philosophy, or Physics and Philosophy.
• Results: You achieved the best results in the philosophy exams at your private school. The examiners will make their decision based on your marks from your lessons and the public examinations.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

No application is required. You will be considered automatically on the basis of your examination results and academic performance, unless otherwise stated in the course description. Should no student be deemed sufficiently qualified in a given year, the examiners may decide not to award the prize.

How realistic are your chances?

You don’t apply for it. You are awarded it if you achieve the best results in philosophy at your ‘Honour School’; consequently, it is awarded to only one student per degree programme each year. It is an award for the results achieved, not for effort or a compelling application, and the examiners may withhold it if no one stands out in particular. Your prospects depend entirely on you being among the very best in your year group in the philosophy exams.