Ancient Philosophy

The Ancient Philosophy programme at Durham University offers students an in-depth exploration of the foundational ideas and texts of classical philosophical thought. Rooted in the rich intellectual traditions of Ancient Greece and Rome, this degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the origins and development of Western philosophy. Students will engage critically with primary sources from seminal figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Epicurus, and the Stoics, examining their ideas on metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and politics. The programme emphasizes the historical context of philosophical texts, enabling students to appreciate the cultural, political, and historical circumstances that shaped the ideas of ancient philosophers.

Throughout the course, students will develop key skills in textual analysis, philosophical argumentation, and scholarly research. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, and individual research projects, fostering an engaging and interactive learning environment. Modules are designed to progressively deepen students’ understanding, starting with introductory courses on ancient philosophical themes, and advancing to specialized topics such as virtue ethics, the philosophy of mind, and the influence of ancient thought on later philosophical movements. The programme also encourages students to consider the relevance of ancient ideas to contemporary philosophical debates.

Research-led teaching at Durham ensures students have access to leading scholars in ancient philosophy, who bring cutting-edge insights and different perspectives to their teaching. In addition to academic instruction, students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences, providing opportunities for networking and professional development. The programme’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, with options to pursue modules across related disciplines like classics, history, and religious studies.

Graduates from the Ancient Philosophy programme will be well-equipped for careers in academia, education, publishing, or public policy, and will possess a rare depth of understanding about the origins of Western thought. They will also have honed critical thinking, analytical writing, and research skills that are highly valued across numerous career paths. Overall, this degree offers a rigorous and rewarding exploration of ancient philosophical ideas, fostering intellectual growth and a greater appreciation of the enduring influence of classical philosophy on modern thought.

Content

This is a specialist programme geared towards preparing students for higher research in ancient philosophy - partly through direct research training, and partly through modules taught by experts in their field in small-group seminars. Durham has a longstanding tradition of international excellence in the field of ancient philosophy, with several recent doctoral students having gone on to take up academic positions in the UK and abroad. The programme lasts for one year (two years part-time), and centres around a core module on a topic in ancient philosophy.

Other key elements of the course include a core research training module, a 15,000 word dissertation, and one elective module, which is offered in the areas of current research interests of members of staff.

Course Structure

For information on the structure of the course, please view our website.

Core Modules

• Dissertation
• Classical Research Methods and Resources
• Compulsory language module (Latin for research/Ancient Greek for research/another ancient language/modern language)
• Forms After Plato or Ancient Philosophers on Origins or Ancient Philosophers On Necessity, Fate and Free Will. 

Optional Modules

In previous years, optional modules available included:

• Forms After Plato
• Latin Text Seminar
• Greek Text Seminar
• Akkadian
• Latin Love Elegy
• Religious Life in The Roman Near East
• Monumental Architecture of The Roman East
• Vitruvius, On Architecture: The First Treatise On Architecture, Its Significance and Legacy
• Greek Sacred Regulations
• Ancient Philosophers On Necessity, Fate and Free Will
• The Classical Tradition: Art, Literature, Thought
• Comparative Approaches to Homeric Epic
• Greek Text Seminar On Homeric Epic
• Latin Text Seminar On Roman Epic
• Life and Death On Roman Sarcophagi
• Juvenal's Satires in Context
• Ancient Philosophers On Origins
• Animals in Graeco-roman Antiquity
• The Queen of The Desert: Rise and Decline of Palmyra's Civilization
• The Roman Republic: Debates and Approaches.
• Rewriting empire: Eusebius of Caesara and the First Christian History

Not all modules will be offered every year, and new modules (both elective and core) are added regularly. Students may also be substitute modules offered in other departments such as Theology, Philosophy, English, Archaeology, or History

Subject requirements, level and grade

• A good second class honours degree in a relevant subject (typically 2:1 honours) or international equivalent (e.g. USA 3.3 g.p.a.; Greek 6.5 / Lian Kalos).
• Since all postgraduate degrees are meant to build on your undergraduate work, we ask for a previous degree in a 'relevant' subject. For the MA programme in Ancient Philosophy you must have studied this field at the highest level of your undergraduate course.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing of the Ancient Philosophy program at Durham University is primarily supported through a combination of tuition fee payments, government funding, and optional scholarship opportunities. Tuition fees are set annually and vary depending on the student’s residency status, with UK/EU students paying a different rate from international students. These fees contribute a significant portion of the funding for the program, covering academic staff salaries, classroom facilities, and learning resources. International students are encouraged to seek additional financial support through university-administered scholarships, which are competitive and merit-based. Durham University offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including those dedicated specifically to students studying philosophy or the humanities more broadly.

Additionally, students enrolled in the Ancient Philosophy program may be eligible for external scholarships, grants, or sponsorships depending on their circumstances and country of origin. The university also provides guidance in applying for student loans from the UK government, which can aid in covering tuition fees and living expenses. The program’s funding structure is also supplemented by research grants and funding bodies that support specific projects, seminars, or conferences related to ancient philosophy, enriching the academic experience and providing additional resources for students and staff.

Moreover, students can sometimes undertake paid research or teaching assistant roles as part of their postgraduate studies, which further supports their financial stability during their time at Durham. The university’s central financial aid office offers comprehensive advice on funding options, budgeting, and financial planning to ensure students can focus on their studies without undue financial hardship. Overall, the Ancient Philosophy program benefits from Durham’s robust financial support framework, geared towards providing accessible, high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds.

Ancient Philosophy at Durham University offers students an extensive exploration of the philosophical ideas that originated in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. This programme delves into the foundational texts and figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, and the Stoics, providing a comprehensive understanding of their contributions to metaphysics, ethics, politics, and epistemology. Students have the opportunity to examine primary sources in their original languages, as well as through modern translations, facilitated by expert faculty members who are specialists in the field.

The course is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the historical development of philosophical ideas. The programme encourages students to engage with philosophical debates from antiquity and consider their relevance to contemporary issues. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, students are guided to interpret ancient texts and assess their impact on subsequent philosophical thought.

Durham’s Ancient Philosophy programme also emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, integrating insights from history, Classics, and theology. Students may have access to archaeological and historical resources, and participate in seminars and workshops that connect ancient philosophy with other disciplines. Throughout the course, students will be involved in original research projects, allowing them to develop their academic writing and presentation skills.

The programme is suitable for students interested in philosophy, classics, history, or related fields, offering a strong foundation for further research, postgraduate study, or careers in education, publishing, or cultural heritage sectors. With access to Durham's extensive libraries and research centres, students can immerse themselves in a vibrant academic community dedicated to the study and preservation of ancient intellectual traditions. The duration of the programme typically spans three or four years for an undergraduate degree, with options for joint honours and postgraduate research pathways. Overall, Durham University’s Ancient Philosophy programme aims to foster a deep understanding of one of the most influential periods in the history of ideas while cultivating skills that are highly valued across many fields of employment.