Ancient Philosophy MSt Graduate
In an age defined by rapid technological advancement and constant change, the wisdom of ancient philosophy might seem like a relic of the past. Yet, its enduring relevance in contemporary thought is undeniable. From ethical dilemmas to the nature of reality, the profound questions posed by thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and the Hellenistic philosophers continue to resonate, offering timeless insights into the human condition. For those with a deep intellectual curiosity and a desire to engage with these foundational ideas at an advanced level, pursuing a Master of Studies (MSt) in Ancient Philosophy offers a rigorous and rewarding academic journey. This article aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for prospective students, exploring the multifaceted aspects of advanced ancient philosophy studies, including course structure, academic support, available resources, and the diverse career prospects that emerge from such a specialized education.
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Advanced Ancient Philosophy Studies
What is an Ancient Philosophy MSt Graduate?
An MSt in Ancient Philosophy is a specialized, taught postgraduate course designed to provide an intensive, advanced study of ancient philosophical traditions. It typically serves as a foundational stepping stone for doctoral work, offering a deep dive into the intellectual landscapes of antiquity. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover core areas through a combination of seminars, individual supervisions, and the completion of a substantial thesis.
At its heart, the MSt program focuses on the seminal contributions of figures such as Plato and Aristotle, whose ideas laid much of the groundwork for Western thought. Beyond these giants, students delve into the rich tapestry of Hellenistic thought, encompassing Stoicism, Epicureureanism, and Skepticism, which explored ethics, logic, and physics with profound implications. The study also extends to Latin philosophy, examining the Roman engagement with Greek philosophical traditions and their unique contributions. While primarily rooted in traditional ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, many programs also offer opportunities to explore non-Western philosophies, fostering a broader, more inclusive understanding of global intellectual heritage.
Learning Methodology: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The learning experience in an MSt in Ancient Philosophy is characterized by a blend of traditional academic rigor and modern pedagogical approaches. The cornerstone of this methodology is in-person individual supervisions. These one-on-one sessions with faculty experts provide personalized guidance, allowing students to delve deeply into complex texts and arguments, refine their research questions, and develop their analytical skills. This direct mentorship is invaluable for intellectual growth and scholarly development.
Complementing supervisions are structured classes and lectures, which provide a broader overview of key topics, historical contexts, and methodological approaches. These settings encourage active participation, fostering vibrant discussions and critical engagement with diverse perspectives. Crucially, a significant portion of the program is dedicated to ongoing independent research. This cultivates critical thinking and scholarly autonomy, empowering students to pursue their own intellectual interests and contribute original scholarship to the field.
A highly recommended, though sometimes optional, component is the study of Ancient Greek. For students with little or no prior knowledge, attending language classes is strongly advised. The ability to read philosophical texts in their original language offers an unparalleled advantage, allowing for a nuanced understanding of concepts and arguments that can be lost in translation. Students with intermediate or advanced Greek can further consolidate and expand their existing knowledge through more advanced classes, deepening their engagement with primary sources.
Deconstructing the Course Structure
Core Academic Requirements
The MSt in Ancient Philosophy is structured around several core academic requirements designed to ensure a comprehensive and rigorous educational experience. A central element is the thesis, a substantial piece of original research typically ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 words. Students choose their thesis topic in consultation with a course coordinator and a prospective supervisor, allowing for specialization in an area of particular interest. This thesis serves as a capstone project, demonstrating the student’s ability to conduct independent research, formulate a coherent argument, and present their findings in a scholarly manner.
In addition to the thesis, students undertake two subject options, each exploring distinct areas of ancient philosophy. The first subject option is often chosen from a predefined list of undergraduate-level papers, providing a solid grounding in foundational texts and debates. Examples include:
- Plato: Republic
- Plato on Knowledge, Language & Reality in the Theaetetus and Sophist
- Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics
- Aristotle on Nature, Life and Mind
- Knowledge and Scepticism in Hellenistic Philosophy
- Latin philosophy
Tuition for these subjects is delivered through a combination of supervisions, lectures, and classes, ensuring a multi-faceted learning approach. The second subject option typically consists of two classes that change annually, reflecting current research interests of the faculty and emerging trends in the field. These classes offer opportunities to engage with more specialized or contemporary interpretations of ancient thought. Recent examples of such classes have included:
- Plato on Education
- Happiness and Time in Ancient Philosophy
- Seneca’s Moral Letters
- Aristotle’s Defence of Natural Slavery and its Legacy
- Techne in Ancient Philosophy
- Vice in Ancient Philosophy
- Virtue and Eros in Stoic Philosophy
- The Ontology of Action: Aristotle and After
- The Stoics on Emotions
- Plato and Aristotle on Truth
- Prudence in Aristotle’s Ethics
- Sophistry and Fallacy in Plato and Aristotle
- Plato’s Political Philosophy
Seminars, Workshops, and Conferences
An MSt program in Ancient Philosophy extends far beyond formal classes and supervisions, offering a vibrant intellectual ecosystem that enriches the student experience. Throughout each term, faculty members organize numerous graduate classes and research seminars, where students are encouraged to be full and active participants. These forums provide opportunities to present work in progress, engage in critical discussions, and receive feedback from peers and experts.
