Philosophy Ethics and Religion

Summary

Philosophy, ethics and religion explore the questions that shape how we understand the world and our place within it.

On this course, you will examine fundamental issues such as how we should live, what we can know and the role of religion in society. You will study ideas across philosophy, ethics and religious thought, exploring how they connect and where they differ.

You will engage with a wide range of topics, from Indian and Chinese philosophy to contemporary debates on climate change, antisemitism and Islamophobia. This will help you understand how these questions remain relevant in today’s world.

As you progress, you will develop skills in critical thinking, reasoning and communication, learning to evaluate different perspectives and build your own arguments. A degree in Philosophy cultivates a deep understanding of human existence, thought, morality, and the nature of reality. Graduates are equipped with impeccable analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills – valuable assets in virtually any profession. This is reflected in our Graduate Outcomes where 95% of our Philosophy graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation” (Graduate Outcomes, 2022/2023, published 2025)

Key features of the course

Shape your degree through a wide range of optional modules across Philosophy, Ethics, Religion and other disciplines.

Learn in small groups, with opportunities to explore your ideas in depth with expert academics.

Study global perspectives, including Chinese and Indian philosophy alongside Western traditions.

Access the Southampton Ethics Centre and the Hartley Library, home to the University Archives and Special Collections.

Use digital humanities facilities to explore ideas through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning.

Student support

You will be taught by experts with a wide range of interests. Through small group teaching and one to one support, you will be encouraged to develop your ideas and build confidence in your work.

You will also have access to wellbeing services, peer mentoring and dedicated careers support, all within a welcoming and supportive community.

Further information

BA Philosophy, Ethics and Religion is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.

Find out more on our course page.

The programme is designed to ensure that your learning is progressive. You will move from developing foundational skills in the first year, to pursuing your own self-directed research project in the final year.

Year 1: Develop foundational skills in critical thinking and analysis, through modules such as: Reason and Argument and Faith and Reason.
Year 2: Deepen your understanding of Philosophy, Ethics, Religion and the links between them, with dedicated modules such as Philosophy of Religion and Moral Philosophy.
Year 3: Personalise your degree through a self-directed dissertation project on a topic of your choice, and will choose from a range of specialist modules, each led by active researchers in the field.

You will also have the option of further tailoring your degree by choosing optional modules outside of Philosophy, Ethics, and Religion, with subjects including digital humanities and modern languages.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page.

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as coursework, laboratory reports, essays, design and problem-solving exercises, debates, oral presentations, dissertations, individual and group projects, written and practical exams.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.