Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

The Philosophy, Religion and Ethics programme invites you to examine some of life’s most profound and important questions. By exploring philosophical questions, religious questions, and ethical debates, this course will challenge you to think critically about the issues that have shaped human thought for centuries. From ancient traditions to modern dilemmas, you will study how these ideas influence the contemporary world and uncover their relevance to the challenges we face today.

This programme goes beyond abstract theory. You will explore how historical issues, political issues, and social issues connect to philosophy, religion, and ethics. Through this, you will engage with a rich tapestry of ideas, drawing on Eastern and Western traditions to better understand the diversity of thought across cultures. Topics might include how religious beliefs shape societies, how ethical principles guide decisions in modern politics, and how philosophical questions like justice, freedom, and morality remain central to our lives today.

One of the programme’s key aims is to develop your ability to think critically and independently. You will deepen your understanding of the key debates in philosophy, religion, and ethics while building your own informed perspectives. This skill is vital not only for academic success but also for understanding and addressing the contemporary challenges of a rapidly changing, interconnected world.

The programme is designed to fit around your life. Delivered via distance learning, it offers a flexible approach to study, allowing you to learn in a way that works best for you. At the same time, you will not be studying in isolation. You will have the chance to collaborate with others through online seminars, where you can discuss ideas, share insights, and build connections with fellow students. One-to-one online tutorials also provide personalised support, helping you grow in confidence and understanding.

This is more than a course—it is an opportunity to engage deeply with the ideas that have shaped our world and will continue to shape its future. If you are curious about the big questions and want to explore how they relate to today’s most pressing issues, the Philosophy, Religion and Ethics programme offers the tools and knowledge to help you do just that.

In your first year, you will build a solid foundation in philosophy, religion, and ethics. Core modules introduce key philosophical questions, major religious traditions, and foundational ethical debates. You will explore how historical and cultural contexts have shaped Eastern and Western traditions and begin developing essential analytical and interpretative skills to critically engage with complex ideas.

Myths and Mythology: How Stories Shape the World (20 credits)
An Introduction to Ethics (20 credits)
Ancient Philosophy (20 credits)
Freedom, Equality and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy (20 credits)
The Big Questions (20 credits )
Optional

Philosophy of Religion

Year 2
The second year focuses on deepening your understanding of philosophical traditions and exploring how religious questions and ethical debates address political issues, social issues, and cultural diversity. Professional placements and study abroad opportunities form an optional part of this year.

Freedom, Agency and Responsibility
Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics (20 credits)
Early Modern Philosophy (20 credits)
Existentialism and Phenomenology (20 credits)
Metaphysics and Epistemology (20 credits)
The Ethics of Life and Death: Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics (20 credits)
Women and Religion (20 credits)
Complex Bodies: Questioning Gender, Religion and Sexuality (20 credits)
Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits)
Religions in Africa (20 credits)
Optional

Confessing with Saint Augustine: God and Religion in the Twilight of the Roman Empire (20 credits)
Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice (20 credits)
International Mobility Opportunity (60 Credits)
20th Century Philosophy (20 credits)
Professional Placement (20 credits)
Global Genocides (20 credits)

Year 3
In your final year, you will build on your understanding of philosophy, religion, and ethics, you will explore their relevance to contemporary issues and contribute original perspectives to ongoing debates. An independent project will allow you to specialise in a topic of your choice, preparing you for further study or professional life.

Independent Project (40 credits)
Optional

Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics (20 credits)
Confessing with Saint Augustine: God and Religion in the Twilight of the Roman Empire (20 credits)
Early Modern Philosophy (20 credits)
Existentialism and Phenomenology (20 credits)
Freedom, Agency and Responsibility (20 credits)
Metaphysics and Epistemology (20 credits)
The Ethics of Life and Death: Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics (20 credits)
Women and Religion (20 credits)
Complex Bodies: Questioning Gender, Religion and Sexuality (20 credits)
Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits)
Religions in Africa (20 credits)
20th Century Philosophy (20 credits)
Global Genocides (20 credits)

Assessment will primarily be via coursework assignments.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS