Ancient Philosophy

Ancient Philosophy at the University of Oxford offers students an in-depth exploration of the foundational texts, ideas, and methods of philosophical thought originating in the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. This programme is designed for students who seek to understand the origins of Western philosophical traditions and their enduring influence on contemporary thought. The course covers a broad range of topics, including the nature of knowledge, ethics, politics, metaphysics, and the concept of the soul, through close reading and critical analysis of primary sources by philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Epicurus, and the Stoics. Students will engage with texts in their original languages where possible, developing linguistic skills alongside philosophical understanding. The programme fosters critical thinking, historical analysis, and philosophical debate, encouraging students to examine how ancient philosophers approached fundamental questions about human existence, reality, and morality. Coursework involves essays, presentations, and active participation in seminars, all aimed at honing analytical skills and philosophical inquiry. The programme also emphasizes understanding the historical context of philosophical ideas, examining how ancient philosophy influenced subsequent intellectual history and how it remains relevant today. Access to extensive library resources, including original manuscripts and modern scholarly editions, supports rigorous research. Graduates of the programme will gain a comprehensive understanding of ancient philosophical thought, valuable for careers in academia, education, public policy, or any field requiring critical reasoning and analytical skills. The programme is suited for students with a keen interest in philosophy, history, classics, or related disciplines, seeking an intellectually challenging and intellectually rewarding academic experience in a world-leading university.

Teaching and learning on the MSt in Ancient Philosophy consists of individual supervisions with members of the faculty during term-time, classes and lectures, and ongoing independent research.

You must choose two subject options, offer a thesis of 10,000-15,000 words, and show that you have attained a satisfactory standard in Ancient Greek.

The first subject option must be chosen from the following list of undergraduate papers in ancient philosophy offered in the original language:

• Plato: Republic, in Greek
• Plato: Theaetetus and Sophist, in Greek
• Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics, in Greek
• Aristotle: Physics, in Greek
• Sextus Empiricus: Outlines of Pyrrhonism, in Greek
• Latin philosophy, in Latin

Tuition for these subjects is offered in the form of one-to-one supervisions, as well as lectures and classes. Assessment is by one 5,000-word essay on a topic chosen by you and approved by the course co-ordinator.

The second subject option consists of two classes, which change every year, and you must attend both classes. Assessment is by two 5,000-word essays in topics linked to the area covered in the two classes. You may choose to write both essays on topics linked to one class or to write one essay on a topic linked to the first class and the other essay on a topic linked to the second. 

Students must also offer a thesis of 10,000 to 15,000 words on a topic they choose in consultation with the course co-ordinator and a prospective supervisor.

It is a requirement for students without any (or with little) Ancient Greek to attend the language classes run by the Faculty of Classics - this will be determined on a case-by-case basis - while any MSt student should be allowed to attend any of these classes, whether a beginner, intermediate, or advanced. There is no related exam requirement.

If you pass the MSt in Ancient Philosophy, you will have the opportunity to apply to continue to the DPhil in Philosophy via a year as a Probationary Research Student.

Upon completion of the course, you should have:

• pursued a course requiring a high standard in each of the three examined elements (a thesis and two subject options);
• selected at least two areas of ancient philosophy and studied them through individual supervisions with an expert supervisor and either by lectures (offered by an expert or experts in the relevant field) or by classes (convened by an expert or experts in the relevant field) at which students give presentations;
• written a thesis under the guidance of an expert supervisor;
• been examined on your chosen areas by a requirement to write three essays of up to 5,000 words each;
• attained knowledge of Ancient Greek;
• had many opportunities to hear and give talks in philosophy, by attending an annual Graduate Philosophy Conference, talks by invited speakers, philosophy societies, and discussion groups; and
• been a member of a college graduate community, associating with graduates from many countries, cultures, and academic disciplines.

