Master of Greek Philosophy

About this course

The Master of Greek Philosophy is designed for those holding an AQF 8 Graduate Certificate in Greek Philosophy, or an equivalent qualification, who wish to consolidate and deepen advanced, transferable knowledge and skills in the study of Greek philosophical thought, whether for continuing professional development or for preparation for doctoral-level research. 

Through a coherent and intensive program engaging the seminal figures, texts, and ideas of the ancient Greek and Byzantine philosophical traditions, the award further cultivates high-level critical and analytical abilities and fosters independent scholarly inquiry. It thereby provides an ideal pathway to further postgraduate study in philosophy, theology, or related areas in the humanities at the highest levels. 

The Master of Greek Philosophy cultivates advanced capacity for critical engagement with the key figures, texts, and ideas of the ancient and Byzantine Greek philosophical tradition, preparing graduates to integrate these insights in further scholarly research, higher education, ministry, or other cultural and professional spheres. 

This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

Course Details

Admission to the Master of Greek Philosophy requires:

  • Satisfactorily completed an AQF 8 Graduate Certificate in Greek Philosophy or equivalent from an institution recognised by the Academic Board.

 

English Proficiency

Applicants whose entry qualifications were obtained in an institution where English is not the language of instruction normally require a minimum IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0 with no score less than 6.5 in all bands of the test.

The Master of Greek Philosophy requires the completion of 72 credit points (8 units) which shall include:

 

Compulsory units

  • One research unit: Either W9293 Minor Independent Guided Study in Greek Philosophy;
  • OR: another (9 or 18 credit point) research unit (IGS, research essay or project) focused on a topic in Greek philosophy;

 

Specified electives

  • at least 36 credit points of Specified Electives from Schedule 1; AND
  • up to 27 credit points, as required, from Schedule 2.

 

The award must include

  • a specialisation in Greek philosophy with 54 credit points and two AQF 9 units, which may include units from the Graduate Certificate in Greek Philosophy entry award.

 

All course units will be taken from Australian University College of Divinity Schedule of units of study.

 

A specialisation in AUCD Masters comprises 54 credit points in a sub-discipline with at least two 9200-series units.

 

Graduates of the Master of Greek Philosophy will achieve a Specalisation in Philosophy.

 

SCHEDULES

 

SCHEDULE 1

  • W8105 – The Philosophy of the Ancient Greek Tradition
  • W8106 – Analytical Foundations of Ancient Greek Philosophy
  • W8107 – The Pre-Socratics and the Sophists
  • W8108 – The Philosophy of Plato
  • W8109 – Aristotle and Philosophical Foundations
  • W8115 – Greek Philosophy: The Hellenistic Schools
  • W9206 – Hermeneutics and Classical Text: Reading Plato and Aristotle Today
  • W9216 – Plotinus and Neo-Platonism
  • W9221 – Philosophy and Tragedy: Ethics and Fate in Classical Literature
  • W9239 – Greek Philosophy and Early Christian Thought
  • W9246 – Greek Political Philosophy: Justice, Law and the Ideal Polis
  • W9267 – Byzantine Philosophy
  • W9293 – Minor Independent Guided Study in Greek Philosophy

 

SCHEDULE 2

  • H8110 – Early Church History
  • H8132 – Byzantium: Empire of New Rome
  • H8133 – Byzantium: Resplendence and Twilight
  • H9232 – Byzantine Studies
  • T8101 – Introducing Theology
  • T8171 – Church Fathers: An Introduction
  • T9270 – Byzantine Patristic Theology 4th – 9th Century
  • T9272 – Byzantine Patristic Theology 9th – 15th Century
  • AND/OR any AUCD units at AQF levels 8 or 9.
Knowledge

Graduates will:

  • demonstrate comprehensive and advanced theoretical and technical knowledge of ancient and Byzantine Greek philosophy—its principal figures, texts, and concepts—and critically evaluate its influence on subsequent philosophical and theological traditions;
  • analyse and appraise the historical transmission, reception, and transformation of Greek philosophical thought from antiquity through the Byzantine era to modern intellectual contexts, displaying a nuanced understanding of key scholarly debates, interpretive methods, and current research frontiers.

 

Skills

Graduates will demonstrate specialised, high-level cognitive and technical skills in Greek philosophy, enabling them to:

  • independently and critically interpret primary philosophical texts and arguments in their historical and linguistic settings;
  • evaluate, integrate, and synthesise complex philosophical ideas across diverse schools, periods, and disciplinary interfaces;
  • formulate and communicate original, well-reasoned responses to philosophical and interdisciplinary questions in a variety of scholarly and professional formats.

 

Applications of Knowledge and Skills

Graduates will be able to:

  • apply their advanced knowledge and skills autonomously and with well-developed judgement, adaptability, and ethical responsibility in academic, educational, cultural, or related professional contexts;
  • design, execute, and present a substantial and sustained research or text-based project in an area of Greek philosophy, demonstrating independent inquiry, critical engagement with primary and secondary sources, and capacity for original contribution to the field.

 

Exit Points

Students enrolled in the Master of Greek Philosophy may exit with the Graduate Diploma of Greek Philosophy provided they have met the requirements of the award.

A candidate may seek credit up to a maximum of 36 credit points in the Master of Greek Philosophy.

 

Credit will be granted in accordance with the AUCD Credit Policy.

 

Progress to Further Awards

Students who satisfactorily complete the Master of Greek Philosophy may be admitted to other AUCD Graduate awards, provided that they meet the entry requirements of that award.

  • Candidates wishing to proceed to the degree of Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy, or Doctor of Theology must include one 18 credit point research unit at Distinction level

This award is not approved for CRICOS study.

The Master of Greek Philosophy  is offered through the individual colleges and an application for enrolment must be made to the Registrar of the teaching institution. The registrar will be able to help you with any information regarding your study, including fees, units, mode of delivery and timetable.

 

A domestic student at the Australian University College of Divinity is designated as full-time if enrolled in three units (27 credit points) or more in a semester or part-time if enrolled in less than three units (27 credit points) per semester. AUCD offers a wide range of units and students have the option to study one or more units across the colleges delivering AUCD awards, whilst enrolled with one college.

 

International students

International students are subject to the conditions of their Australian student visa and are required to maintain a full-time enrolment of four units (36 credit points) per semester. If you are planning to enrol as an international student, you have the responsibility to ensure that you comply with your visa conditions at all times. Learn more about your responsibilities, rights, and what studying in Australia can offer you. Not all our teaching institutions offer study programs for international students.

 

Check out the locations and courses offered to international students, and for more information email us at aucd@aucd.edu.au