TOP marks have been awarded by national assessors to one of Durham University's smallest departments.

Philosophy has become the third university department, following on from biological sciences and physics, to achieve a maximum score of 24 from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

The award follows a four-day visit by a QAA team, which followed up written submissions with interviews and analysis.

University vice-chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman said: "These are the third full marks for teaching quality at Durham and I am very pleased for everyone in the philosophy department. It's a superb achievement."

Head of philosophy Professor Jonathan Lowe said: "We are delighted with this public mark of recognition for the excellent work of students and staff in the philosophy department, and staff in the university's support services and colleges."

The department, with 150 students on eight undergraduate degree programmes, offers modules in combined honours courses in all three Durham faculties - arts, sciences and social sciences.

Subjects include moral theory, logic, history of science, ethics and medicine.