You may attend any graduate or undergraduate classes, seminars and lectures in and outside of the Faculty of Philosophy which are of interest to you, provided those classes, seminars and lectures are open to you.

A weekly workshop during term time allows members of the Faculty of Philosophy and graduate students to discuss work in progress in ancient philosophy by speakers from Oxford and elsewhere. All graduate students specialising in ancient philosophy are encouraged to attend this workshop.

The course has no fieldwork, industrial placement or year abroad element, but you may decide to attend conferences, workshops or research training elsewhere.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in philosophy, Classics or a closely-related discipline. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7, a first-class degree or the equivalent. 

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Applicants without adequate training in Ancient Greek will be required to undergo specialist language training provided by the Faculty of Classics during their MSt studies. There is no related examination requirement.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: One page
• Written work: Either one essay of 5,000 words or two essays of 2,000 to 2,500 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive range of funding options for students pursuing the Master of Studies (MSt) in Ancient Philosophy. Prospective students are encouraged to explore various scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid opportunities designed to support international and domestic students alike. The university’s funding packages are intended to ease the financial burden of postgraduate study and make it accessible to talented candidates regardless of economic background. Tuition fee coverage is available through several competitive scholarships, which may be fully or partially funded depending on the award criteria. Applicants are advised to check the specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship program, as some are targeted toward students from particular countries, academic backgrounds, or demographic groups. Additionally, the university’s Graduate Funding Database provides detailed information on external funding bodies that support students in philosophy and related disciplines. Students are also encouraged to pursue external funding options, including national research councils, charitable foundations, and industry-sponsored fellowships. The university's financial assistance does not only include scholarships but also includes grants, fellowships, and work opportunities such as graduate teaching assistantships, which can provide additional income during studies. The application process for funding usually coincides with the admissions process, and timely submission of all required documentation increases the likelihood of securing financial support. Applicants should note that some funding sources have specific deadlines and eligibility assessments, so early preparation is essential. The university actively supports students in identifying suitable financial resources and offers guidance through its dedicated bursaries and funding office. Overall, students can expect a diverse array of financing options to aid them in completing their studies in Ancient Philosophy at Oxford, promoting a focus on academic excellence without being impeded by financial constraints.

The study of Ancient Philosophy at the University of Oxford provides students with an in-depth exploration of philosophical thought from Ancient Greece and Rome, focusing on the development of foundational ideas that have shaped Western intellectual history. The programme covers a broad range of texts and disciplines, including metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and political philosophy, as well as the historical contexts in which these ideas emerged. Students will engage critically with works by seminal figures such as Plato, Aristotle, the Presocratics, and the Stoics, analyzing their arguments and understanding their influence on subsequent philosophical developments. The course often involves close textual analysis, encouraging students to develop advanced skills in philosophical argumentation, interpretation, and historical contextualization.

The curriculum incorporates a blend of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, allowing for personalized guidance and in-depth discussion. Students are expected to read original texts in their ancient Greek or Latin forms, as well as in translation, and to develop the ability to interpret philosophical arguments within their historical and cultural settings. The programme may include options to study related topics such as ancient science, logic, or philology, providing a well-rounded understanding of the ancient philosophical landscape.

Students in the Ancient Philosophy programme at Oxford benefit from access to world-class resources, including extensive library collections and the university’s renowned faculty specializing in ancient philosophical thought. The programme often emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to connect ancient ideas to contemporary philosophical debates. Graduates typically pursue careers in academia, research, publishing, or related fields where a deep understanding of historical philosophical frameworks is beneficial.

The duration of the programme is usually three or four years depending on the chosen pathway, with options for part-time study. Oxford’s teaching method, which emphasizes close interaction between students and tutors, ensures personalized learning within a rigorous academic environment. Assessments include essays, presentations, and examinations, focused on both textual analysis and philosophical argumentation. Ultimately, the programme aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of Ancient Philosophy, fostering skills that are applicable across a wide range of academic and professional contexts.