Undergraduate Course
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics BA (Hons)
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics tackle issues that are as relevant today as they have ever been. This degree is for those who are always asking why.
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The topics you will discuss on this course are at the heart of some of the most urgent and important debates in the contemporary world. If you want to tackle the big questions in life, engage with complex philosophical ideas and explore what it means to be human then this is the degree for you.
100% Religion, Theology and Philosophy students responded with a 100% positivity score for how often the course is intellectually stimulating. (National Student Survey 2023)
92% Religion, Theology and Philosophy students responded with a 92% positivity score for how often teaching staff make the subject engaging. (National Student Survey 2023)
York campus
- UCAS code – VV65
- Duration – 3 years full time, 6 years part time
- Start date – September 2024, September 2025
- School – School of Humanities
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
Discover Religion, Theology and Philosophy
Dr Mark Dawson, Lecturer in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, introduces us to Religion, Theology and Philosophy at York St John University.
Course overview
Religion, Philosophy and Ethics have always been closely related, and on this course you will explore the interactions between them. You will consider the questions raised in both historical and contemporary contexts, and with reference to key philosophical and religious texts. However, we also encourage you to look beyond the established tradition, and consider questions that may not appear in textbooks.
Throughout this course we investigate important and relevant topics such as:
- Morality
- Evil and suffering
- How we deal with death
- Religion and feminism
- The environmental crisis
Delving into issues like these not only shows future employers that you are not afraid to take on complex problems, it will also change how you see the world. You will also explore the questions raised by religion and philosophy from the perspective of other academic subjects, such as literature, art, politics and film.
When you join us you will become part of a thriving academic community. Between the staff in the department we cover a wide range research specialisms, which helps to keep our course varied and research-informed. Our experienced team are passionate about their subject and dedicated to helping you achieve success. By giving you vital transferable skills and offering opportunities for work related learning, we also make sure you are ready for your career.
Course structure
Year 1
Our academic year is split into 2 semesters. How many modules you take each semester will depend on whether you are studying full time or part time.
In your first year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 4 compulsory modules
- 2 optional modules
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will introduce you to the foundations of Christian theology by examining key figures, events and issues in the history of Christian thought. We will focus on both the historical development and the changing contexts of Christian theology. You will learn about the most significant sources of Christian theology, the key doctrines and the contributions of some of the major theologians.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Many conflicts across the world have a religious dimension. Religious voices add to the political in the public sphere to debate issues from war and conflict to cultural values. On this module you will build on your study skills and respond to contemporary issues encountered in the media. You will address the challenges of grappling with sensitive and complex events and beliefs, and use appropriate academic resources to do so.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will engage with important debates in the philosophy of religion, from the classic to the contemporary. You will consider religion as an ever present aspect of human society, challenging established ideas and developing skills in constructing rational arguments. The module will focus primarily on the western philosophical tradition and its relationship with the Abrahamic faiths. However, we will also consider how philosophical and religious thought interact in other traditions.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn about the global spread of Christianity, considering its interaction with diverse cultural, political and social contexts across history and the modern world. You will investigate the story of Christianity, and come to understand the changing global nature of Christianity today. This includes discussing the nature and impact of secularisation and areas of growth and decline for Christianity.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is an introduction to the academic study of religion. Through it you will prepare for degree level study by familiarising yourself with key terms, methodologies and issues. The module will also provide you with the academic skills you need to succeed on your degree, including:
- Using the library database
- Referencing sources
- Writing bibliographies
- Communicating your ideas
- Structuring your essays
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will explore ethics in both religious and secular traditions, applying them to various contexts, such as famine and affluence. You will consider:
- What informs the ethical decisions people make
- How people form their attitudes to moral dilemmas
- Whether there are sources for moral reasoning other than religious ones
- What, if anything, rich nations owe poorer nations
You will reflect on your own assumptions surrounding these issues, and explore the relationship between ethical thought and religious belief.
