Starting October 2026

Apply Here

Philosophy means the love of wisdom, and being a philosopher essentially means having an active attitude and awareness towards life.

We are all born philosophers, with a natural need to ask questions and with the intuition that there are answers to be found. Every civilisation has tried to pass on its wisdom, leaving us a vast heritage of useful knowledge and experiences to rediscover.

Explore the timeless ideas that have inspired and guided humanity throughout history and discover the importance of finding greater wisdom in our lives through the practice of a living philosophy.

At A GlANCE

| 18 weeks

One session per week, on a weeknight, 7:00 - 9:30pm. 

| In-person

A space for philosophical community. Classes take place in Islington or London Bridge.

| East & West

Wisdom is universal, we teach  concepts from Eastern & Western Philosophy.

| Foundational

After completing the course, students have the opportunity to progress to further studies.

The course is organised in 3 parts, covering key concepts of Eastern and Western Philosophy.

 

Part I

The PATH Of SELF KNOWLEDGE

The first part of the course Ethics explores questions about the nature of the human being, moral principles and how to discover a positive and helpful 'inner attitude'.  It is also related to happiness and the ability to connect with the best and most noble aspects of ourselves especially when facing the inevitable difficulties of life.

| Sevenfold constitution of the Human Being
| The Bhagavad-Gita and the awakening of consciousness through the inner battle
| Selected passages from the Tibetan text 'The Voice of the Silence'
| Essential concepts of Buddhist teachings
| The teachings of Confucius and their relevance today

Part II

living TOGETHER IN HARMONY 

The second part of the course Sociopolitics focuses on discovering the conditions for harmonious co-existence with each other and the natural world. Looking for principles where everyone can flourish, we discuss roles in society, the importance of education and what the ancients understood about justice. 

| Ancient Egyptian ideas about justice, life & the afterlife
| Plato’s Republic & the Myth of the Cave
| Aristotle's ideas on happiness and virtue
| Essential concepts of Stoic philosophy
| ​The Neoplatonic school and the encounter between Eastern & Western traditions

Part III

building a better future

In the third and final part of the course called Philosophy of History we reflect how we are all both a product of history and also all creating history. We discuss concepts of time, the cycles of history and how myths and symbols can be a form of history. We consider our potential for becoming conscious agents of history. 

| Gods of Time: Chronos & Kairos
| Memory, Identity & Objectivity
| Myths and Symbols as a form of history
| Destiny & Freedom
​| ​Hermetic Sciences; Astrology & Alchemy

See full course topics here

WHAT our STUDENTS SAY ABOUT US

“I have learnt to be braver and have conviction in my ideals. I now feel more authentic to myself. At the same time I feel more open to life experiences, like I can navigate better now that I am better equipped to approach life’s trials.”

Course Participant, 2025

“The course confirmed that committing to achieving inner balance not only benefits ourselves but also enhances the wellbeing of those around us. The philosophical concepts I encountered became practical tools in my everyday life...”

Course Participant, 2025

“Highly enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Makes me realise there is infinite amount of wisdom from a variety of ancient philosophies to tap into to benefit my day to day life.”

Course Participant, 2025

“This course reminds us that we're deeply interconnected - not isolated individuals, but part of something larger in the shared journey of human experience.”

Course Participant, 2025

“Really lovely atmosphere - of course wonderful teaching but also open discussion and learning. Also the practical nature is essential.”

Course Participant, 2025

“Highly recommend course for those who have the inner desire to understand more about themselves and ways to live a fulfilling and purposeful life.”

Course Participant, 2025

"The meaning and purpose of life is to be found in this question: What can I do, now that I am here?"

