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Philosophy
Ancient History and Philosophy BA
Ancient History and Philosophy BA

Ancient History and Philosophy BA

  • ID:RHU440006
  • Level:3-Year Bachelor's Degree
  • Duration:
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Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

​English Requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.

  • Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 69. No other subscore lower than 51.

  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.

  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.

Course Information

By combining Ancient History and Philosophy in equal parts you'll have the opportunity to study the history of Greece and Rome in the Classical period alongside ancient and modern philosophy. With roots of philosophical theory anchored in the ancient world, Philosophy and Ancient History make an excellent combination of subjects.

Taught by a variety of internationally recognised experts, Ancient History offers the opportunity to study the history of Greece and Rome in the Classical period (600 BCE to 700 CE). Over three years you will delve into the politics, events and developments underpinning our understanding of many aspects of historical societies and, indeed, our own culture. You will explore themes, key periods and problems in Greek and Roman history, such as the emergence (and fall) of democracy and the rise, decline and fall of Empires.

As a student of Ancient History you will be part of our Classics Department, where the quality of research that informs our teaching and a friendly, individual approach which shapes the way we guide our students combine to create an unbeaten academic experience.

At Royal Holloway we have a unique approach to Philosophy that looks beyond the narrow confines of the Anglo-American analytic or the European tradition of philosophy focus on both traditions, their relationship and connections between them. The result has been the creation of a truly interdisciplinary and collaborative course that brings together academic staff from departments across the university.

With the opportunity to examine (amongst other things) the mind and consciousness, aesthetics and morals, the self and others, the range of subjects available to Philosophy students at Royal Holloway guarantees that there will be something on offer that really engages you during your time with us.

Our flexible degree programmes enable you to apply to take a Placement Year, which can be spent studying abroad, working or carrying out voluntary work. You can even do all three if you want to (minimum of three months each)! To recognise the importance of this additional skills development and university experience, your Placement Year will be formally recognised on your degree certificate and will contribute to your overall result. Please note conditions may apply if your degree already includes an integrated year out, please contact the Careers & Employability Service for more information. Find out more

  • Explore key themes and problems such as the rise, decline and fall of Empires.

  • Opportunities to study archaeology, literature, philosophy and language.

  • Choose to specialise in Greek or Roman history, or both.

  • A historical range from ancient to contemporary analytic philosophy.

  • Develop critical skills for your career or further study.

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Core Modules

Year 1

  •  Greek History and the City State

  •  Key Themes in Roman History

  • Introduction to Modern Philosophy

  •  Epistemology and Metaphysics

  •  Introduction to Ancient Philosophy

Year 2

  • Greek History to 322 BC

  • Greek Historiography

  • Historiography of the Roman World

  •  The Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic

  •  Rome and its Empire from Augustus to Commodus

  •  Introduction to European Philosophy 1: Kant to Hegel

  •  Mind and World

Year 3

  • Extended Essay (Dissertation)

Optional Modules

There are a number of optional course modules available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course modules that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new modules may be offered or existing modules may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.

Year 1

  •  Beginner’s Greek

  •  Intermediate Greek

  •  Greek Language and Reading

  •  Beginner's Latin

  •  Intermediate Latin

  •  Latin Language and Reading

  •  Introduction to Greek Literature

  •  Roman Literature of the Republic

  •  Roman Literature of the Empiretype

  •  Introduction to Ancient Philosophy

  •  Individual and Community

  •  Studying Classical Antiquity

  •  Introduction to Greek Archaeology

  •  Introduction to Roman Archaeology

  •  Introduction to Logic

  •  Mind and Consciousness

  •  Introduction to Aesthetics and Morals

Year 2

  •  Introduction to European Philosophy 1: Kant to Hegel

  •  Mind and World

  • Introduction to European Philosophy 2: The Critique of Idealism

  • Varieties of Scepticism

  • Philosophy and the Arts

  • The Varieties of Scepticism

  • The Philosophy of Religion

  • Philosophy of Religon

  • Philosophy and Literature

  • The Good Life in Ancient Philosophy

  •  Contemporary Political Theory

  •  Modern Political Thought

Year 3

  • Gender in Classical Antiquity

  • Greek Law and Lawcourts

  • Augustus

  • The Roman Republic: A Social and Economic History

  • The Rise of the Roman Empire: An Economic and Social history

  • Alexander the Great

  • The City from Augustus to Charlemagne: The Rise and Fall of Civilisation

  •  Philosophy Dissertation

  • Modern European Philosophy 1: Husserl to Heidegger

  • Modern European Philosophy 2: Critical Theory and Hermeneutics

  • Philosophy and the Arts

  • The Varieties of Scepticism

  • The Philosophy of Religion

  • Philosophy of Language

  • Philosophy and Literature

  • The Good Life in Ancient Philosophy

  • Radical Political Theory

  • The Politics of Toleration

  • Social Justice: From Theory to Practice

  • Theories of Freedom and Democracy

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Pre Courses

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Pathway Courses

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Career Opportunity

Career Opportunity

Our degree courses not only promote academic achievement but also the means to hone the life-skills necessary to excel, post-graduation.

Studying a Classical subject requires research, assessment, reasoning, organization and self-management often on your own or as part of a team.  In Philosophy you learn to develop and express reasoned arguments, to use logical processing and critical analysis to defend your position and debate opposing opinions. So, by choosing to study these intellectually demanding disciplines in combination you will develop a broad range of skills which are highly prized by employers, including:

  • the ability to communicate views and present arguments clearly and coherently

  • the ability to critically digest, analyse and summarise content

  • time management and the discipline to meet deadlines

  • organisation and research skills

  • problem-solving skills and capability

Being able to understand and process complex issues, to critically evaluate resources and construct coherent arguments both verbally and in writing is why many Royal Holloway classicists become employed in law, marketing, publishing, the media, government and finance.  With its emphasis on reason and argumentation, philosophy is an excellent preparation for a career in law, religion, business, international diplomacy, social work, medical management or writing as well as post-graduate education. 

Employers like Channel 4, multinational law firm SJ Berwin, The Guildhall (City of London), accountancy firm KPMG, the Natural History Museum, Customs and Immigration, London Advertising, Broadstone Pensions and Investments and the Armed Forces have all recently recruited Royal Holloway alumni from the Department of Classics.

Ability to settle

Overseas Student Health Cover

Insurance – Single: 300 GBP per year

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