Initially known as the Latin Section at the time the University of Cape Coast was established in 1962, the Department of Classics and Philosophy was founded in 1963 as part of the School of Languages and Literature which later became the Faculty of Arts. In 1999, a four year degree programme in Philosophy was added to the existing programme in Classics. The department then assumed its current designation as the department of Classics and Philosophy.

The department continues to offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Classics and Philosophy leading to the offer of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) degrees respectively. The academic staff of the department vigorously pursue their teaching and research activities.