Year 2
In your second year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- 3 compulsory modules
- 3 optional modules
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module focuses on modern western philosophy in an important period of intellectual history. We will be introduced you to the most influential philosophers from the beginning of the 17th century through to the end of the 19th century, and explore the ethical and religious issues surrounding their work. You will learn about the interaction between philosophical and religious thought, and construct your own arguments in response to these ideas. This will help you to understand the concepts behind the debates surrounding religious belief in contemporary life.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module is an opportunity to reflect on how the skills and knowledge you are gaining on your degree can benefit you in the future. You will use the expertise and resources available within the University to find out more about the possible career options available to you. You will also explore some of the philosophical, theological and ethical issues which may arise in the workplace, as well as investigating theological meditations on the nature and meaning of work in the contemporary world.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Applied ethics is an essential part of philosophy, and on this module you will apply your developing understanding of ethical thought to an important area of contemporary life. Many of the debates surrounding the topic of death employ religious arguments. By considering a range of widely debated issues in this area, you will learn how ethical theory interacts with practical matters and everyday life.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore a range of debates concerning a central themes in the philosophy of religion – the problem of evil. The existence of suffering, pain and atrocities has been used to question the existence of a benevolent God, and we will discuss some of the philosophical and theological responses to this problem. You will approach the topic through the works of various different philosophers, evaluating their different perspectives and forming your own critical responses.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will expand your understanding of religion through the study of literature. This will involve exploring texts across a variety of genres, styles and time periods, all of which engage with ideas of religion and spirituality. We will also introduce you to important concepts in literary theory, such as intertextuality and reader-response theory. Throughout the module you will build skills in analysis and critical reflection, considering how real experiences and debates can be expressed through fiction.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module explores the complex relationship between religion and politics. We will consider the role religion plays in international relations, government policy and social identity, as well as discussing how governments can use religion to connect with citizens or to advance political agendas. Using case studies from across the world, we will investigate topics such as:
- Religious freedoms and human rights
- Democratisation
- Religious extremism
- Sectarian conflicts
- Fundamentalism
- Secularisation
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore one of the most pressing issues facing humanity: its relationship with an increasingly devastated natural environment. This will involve examining modern spiritual outlooks on the natural world, as well as emerging eco-theologies. We will consider how religious thinkers have responded to climate change and mass extinction, and how religious ideas can contribute to debates about sustainable living. You will learn about tradition, doctrine and ancient wisdom, and explore these alongside contemporary environmental issues and movements.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Religion can heavily impact the lives of individuals within society, whether or not they are believers. On this module you will consider religion from a sociological perspective, engaging with some of the debates and theories which address it. You will explore how religious and non religious lives can be understood within wider social structures and processes. We will use concepts of structure, agency and intersectionality to examine the role of religion in society, communities and individual lives.
Year 3
In your third year, if you are a full time student, you will study:
- A Dissertation module. You can choose either a 20 credit option or a longer 40 credit option which is spread across semesters 1 and 2
- 2 optional modules in semester 1
- Either 2 or 3 optional modules in semester 2, depending on the Dissertation option you choose
If you are a part time student, the modules above will be split over 2 years.
You can find out which modules are available in each semester on the Course Specifications.
Optional modules will run if they receive enough interest. It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the role myth plays in explaining and defining human experience, from ancient mythology to popular culture. You will explore the religious nature of myth alongside theoretical explanations of how myth functions for individuals and communities. Through creative writing workshops and the study of established mythologies, you will have the opportunity to write your own myth.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module will explore key themes and theories relating to the Holocaust and wider genocide studies. We will consider how different mediums such as art, literature and film have been used to articulate responses to the Holocaust. As part of the module you will visit a Holocaust centre or museum, giving you an in depth understanding of the effects of genocide on victims, bystanders, perpetrators and survivors.
