Studies & Degrees in Ancient Philosophy
Ancient Philosophy Study Programs
Ancient philosophy is the study of the philosophical thought of the Greek and Roman world. In the outline of the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, it runs from Thales (c. 624-c. 545 BCE), who is often considered the first Western philosopher, through Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, to the Hellenistic schools (Epicureans, Cynics, Stoics and Skeptics) and on to Plotinus, the later Neoplatonists and Roman authors such as Cicero. The same source describes this tradition as the root of the Western intellectual tradition.
Students read the original works closely, usually in translation at first: the fragments of the Presocratics, Plato's dialogues, Aristotle's treatises, and the writings of Epicurus and the Stoics. They study the questions these authors raised in ethics, politics, logic, physics, metaphysics and the theory of knowledge, and they learn to reconstruct and criticise arguments. At advanced level the subject is close to classics, because the texts were written in Greek and Latin and often survive only in part.
Qualifications and levels
- Bachelor's degrees. Ancient philosophy is rarely a first degree on its own. It is taught as a group of courses within a degree in philosophy or classics. In Spain, where a bachelor's degree (grado) has 240 ECTS credits, it forms part of the history of philosophy courses of the bachelor's degree in Philosophy.
- Master's degrees. Specialised programmes appear at this level. Official master's degrees in Spain have 60, 90 or 120 ECTS credits. In the United Kingdom, the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Oxford offers an MSt in Ancient Philosophy in which students specialise in at least two areas of the subject and write a thesis of 10,000 to 15,000 words; the faculty intends to admit around eight students a year.
- Distance learning. Warnborough College Ireland offers an MA in Ancient Philosophy by distance learning: 120 ECTS credits, a minimum of four terms (16 months) and, as listed in October 2026, fees of €10,200 in total. It requires an undergraduate degree in the same or a related discipline. The programme is built around Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus and the Stoic Epictetus and ends with a thesis.
- Doctorates. A PhD is the usual route to university teaching and research. Oxford's MSt students may apply to continue to the DPhil in Philosophy. Warnborough College Ireland lists a PhD in Ancient Philosophy of 160 ECTS credits, with a minimum duration of three years, a master's degree as prerequisite and fees of €18,000.
Where to study it
SpainExchange lists 3 active schools for ancient philosophy, one each in the United States, the United Kingdom and Ireland: Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama, Warnborough College (UK) in Canterbury and Warnborough College (Ireland) in Dublin. The two Warnborough colleges teach online, so students do not need to move. All three teach in English.
Recognition deserves attention before enrolling. Warnborough College Ireland states that it is an independent college, that it is self-regulating and awards degrees under its articles of association, and that it is a self-accredited institution operating in line with the European Qualifications Framework. Ask the college, and the university, employer or authority you want the degree for, what recognition its qualifications have in your country.
The subject is taught far more widely than this short list suggests, because most philosophy and classics departments cover it. When comparing programmes, check how many staff work on ancient philosophy, whether Greek and Latin are taught, and whether a master's leads on to a doctorate.
Languages
Greek and Latin are not always required at the start, but they matter for advanced work. Oxford does not make Ancient Greek classes compulsory for its MSt students, but strongly recommends them, since reading philosophical texts in the original language is an advantage.
Careers
The main specialist career is university teaching and research. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that postsecondary teachers typically must have a PhD or other doctoral degree in their field, and it projects overall employment of postsecondary teachers to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. That figure covers all subjects; it is not a figure for philosophy.
Most graduates use the training in analysis, argument and writing in other fields. Warnborough College Ireland mentions teaching, course development, research, the civil service, local government, charities, information technology, law firms, publishing and journalism as areas where its philosophy graduates may work. Secondary-school teaching usually needs a separate teaching qualification, which depends on the country.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know Greek or Latin to study ancient philosophy?
Not to begin. Introductory courses use translations. For a research master's or doctorate the languages become important: Oxford, for example, strongly recommends Ancient Greek classes to its MSt students without making them compulsory.
Can I study ancient philosophy online?
Yes. Warnborough College Ireland offers an MA of 120 ECTS credits and a PhD of 160 ECTS credits in Ancient Philosophy by distance learning. Check what recognition the qualification has for your purposes before enrolling.
Is there a bachelor's degree in ancient philosophy?
Rarely. The subject is normally studied within a bachelor's degree in philosophy or classics, and specialised programmes start at master's level.
What can I do with a degree in ancient philosophy?
University teaching and research normally require a doctorate. Other graduates work in education, public administration, publishing, journalism and similar fields that value analysis and writing.