Honest review of Durham teaching quality/academics (esp. Politics/Philosophy depts)?
I am currently a first year undergraduate student at Exeter (PPE), but am disappointed in the quality of teaching / apathy among students etc. I applied to transfer to Durham for Politics and Philosophy and got an offer. The problem is, from what I've read, bad teaching, sleep-inducing tutorials, and lack of motivation or interest in academics among students seems to be a problem everywhere other than maybe the very top unis. If Durham will be similar to Exeter, there is no point in me wasting a year. If anyone has experience with Durham, especially the Politics and Philosophy departments, what is your honest review? Would students be more driven, lecturers more passionate / the course more rigorous than at Exeter? I only care that it is more of an "academic" atmosphere and would appreciate if you shared what it is like at Durham?
Reply 1
Hey, I’m a current PPE student at Durham. Whilst I’d say I’ve personally had a couple of problems with the teaching style etc. in the Economics department, I believe the Politics and Philosophy departments are very strong. The lecturers I’ve had for first year in the two (especially for Philosophy, who are very enthusiastic) are exceptionally helpful, they give long thoughtful answers to questions and give help and feedback on assignments whenever needed. The only criticism I’d give is sometimes there’s so much Politics content to fit in the lectures can seem a little rushed.
I’ve personally found the tutorials to be interesting, Philosophy tutorials in Durham are structured like a big discussion over a concept in a circle, which can lead to some very interesting ideas, whereas in Politics seminars you are often given group tasks, asked to discuss the readings etc., so really how interesting you find it depends on how much the topic intrigues you.
I do think the students are driven, the students I’ve worked with for Politics group projects have been very organised and productive, but then you’ll always get a mixed bag anywhere you go.
I’ve personally found the tutorials to be interesting, Philosophy tutorials in Durham are structured like a big discussion over a concept in a circle, which can lead to some very interesting ideas, whereas in Politics seminars you are often given group tasks, asked to discuss the readings etc., so really how interesting you find it depends on how much the topic intrigues you.
I do think the students are driven, the students I’ve worked with for Politics group projects have been very organised and productive, but then you’ll always get a mixed bag anywhere you go.
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