Save Greenwich Philosophy

The University of Greenwich is intending to close its Philosophy degree programme with immediate effect. The decision has been criticised by the British Philosophical Association and a campaign has been launched to save the course. They argue:

'The School of Humanities management announced on March 23rd that recruitment to the Philosophy BA as been stopped, with immediate effect, and that all places on this degree already offered to students for the coming year are to be rescinded. They have further recommended to the University Academic Planning Committee that the Philosophy BA be closed down. No objective argument was presented for this halt in recruitment and closure. A request was made for the relevant documentation to the Head of School and vice chancellor, but no response has been received. On March 29th, the HOS and DVC confirmed the planned closure in a school meeting, citing financial reasons. The evidence cited was insufficient, including both partial out-of-date statistics...

The Philosophy degree at the University of Greenwich has been running successfully for over 20 years. The staff are committed to providing the highest level of teaching and the programme received excellent reports at its last validation. Recruitment to the programme tripled last year, and applications for the coming year are higher still. The University is well known for it’s championing of widening participation, and its high intake of BME students. Many of these students are unable to move away from home in order to study, and Greenwich is one of the very few institutions left in the South East offering Philosophy to students whose achievement is likely to be less than straight A’s. Philosophy has an essential place in any University worthy of the name'.

The Save Philosophy at Greenwich Campaign is having a 'Greenwich Speakers Corner' protest this Saturday April 9th, 2 pm - 4 pm at Greenwich Campus, Near Queen Anne building (facebook event). There is also an online petition.