Greek and Philosophy

Greek and philosophy is one of the most intellectually demanding and rewarding combinations available at degree level. Ancient Greek is the language of Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Thucydides, and Sophocles, a literature of extraordinary richness that created many of the foundational categories through which Western thought still operates. Reading it in the original language is a transformative experience, opening up texts and arguments that translation can only partially convey.

Philosophy, particularly when approached through its ancient sources, develops the rigorous logical thinking and capacity for sustained conceptual argument that characterises the best philosophical education.

At the University of St Andrews, this four-year full-time programme develops your Greek language skills from an appropriate entry point while simultaneously engaging you in the analysis of philosophical arguments and problems that span from the Presocratics through Plato and Aristotle to contemporary debates. The programme includes a year abroad, which may be used to deepen your engagement with the classical world in a different academic context. The typical entry tariff of 168 points reflects the academic standard expected.

The integration of language learning and philosophical study means you develop the ability to engage with primary texts directly, rather than through translation alone, which fundamentally changes the depth of your understanding.

You will develop precision of thought, the ability to construct and evaluate complex arguments, and an unusually deep engagement with the texts that formed the foundations of the European intellectual tradition.

Graduates pursue careers in law, academia, publishing, journalism, the civil service, philosophy teaching, and any field that values precise thinking and clear communication. The rigour demanded by both disciplines makes graduates highly effective in roles requiring careful analysis and persuasive argument. Postgraduate study in philosophy, classics, or classical philosophy is a natural next step for those drawn to research.