Philosophy and Religion (Part-time) (MA)
The Philosophy and Religion MA is a part-time, distance-learning programme designed for individuals seeking to explore profound questions about existence, meaning, and belief. Over four years, you’ll engage with diverse traditions, from Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Hinduism to Western perspectives such as Greek philosophy and Christian theology.
This programme provides a rich exploration of topics like the nature of the self, reality, and religious experience. You’ll analyse how different cultures approach ethical dilemmas, spirituality, and the search for wisdom, gaining critical insight into the connections between philosophy, religion, and contemporary global issues.
Key to this course is developing interpretative skills through hermeneutics, enabling you to critically examine texts, ideas, and their cultural contexts. By studying the interplay between religious and philosophical thought, you’ll deepen your understanding of how these ideas influence behaviour, culture, and society.
Designed for both newcomers and those with prior knowledge, the programme invites you to reflect on how traditions of wisdom can offer valuable insights into modern challenges. By the end of the course, you’ll have a global perspective on both philosophy and religion.
Course details
- Distance Learning
- Part-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our Philosophy and Religion MA is a flexible, distance-learning programme delivered online. Combining academic study with one-to-one tutorials and interactive discussion forums, the course fosters critical thinking, a global perspective, and personal growth. This part-time, four-year structure provides an immersive exploration of diverse philosophical and religious traditions, offering the freedom to study at your own pace while engaging deeply with complex ideas.
Years 1 and 2
During the first two years, you will complete a compulsory module and a selection of three optional modules, earning 120 credits. These modules cover topics such as influential philosophers, environmental philosophy, interfaith interactions, and the nature of the self. You’ll build analytical skills, participate in contemporary debates, and deepen your understanding of the connections between global philosophical and religious perspectives.
Years 3 and 4 (Dissertation)
In the second part of the course, you’ll undertake a dissertation, allowing you to focus on a topic of your choice. Supported by expert tutors, this independent research project will hone your skills in critical inquiry and academic writing, while focussing on a subject area of your interest.
Compulsory
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Ratings and Rankings
Further information
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent. 
Admissions Advice and Support â¶Ä¯
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements â¶Ä¯If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses. 
Visa and funding requirements â¶Ä¯
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯â€¯
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. 
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed. â¶Ä¯
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh 
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯â€¯
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Philosophy & Religion (MA) grounds your learning across a number of different theoretical and practical areas, including the theory of interfaith studies and inter-religious relation, specific geographical contexts, and historical themes and perspectives. This is accomplished through a blend of teaching assessments, including a final dissertation focused on a subject of your choice.
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Distance learners should have good internet access and the use of computer facilities.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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The programme will help students to develop skills that are valuable to a wide range of employers, such as the ability to:
- analyse complex information in a critical manner;
- present clear and coherent arguments;
- present complex information in a clear manner.
More particularly, the programme will attract students who are looking to take up future employment opportunities, or are already in employment, in areas or sectors where an understanding of interfaith issues will be of benefit.
It will also appeal to students who are looking towards a religious and/or devotional service, a life of public service, and various voluntary-based projects.