Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

Our Religion, Philosophy and Ethics programme aims to develop your understanding of the roles of religion in both the historical world and the contemporary world. You’ll learn about the key developments in the history of philosophy and explore important philosophical arguments and theories. This programme will teach you to think and apply reason in a structured, methodical way. You’ll learn how to present your ideas concisely, and how to understand and engage with different viewpoints. These skills are not only essential for your studies but also highly valued in many career paths.

The degree includes modules around Philosophy and Religion. You’ll compare the beliefs and practices of different major religions, such as Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, especially in the context of a world that is increasingly aware of its cultural and religious diversity. You’ll explore how religion has shaped and continues to influence the world and delve into the origins and development of these religious traditions.

This broad programme also explores ethics, where you’ll look at issues like global justice and the relationship between faith and spirituality. You’ll also study theology and how religious ideas are applied in real-world situations, enhancing your philosophical knowledge application.

Alongside a focus on theory, you’ll also engage with literature, film, and history, seeing how these areas intersect with religion, philosophy, and ethics. This will help you understand how philosophical and religious ideas are reflected in and influence culture.

By the end of your degree, you will have developed critical thinking and analytical skills that will help you in various careers. Whether you’re interested in further academic study or a professional career in law, education, media, or non-profits, this programme will provide a solid foundation. This fascinating degree will equip you with the skills to think critically, argue effectively, and appreciate the rich diversity of human beliefs and practices.

Students will engage with the big philosophical and religious questions, while exploring the real-world impact of these debates. We address historical, political, and social issues, helping students tackle both age-old debates and contemporary challenges.

Year 1
You will build a strong foundation in ethics, ancient philosophy, and political philosophy. You will explore the study of religion and theology, and tackle some of the big questions that have shaped human thought. This year lays the groundwork for understanding complex philosophical and religious concepts.

An Introduction to Ethics (20 credits)
Ancient Philosophy (20 credits)
Freedom, Equality and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy (20 credits)
Exploring the Study of Religion and Theology (20 credits )
The Big Questions (20 credits )

Year 2

You will delve into diverse views around religion and examine early modern philosophy. Flexible modules will also allow you to investigate topics such as the intersections of gender, religion, and sexuality, and consider the nature of humans, animals, and machines through the lens of the philosophy of mind.

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

Year 3

In your final year, you engage further with contemporary debates in ethics alongside a wide range of additional module choices. A significant part of this year is dedicated to your independent project, allowing you to research a topic of your choice in depth.

Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics (20 credits)
Early Modern Philosophy (20 credits)
Existentialism and Phenomenology (20 credits)
Complex Bodies: Questioning Gender, Religion and Sexuality (20 credits)
Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits)
Independent Project (40 credits)
Freedom, Agency and Responsibility
Metaphysics and Epistemology (20 credits)
The Ethics of Life and Death: Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics (20 credits)
Women and Religion (20 credits)
Religions in Africa (20 credits)
20th Century Philosophy (20 credits)
Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice (20 credits)
Global Genocides (20 credits)
Reading Philosophy

The programme is assessed in a variety of ways and will include several of the following type of assessment: essays of 1000 to 4000 words in length, document analyses, book reviews, short reports and reflective journals, timed tests, take home exams, field journals, posters, group and individual presentations, dissertations of 10,000 words, wikis, commentaries and film evaluations.

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