Course summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course including information about course components or research areas, please visit the course page on the University of Oxford website. The MSt in Ancient Philosophy is a taught course offering advanced study in ancient philosophy through seminars, supervisions, and a thesis, with topics including Plato, Aristotle, Hellenistic thought, and Latin philosophy. The course aims to provide a foundation on which you can go on to pursue doctoral work in the area. There may be opportunities to study non-Western philosophies alongside traditional ancient Greek and Roman philosophy. Teaching and learning on the MSt in Ancient Philosophy normally consists of in-person individual supervisions with members of the faculty during term-time, classes and lectures, and ongoing independent research. 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;

• had the opportunity to attain some knowledge of Ancient Greek, or consolidate and increase existing knowledge;

• had many opportunities to hear and give talks in philosophy, by attending the 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.