Many philosophy faculties also host weekly workshops dedicated to ancient philosophy. These workshops serve as dynamic platforms for faculty members and graduate students to discuss ongoing research, often featuring presentations by speakers from the host institution and visiting scholars. Attending these workshops is highly encouraged for all graduate students specializing in ancient philosophy, as they offer exposure to cutting-edge scholarship and foster a sense of intellectual community.
Furthermore, institutions may host special lecture series, such as the Nellie Wallace lectures, which bring distinguished scholars from outside the university to deliver lectures and conduct seminars. These events provide unique opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement and exposure to diverse academic perspectives. Students are also often encouraged to attend any graduate or undergraduate classes, seminars, and lectures across the university that align with their interests, provided they are open to them.
Graduate students are also empowered to organize their own seminars and reading groups, fostering collaborative learning and intellectual exploration. Many programs support student-run philosophy societies, one of which might invite distinguished speakers from around the world, while another provides a platform for graduate students to present their papers to a peer audience. A highlight of the academic year is often an annual Graduate Philosophy Conference, where most graduate philosophy students participate, presenting their research and engaging with the wider academic community. While the course typically has no fieldwork, industrial placement, or year abroad element, students may choose to attend external conferences, workshops, or research training to further their academic development.
Resources and Supervision
World-Class Academic Resources
Graduate students pursuing an MSt in Ancient Philosophy benefit from access to an extensive array of world-class resources designed to support their academic endeavors. Central to this support system are the libraries, often including major research libraries and specialized faculty, department, and institute libraries. For instance, the Bodleian Libraries, one of the largest library systems globally, houses millions of printed items, provides access to a vast collection of e-journals, and boasts outstanding special collections, including rare books, manuscripts, classical papyri, and maps. These resources are indispensable for in-depth philosophical research.
Beyond traditional library services, comprehensive IT Services are available to support students with core university IT systems, tools, and facilities. These services often include a range of IT learning courses to aid in research and academic work, along with guidance on technology integration for new students. Modern academic environments are also increasingly investing in state-of-the-art facilities. For example, a new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities might serve as a central hub, accommodating multiple faculties and institutes, offering numerous well-equipped teaching and seminar rooms, and fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative work. Such centers often feature dedicated philosophy libraries with extensive lending collections, ample general reader and graduate study seats, and 24/7 study spaces, complemented by access to electronic resources and subject librarians.
Personalized Supervision Model
Effective supervision is a cornerstone of advanced philosophical study. For an MSt in Ancient Philosophy, the allocation of graduate supervision is typically the responsibility of the Faculty of Philosophy. While efforts are made to accommodate student preferences, it is not always possible to assign a specific staff member. In exceptional circumstances, a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of Philosophy or Classics, ensuring that students receive expert guidance regardless of internal staffing constraints.
Students generally receive four one-hour supervision sessions per term with their appointed supervisor. These sessions are highly interactive and tailored to the individual student’s research and progress. Before each supervision session, students are required to conduct research, write, and submit a formative essay to support their academic progress. This essay serves as a basis for discussion, and students receive detailed feedback during the one-on-one session, allowing them to refine their arguments and improve their writing for formal assessment.
Navigating the Assessment Landscape
Components of Evaluation
Assessment in an MSt in Ancient Philosophy is designed to rigorously evaluate a student’s mastery of the subject matter, research capabilities, and analytical prowess. The thesis stands as the primary component of evaluation, requiring students to demonstrate original thought, scholarly rigor, and the ability to construct a sustained philosophical argument. This extensive piece of writing is a testament to their in-depth engagement with a chosen topic.
In addition to the thesis, students are assessed through written work in the form of essays for their subject options. The first subject option is typically assessed by one 5,000-word essay on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the course coordinator. For the second subject option, assessment involves two 5,000-word essays. Students have the flexibility to write both essays on topics linked to one of the two classes taken for this option, or to write one essay on a topic from each class. However, it is crucial to avoid significant overlap in subject material between these essays, ensuring a broad and distinct exploration of philosophical themes.
Admission to Ancient Philosophy
Entry Requirements
Admission to an MSt in Ancient Philosophy is highly competitive, requiring a strong demonstration of proven and potential academic excellence. As a minimum, applicants are typically expected to hold or be predicted to achieve a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in philosophy, classics, or a closely related discipline from a UK institution or its equivalent internationally. However, successful applicants often possess a first-class degree or its equivalent, highlighting the demanding nature of these programs. For instance, applicants from the USA are usually required to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0, though most successful candidates achieve a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Unlike many other postgraduate programs, the GRE General Test (or GMAT) scores are not typically sought, placing greater emphasis on academic transcripts and references. Furthermore, applicants are generally not required to have any publications or extensive prior experience, making the program accessible to talented individuals early in their academic careers. Many institutions also consider contextual data to better understand an applicant’s achievements within their individual background, particularly if their ability to meet entry requirements has been affected by extenuating circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic or personal hardships.
