Philosophy
Philosophy in Peterhouse is going through an exciting period at the moment. The restless turning of fertile minds progresses too fast to have any stability, leaving a volatile and adventure filled world for those who dare to explore it. In the last three years we have had three different Directors of Studies, a total of over 20 students (although no more than eight at any one time), lots of 2.2s and 2.1s, a 3rd and a 1st, and over eight metres of hair grown (in total, including facial). If confusion could be compared to an alien invasion on Independence Day, philosophy is the US army and Peterhouse is Will Smith.
Mikey Lear
Having not actually come here to read Philosophy I cannot tell you anything about the interview process, but from what I have heard, it is best to be original and confident, and to not be scared to take the conversation in the direction which you want it to go in. You are unlikely to be interviewed by a member of Peterhouse because none of the Fellows are philosophers, but they may wish to talk to you anyway.
Unfortunately, this year we lost our Director of Studies, a Fellow at Trinity called Dr. Marenbon, but our new one is a lady called Dr. Frasca-Spada, an HPS Fellow of St. Catharine’s College. While you are here you will probably have your studies directed by her, with supervisions all around the university. Because the subject is quite a small one, supervisors are often grad students, but this is no bad thing, they are often more sympathetic, and remember what it was like to be in your place!
Peterhouse is a small college, and at the moment there are only three philosophers in the college, two third years and one first year. This means it is useful to form some working habits with philosophers at other colleges, just so you have people to revise with, fall back on and to generally talk about philosophy with – you will soon drive your fellow Petreans to tears! Personally, I actually find it quite nice to be the only philosopher, because if I need to I can go to another college to talk, but if I just want to work, being the only philosopher gives you the independence you need.
Matt Lomas