MSt in Ancient Philosophy at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A nine-month course providing a foundation for doctoral work in ancient philosophy, taught mainly through one-to-one supervisions, classes and lectures with opportunities to study some Ancient Greek.

Department: Faculty of Philosophy | Duration: 9 months full-time | Intake: 4 October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Two subject options and a thesis of 10,000 to 15,000 words, written on a topic chosen with the course coordinator and a prospective supervisor. Students select at least two areas of ancient philosophy; Ancient Greek classes run by the Faculty of Classics are optional but recommended for those with little Greek.

Career pathways

Graduates often progress to doctoral programmes; others pursue non-philosophical academic careers or careers in banking, information technology, law, management consultancy, teaching and public service.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in philosophy, classics or a closely related discipline; most successful applicants have a first-class degree or equivalent (US degree: GPA normally 3.6 out of 4.0, most successful applicants 3.7). No GRE or GMAT scores; publications not required. Interviews are not normally held. Suitable as a conversion course for students moving to philosophy from classics or related disciplines. Three referees are required. Supporting documents are required with the application. English language (higher level, for applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24; TOEFL tests taken from 21 January 2026 are not accepted until a review of the revised test is complete); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Tests must be taken no more than two years before the course start.

Domestic applicants: GBP 20,100 a year (2027/28). Home fee, full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 46,350 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, full-time Source

Intake: 4 October 2027

Duration: 9 months full-time

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