- DELIA STEINBERG GUZMAN

 

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY (Autumn 2026)

Group 1 first evening
​THURSDAY 8th OCTOBER (ISLINGTON)

Latest application by Sunday 11th October
​Confirmation by Monday 12th October

​​📍 New Acropolis UK, 18 Compton Terrace, London, N1 2UN

Group 2 first evening
​TUESDAY 13th OCTOBER (ISLINGTON)

Latest application by Friday 16th October
​Confirmation by Sunday 18th October

​​📍 New Acropolis UK, 18 Compton Terrace, London, N1 2UN

Group 3 first evening
WEDNESDAY 14th OCTOBER (LONDON BRIDGE) 

Latest application by Friday 16th October
​​Confirmation by Sunday 18th October

​​📍 The Bridge, 73-81 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 0NQ

To know more about the course before submitting your application, you can register to attend the first evening for FREE, where you will get a feel for the course and see if this is what you are looking for.
​
You will then have until the end of that week to submit your application providing spaces are still available.
​ 
Tickets are available here via Eventbrite.

 

How to apply

The application process has a couple of simple steps. It starts with letting us know a bit about yourself and why you are interested in studying with us.  

𝅳➊ Complete the Application Form to tell us more about yourself. We aim to respond to all applications within 3 days. 

➋ Or attend the First Evening (FREE) and submit your application afterwards, provided spaces are still available.

​➌ Confirm your place by replying to the email offer and sending payment of the course fee within 3 days to secure your place.

Course fee: £290

If you think you're ready to try out philosophy...

Apply FOR the COURSE

 

FAQ

If your questions are still unanswered, you can email us at [email protected]

How big are the classes?

For the best learning experience, we cap group size to 12 participants.

How many classes per week?

Each group has one class per week, starting at 7:00pm and finishing at 9:30pm, with a break for dinner or refreshments in between. 

Can I choose what day to attend?

You must specify which group / day you would like to attend when applying. 

Can I attend virtually?

No, all of our classes are delivered in-person at our school in Highbury and Islington (N1 2UN) or our new location in London Bridge (SE1 0NQ​). 

Are there any academic requirements?

There are no academic or professional requirements for this introductory course. We do however ask that students only apply if they believe they will be able to attend at least 80% of the classes.

Will I automatically get a PLACE or is there a selection process?

Usually yes, most people who apply are offered a place! However, for the best experience, we cap group size to 12 participants. When we get a high volume of applications, we may prioritise offering a place to those who are committed to continue on their personal growth journey and can commit to attend at least 80% of the classes.

How many courses do you offer per year?

We have course start dates every Spring and Autumn. You can register your interest for future dates using the form below.

Do you offer other philosophy courses?

After completing the 18-week Philosophies of East and West course (also referred to as the Foundation course) students have the opportunity to continue with the programme of studies at New Acropolis. We also hold workshops and talks throughout the year, which can be found on our main website or by following us on Instagram, Facebook or Eventbrite.

"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself in your way of thinking"

 - MARCUS AURELIUS

 

Register Your Interest for Future Dates

If you are interested in the course but maybe the timing isn't right, you can register your interest for future dates by completing this form. You can also subscribe to our ​free bi-monthly Philosophy Magazine.

 

about new acropolis

We are a School of Philosophy in the Classical Tradition
​that promotes culture and practices volunteering.

New Acropolis is a worldwide non-profit organisation whose philosophy is based on the wisdom of East and West. Its aim is to revive the practical and timeless aspect of philosophy as a means of individual and collective renewal and transformation. 

We provide a holistic philosophical education which can help human beings to understand and develop their potential, and encourages people to work together to meet the challenges of our times.

Visit www.acropolis.org to know more about New Acropolis International.

Our school in the UK provides weekly classes and activities for its members, alongside various public events and local volunteering. We were recognised for our work in education services in the Parliamentary Review 2019.

Visit www.newacropolisuk.org to know more about our school.

​Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Eventbrite to know about future events.

​"To be a responsible human being means to be reliable and trustworthy. A sense of responsibility is a sign of maturity, of inner development, a state of consciousness. (...) If we smother our sense of responsibility, we also smother what makes us human."

​- SABINE LEITNER (DIRECTOR NEW ACROPOLIS UK)