Credits: 20
Optional module
The negotiated study is your opportunity to carry out independent research into a topic of your choice, within the broad field of Theology and Religious Studies. You will work independently to develop a proposal, research the topic and negotiate your own direction. A tutor with specialist knowledge in the area you are focusing on will support you in this study.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will apply the knowledge and understanding you have built through the course so far to a new area, using the medium of film to explore theological and ethical issues. We will introduce you to the language and conventions of film analysis, before supporting you to explore individual films or scenes in detail. As you move towards your final assignment you will investigate a theological theme or ethical concept through your choice of relevant films.
Credits: 20
Optional module
This module examines the role of religion in a global context through the application of theories concerning globalisation, secularisation, fundamentalism and migration. We will explore this through various media, including:
- Books
- Articles
- News items
- Film
- Literature
- Online media.
Throughout the module you will consider case studies illustrating specific religions interacting with global issues, to give context to the different theoretical perspectives.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module you will explore the complex and often problematic relationship between feminist ethics and the Abrahamic religions. You will draw on your understanding of the complexity of religious traditions and ethical theories, as you explore arguments made by feminist thinkers. You will also examine and reflect upon various presumptions, prejudices and discriminations made in relation to gender, at both theoretical and practical levels.
Credits: 20
Optional module
On this module we will explore the role of the visual in religious practice and identity. Symbolism has always been important in religion, and today this imagery is given new meaning through its inclusion in public and personal spaces. You will respond to various forms of public art and visual objects which are informed by religion, including:
- Community wall art
- Statues
- Architecture
- Body art
- Mass produced imagery.
We will consider how these art forms can be inspirational or offensive, and how they can convey religious ideas in different political and cultural contexts.
Credits: 20
Optional module
Spirituality is now a widely discussed topic in debates about the place of religion within society. On this module you will investigate the concept of the spiritual revolution in contemporary society, considering its relationship with religion, secular society and economics. We will explore topics such as:
- The growing individualisation of religious belief
- Spiritual approaches to wellbeing and mindfulness
- Spiritual responses to environmental issues
- Changing attitudes and practices around death and mourning.
Credits: 20 or 40 credits
Compulsory module
In your final year you will devise, plan and write an independent research project on a topic of your choice. You will be supported throughout this process by a supervisor with expertise in your chosen topic. This is an opportunity to develop further as an independent learner, demonstrating analytical skills which may include research in a fieldwork context. You can choose a short 5,000 word dissertation or a long 10,000 word option worth twice as many credits. You will also need to show awareness of your academic, professional and personal development through writing a learning journal.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
We use a variety of learning and teaching methods, allowing for different approaches to learning. These include:
- Lectures
- Seminars and workshops
- Group activities
- Visiting speakers
- Field trips
- Tutorials
In each year of study you will attend an away day or writing retreat with your year group.
You will typically study 3 modules each semester. Each module will normally have 3 hours of contact time each week, so you will have a minimum of 9 hours each week of teaching.
Alongside your timetabled sessions, you will need to study independently. This involves spending time reading around the topics we cover and preparing for your taught sessions.
You will be assigned a personal tutor when you join us, and they will support your progress and help with any concerns throughout your degree.
Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.
Assessment
There are no exams on this course. We use a variety of assessments designed to help you build new skills, including:
- Essays
- Group or individual presentations
- Reflective writing
- Articles
- Exhibitions and posters
- Portfolios
You will receive feedback on your work throughout each module, allowing you to improve before you take on your graded assessments.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
Through this degree you will learn to think in an empathetic and critical way. This is valuable both in a range of career paths and in life more broadly. You will also build essential transferable skills in researching, written and verbal communication, self management and team work.
This degree could be the first step toward your career in:
- Charity and community projects
- Teaching
- Social services and youth work
- Law and policing
- Working in a National Government Organisation (NGO)
- Ministry and interfaith work
Discover more career options on Prospects careers advice pages.
You could also progress onto a postgraduate degree and take your learning even further.
