Ethics, Religion and Philosophy

Our BA (Hons) Ethics, Religion and Philosophy programme is designed for those interested in the areas of religion and ethics alongside a philosophical focus. It will allow you to critically engage with our world's rich philosophical history and empower you to become an independent, thoughtful and influential citizen. This course is designed to help you become the person you want to be, to engage with new perspectives, to communicate effectively, and to shape the world around you.

At every level you will be introduced to arguments and texts that are fascinating and globally significant in themselves, and which will also prepare you for your future career. Our assessments have been designed in consultation with industry partners, enabling you to apply your developing philosophical knowledge and skills to real-world situations.

You will begin by establishing a strong foundation in the fundamentals of ethical, religious and philosophical thought, exploring contemporary issues like social inequality, religious discrimination, and human rights. You will then go on to study moral philosophy and insights from world religions.

Finally, you'll study philosophical responses to the most challenging practical problem of the age, that of human impact on the planet, as well as frequently overlooked avenues of philosophy of religion ensuring a breadth of knowledge of religious thought. You will also have the opportunity to engage with the ethical challenges of human impact on the planet and investigate a specialised area of interest completing a project that showcases your research and communication skills.

This course has a foundation year available.

Features and Benefits

• Learn from experts - our academics are leading specialists in their fields including moral theory and the philosophy of religion. With this expertise behind you, you can be sure your learning is relevant and cutting-edge.

• Wide range of modules - from your second year, you’ll choose from a diverse range of option modules, allowing you to pursue your own interests, including Gender, Race, and Sexuality.

• Outside the mainstream - we offer an inclusive curriculum that engages with philosophical thought outside of mainstream philosophy and explores the principles of equity, diversity and inclusivity, allowing you to successfully challenge established modes of thought.

• Assessments - we’ll encourage you to think deeply, critically and creatively through a variety of assessment methods including learning diaries, portfolios, and academic blogs.

• Employability - we place a strong emphasis on key employability skills, ensuring you have the analytical, digital, communication and team-working abilities that employers value. Our Final Year 'Bioethics' module's assessment brief is co-designed with the Mental Health Foundation. We also offer a distinct link to the PGCE provision at Manchester Met through the final year Philosophy of Education optional modules.

• Flexibility - this course offers you the chance to change to the general BA (Hons) Philosophy degree route.

• The Human Sciences Research Seminar Series - a fixture at the University for 40 years and funded by the Royal Institute of Philosophy, it has hosted internationally renowned thinkers, and today offers you the chance to hear from leading philosophers at the forefront of their research specialisms.

• Dedicated support - we believe that a first-class learning experience starts with an open, inclusive, welcoming, and supportive pedagogical environment. The philosophy staff provide rigorous and enjoyable research-led teaching that intellectually stimulates, challenges, and inspires you – both in-person and online.

• Placement or study abroad flexibility - you may have the opportunity to spend your third year studying abroad or boost your career prospects with a placement in industry.