Program Overview

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Philosophy, Ethics and Religion BA

Overview

This course examines the fundamental life questions that have interested human beings for centuries. For example: In what sense does evil exist? Are we ever truly free to act? What does morality or justice require? Does morality require God or religion? How do we know what we know if we can ever know anything at all? You will be encouraged to develop your own approach to these ideas and expand your worldview.

Course Details

Year of Entry

2026

UCAS Code

VV5P

Start Date

September 2026

Delivery Type

On campus

Duration

3 Years (Full time)

Work Placements

Optional

Study Abroad

Optional

Typical A-Level Offer

AAB

Typical Access to Leeds Offer

BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds

Course Structure

The course is divided into three years, with compulsory and optional modules in each year.

Year 1 Compulsory Modules

• How to Do Philosophy (20 credits): This introductory module offers you a foundation in some of the formal and informal reasoning skills used in philosophy.
• The Good, the Bad, the Right, the Wrong (20 credits): This module introduces you to some of the key themes, debates and ideas in moral and political philosophy.
• Introduction to the Study of Religions (20 credits): This module introduces you to essential theories, methods and concepts in the study of religion.
• Bible and Theology: Texts and Traditions (20 credits): This module provides an orientation into biblical writings and theological thought.

Year 1 Optional Modules

• Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion (10 credits)
• Knowledge, Self and Reality (20 credits)
• Religion, Politics and Society in the Modern World (20 credits)
• Christian and Muslim Cultures: Global Religious Practice (20 credits)
• Magic, Science and Religion (10 credits)
• Thinking about Race (10 credits)
• Philosophy Meets the World (10 credits)
• Religions of India (10 credits)

Year 2 Compulsory Modules

• Researching Religion: Skills and Methods (20 credits): This core module prepares you for your final year project.
• How to Live Together: Topics in Political Philosophy (20 credits) or Human Rights and Religion (20 credits)

Year 2 Optional Modules

• God, Thought and the World: Topics in Philosophy of Religion (20 credits)
• Do the Right Thing: Topics in Moral Philosophy (20 credits)
• How Do You Know? Topics in Epistemology (20 credits)
• Reality Check: Topics in Metaphysics (20 credits)
• Theology in Context (20 credits)
• Religious Identities in a Postcolonial World (20 credits)
• Sociology of Religion (20 credits)
• Religion, Gender and Sexuality (20 credits)
• Dharma Traditions (20 credits)

Year 3 Compulsory Modules

• Choose one of:
  • Independent Research Project (40 credits)
  • Integrated Research Project (40 credits)
  • External Placement: Beyond the University (40 credits)

Year 3 Optional Modules

• Bioethics (20 credits)
• Feminist Philosophy (20 credits)
• Aesthetics and the Philosophy of Art (20 credits)
• War, Terror and Justice (20 credits)
• Philosophy of Sex and Relationships (20 credits)
• Continental Philosophy (20 credits)
• Religion, Belief and Ethics (20 credits)
• Religion and Mental Health (20 credits)
• Religion and Media (20 credits)
• Religions and Global Development (20 credits)
• God, Sex and Gender in Africa (20 credits)
• Augustine of Hippo (20 credits)
• Bible and Society (20 credits)
• Islam, Race and the State in Europe (20 credits)
• Christian Theology and Contemporary Issues (20 credits)

Learning and Teaching

The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science is home to tutors who are at the forefront of research in their fields. To enable you to benefit from their expertise, we use a range of teaching and learning methods. Normally these will include lectures, seminars, tutorials and occasionally workshops.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods. These usually include coursework essays, though some modules also use oral presentations, group work, book reviews, annotated bibliographies, reflective logs, posters, or exams.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAB
• Other course specific tests:
  • Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer.
• Alternative qualification:
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher.
  • BTEC: BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered.
  • Cambridge Pre-U: D3, M1, M2.
  • International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level.
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level): H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
  • Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers: AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is accepted in place of a third A-level subject at the same grade
  • Other Qualifications: European Baccalaureate: 80%.

Fees

• UK: ｣9,790
• International: ｣26,500 (per year)

Career Opportunities

A degree in Philosophy, Ethics and Religion will equip you with both in-depth subject knowledge and valuable transferable skills that really stand out to employers. You will be a confident communicator who can present and defend your views clearly, both in writing and verbally. You will be comfortable working independently or in a team, and you will have strong organisational and research skills.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It is a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look good on your CV. Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.