English Language Proficiency
For international applicants whose first language is not English, demonstrating English language proficiency at the university’s higher level is a mandatory requirement. This typically involves achieving specific minimum scores on recognized English language tests. A table outlining common requirements might look like this:
English Language Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Overall Score | Minimum Score Per Component |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (Institution code: 0713) | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition' (Institution code: 0490) | 110 | Listening: 22, Reading: 24, Speaking: 25, Writing: 24 |
| C1 Advanced* | 191 | 185 |
| C2 Proficiency† | 191 | 185 |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 165 | 155 |
This qualification was previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English, also referred to as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE).
This qualification was formerly called the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, also known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE).
It is crucial that the test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of the course, and applicants should consult the specific application guide for further details on these requirements.
Application Essentials
The application process for an MSt in Ancient Philosophy requires careful attention to detail and the submission of several key documents. Applicants will need to register three academic referees who can provide an informed view of their academic ability, intellectual potential, and suitability for advanced study in philosophy. These references are critical in assessing a candidate’s readiness for the program. Additionally, applicants are required to supply various supporting documents as detailed in the application guidelines, which may include academic transcripts, a personal statement, and a writing sample. It is noteworthy that interviews are not normally held as part of the admissions process, placing even greater importance on the written application materials.
Upon receiving an offer of a place, applicants will be informed of any offer conditions that need to be satisfied, such as achieving a specific final grade in their current degree course. These conditions are tailored to individual academic circumstances. Beyond academic requirements, successful applicants are typically required to complete a Financial Declaration to meet financial conditions of admission and to disclose any relevant, unspent criminal convictions in accordance with university obligations.
Other factors influencing admissions include the university’s ability to provide appropriate supervision and support (e.g., facilities, resources, teaching, research opportunities), as well as minimum and maximum limits on student numbers to ensure optimal learning environments.
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MSt Progression and Career Paths
Pathway to Doctoral Studies
For many, the MSt in Ancient Philosophy serves as a direct pathway to further academic pursuits, particularly a DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) in Philosophy. Students who achieve a distinction in their MSt are typically eligible for progression, provided that the relevant Graduate Studies Committee is satisfied that their proposed thesis topic and outline indicate adequate supervision can be provided by faculty members. For those who began the MSt with limited knowledge of Ancient Greek, attendance in relevant language classes is usually a prerequisite for DPhil progression. Even students who pass the MSt without a distinction may be admitted to the DPhil at the Committee’s discretion, underscoring the program’s role as a preparatory course.
The MSt is also particularly suitable as a conversion course for students transitioning to philosophy from related disciplines such as classics, history, or literature. It provides the necessary philosophical foundation and methodological training to embark on advanced research in ancient philosophy.
Broader Career Implications
While a significant number of MSt graduates pursue academic careers, the skills honed during advanced study in ancient philosophy are highly transferable and valued across a diverse range of professions. The rigorous training in advanced research, analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and persuasive argumentation equips graduates for intellectually demanding roles both within and outside academia. According to various sources, philosophy graduates find success in fields such as:
- Academia and Research: Continuing to PhD programs, teaching, and scholarly research.
- Law: The emphasis on logic, argumentation, and ethical reasoning makes philosophy an excellent foundation for legal careers.
- Journalism and Publishing: Strong analytical and writing skills are highly sought after.
- Public Policy and Government: The ability to analyze complex issues and formulate coherent arguments is crucial.
- Banking and Finance: Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are valuable in financial analysis and strategy.
- Information Technology and Software Development: The logical and abstract thinking cultivated in philosophy can be surprisingly beneficial in tech roles, including systems analysis and software engineering.
- Management and Consulting: The capacity for strategic thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making is highly relevant.
- Bioethics and Healthcare: Specialization in bioethics can lead to consulting roles in medical and research institutions.
- Education: Teaching at various levels, from secondary education to university.
- Cultural Affairs: Roles in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
The MSt in Ancient Philosophy thus not only prepares individuals for specialized academic careers but also cultivates a versatile skill set that is highly adaptable to the demands of the modern professional landscape.
Conclusion
Embarking on an MSt in Ancient Philosophy is a journey into the intellectual heart of Western civilization, offering a unique opportunity to engage with timeless questions and profound thinkers. It is a rigorous yet profoundly rewarding academic endeavor that demands intellectual curiosity, dedication, and a commitment to scholarly excellence. The comprehensive course structure, personalized supervision, and access to world-class resources provide an unparalleled environment for deep learning and intellectual growth. Beyond the immediate academic objectives, the program cultivates a suite of highly transferable skills that open doors to diverse and impactful career paths, both within and outside the ivory tower. For those inspired by the enduring legacy of ancient thought, this advanced study offers not just knowledge, but a transformative intellectual experience that shapes critical minds and prepares them to navigate the complexities of the contemporary world. If the pursuit of wisdom and a deeper understanding of humanity’s intellectual heritage calls to you, an MSt in Ancient Philosophy might just be the perfect next step in your academic and professional journey.