Postgraduate courses at York St John University
PGCE at York St John University
Further your education and work towards a rewarding career in teaching by studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after you graduate. For over 180 years, we have worked with enthusiastic individuals who want to shape the future of young people across both primary and secondary school settings. You'll spend a lot of time in schools, developing your practice by teaching. You will graduate with Qualified Teacher Status and become part of the well respected alumni of York St John educators.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed. It's your career, your way.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Minimum entry requirements
104 UCAS Tariff points
3 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English Language.
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
International Students
If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.
Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our International pages.
If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.
This course is available with a foundation year
If you do not yet meet the minimum requirements for entry straight onto this degree course, or feel you are not quite ready for the transition to Higher Education, this is a great option for you. Passing a foundation year guarantees you a place on this degree course the following academic year.
Mature Learners Entry Scheme
If you have been out of education for 3 years or more and have a grade C GCSE in English Language or equivalent, you are eligible for our entry scheme for mature learners. It's a scheme that recognises non-traditional entry qualifications and experience for entry onto this course. Information on how to apply can be found on our dedicated page.
Terms and conditions
Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.
Fees and funding
To study for an undergraduate degree with us, you will need to pay tuition fees for your course. How much you pay depends on whether you live inside the UK, or internationally (outside the UK). Tuition fees may be subject to inflation in future years.
UK 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry onto this course is:
- £9,250 per year for full time study
- £6,935 per year for the first 4 years if you study part time
These prices apply to all UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man students
You can find out more about funding your degree by visiting our funding opportunities page:
Placement year funding
If you choose to take a placement year, and your course offers it, you can apply for the Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loan for your placement year. How much you are awarded is based on the type of placement being undertaken and whether it is a paid or unpaid placement. The tuition fee for your placement year will be reduced.
Tuition fees
UK 2024 entry £9,250 per year full time
International 2024 entry £11,500 per year full time
International 2024 entry
The tuition fee for 2024 entry to this course is £11,500 per year for full time study.
This price applies to all students living outside the UK.
Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a Student Visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.
Find out more about funding your degree:
Additional costs and financial support
There may also be some additional costs to take into account throughout your studies, including the cost of accommodation.
Course-related costs
While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.
Study Abroad
For more information on tuition fee reductions and additional costs for studying abroad, please visit our study abroad pages.
Accommodation and living costs
For detailed information on accommodation and living costs, visit our Accommodation pages.
Financial help and support
Our Funding Advice team are here to help you with your finances throughout your degree. They offer a personal service that can help you with funding your studies and budgeting for living expenses.
For advice on everything from applying for scholarships to finding additional financial support email fundingadvice@yorksj.ac.uk.
Course highlights
Field trips
Throughout your studies you can enhance your learning by visiting fascinating religious sites across the region. You may also have opportunities to take part in international trips. Previous students have visited Rome and Krakow (including a visit to Auschwitz).
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Prepare for your career
As well as building valuable transferable skills throughout your degree, you will gain professional experience through a work related learning module.
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Centre for Religion in Society
Our lecturers are involved with the Centre for Religion in Society. We host regular public lectures and seminars on topics of contemporary interest including religion and sexuality, issues of social justice, and more.
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Thomas Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
I knew this course would challenge me, but I never knew how much I would learn about myself, and others. So far the course is helping me to work out how I study best. I have become better able to see both sides of an argument, and critique the strengths and weaknesses before coming to a more educated decision. I think that the Work Related Learning module will be helpful in preparing me for my career - it helps to keep the idea of work fresh in your mind throughout the degree.
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Annabelle Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
York St John University is preparing me for the future because I am gaining more confidence everyday and more independent skills. Before coming to this university, I could not do a presentation, however, my academic tutor has given me the skills I needed. The best thing about the course is the range of options I am able to pick, because it widens my knowledge and allows me to link them with other modules.
More to explore
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Join us in 2024
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Open Days
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