Program Overview

Introduction to the Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (BA) Program

The Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (BA) program at Cardiff University is a 3-year, full-time degree that explores the complex and fascinating fields of religion, philosophy, and ethics. This program is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, preparing them for a wide range of careers.

Why Study this Course?

This program offers students the opportunity to engage with a broad range of religious, philosophical, and ethical topics and traditions. Students will investigate topical and complex issues from a range of perspectives, addressing some of today's great social challenges. The program prioritizes developing students' skills as independent thinkers, supporting them to engage critically and creatively with difficult problems in an open-minded and collaborative way.

Subject Areas

The program covers two main subject areas:

• Philosophy
• Religious studies and theology

Entry Requirements

The program accepts a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications, subject to entry requirements. Typical offers include:

• ABB-BBC for A-level
• 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects for International Baccalaureate
• DDM-DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Humanities or Social Science subjects

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Tuition fees depend on the student's fee status, which could be home, island, or overseas. For home status, the tuition fee is Ł9,535 per year, while for overseas status, it is Ł24,700 per year.

Course Structure

The program is a 3-year, full-time degree with 120 credits of study in each year. Students will study 60 credits in Religion and 60 credits in Philosophy in each year of study. The course structure includes:

Year One

• Core modules: The Origins and Legacies of Religion in the Modern World, Themes and Issues in the Study of Religion, Moral and Political Philosophy, Mind, Language and Belief, Writing at University and Beyond
• Optional modules: A World Full of Gods, Projecting the Past: Film, Media and Heritage, Discovering Ancient Languages, 'And God said'? Reading the Bible as a scholar, Prophets, Popes and Paupers

Year Two

• Core modules: Religious and Theological Ethics, Modern Moral Philosophy
• Optional modules: Contemporary Epistemology, Minds, Bodies, Worlds, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Psychology, Political Philosophy, Damcaniaethu Cyfalafiaeth, Ancient Philosophy, Credoau'r Cymry, French Existentialism, Philosophy of Feminism, Contemporary Moral Philosophy, Philosophical Aesthetics

Year Three

• Core modules: The Good Life: Discussions in Contemporary Religious Ethics, Philosophy in Practice
• Optional modules: Ancient Israel: Portrait of a Near Eastern Society, Religion and Science, Empire of Faith: Religion, Politics and Belief in the Roman Empire of the Fourth Century CE, Saviours and Salvation in the Religions of Asia, Theology on the Edge, Dissertation in Religion and Theology, Dissertation in Philosophy, Cyfiawnder Byd-eang, Hanes Athroniaeth yr 20fed Ganrif yng Nghymru, The Social Imagination, Belief & Irrationality, Moral Responsibility, Aesthetic Injustice, Reasons and Relationships, The Politics of Language Diversity, Phenomenological Investigations of Experience, Radical 19th Century Thought, Aesthetics and Ethics, Digital Technology and You

Learning and Assessment

The program offers a supportive learning environment, with teaching methods including interactive lectures, seminars, and workshops. Assessments are designed to cumulatively develop key skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and reflection. Students will receive regular feedback on their progress and have access to a range of support services, including the Writing Development Centre and the Centre for Student Life.

Careers and Placements

Graduates from this program possess a range of transferable skills and areas of knowledge that are sought after by many employers. The program encourages students to think about life beyond university from day one, offering modules and support to give students a competitive advantage on graduating. Opportunities for placements are available through a second-year optional module, and staff have links with a range of organizations that offer placement opportunities.

Studying in Welsh

Up to 33% of this course is available through the medium of Welsh. Students can contact the Admissions tutor for more information.