Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (Full-time) (BA Hons)
The Philosophy, Religion and Ethics programme invites you to examine some of life’s most profound and important questions. By exploring philosophical questions, religious questions, and ethical debates, this course will challenge you to think critically about the issues that have shaped human thought for centuries. From ancient traditions to modern dilemmas, you will study how these ideas influence the contemporary world and uncover their relevance to the challenges we face today.
This programme goes beyond abstract theory. You will explore how historical issues, political issues, and social issues connect to philosophy, religion, and ethics. Through this, you will engage with a rich tapestry of ideas, drawing on Eastern and Western traditions to better understand the diversity of thought across cultures. Topics might include how religious beliefs shape societies, how ethical principles guide decisions in modern politics, and how philosophical questions like justice, freedom, and morality remain central to our lives today.
One of the programme’s key aims is to develop your ability to think critically and independently. You will deepen your understanding of the key debates in philosophy, religion, and ethics while building your own informed perspectives. This skill is vital not only for academic success but also for understanding and addressing the contemporary challenges of a rapidly changing, interconnected world.
The programme is designed to fit around your life. Delivered via distance learning, it offers a flexible approach to study, allowing you to learn in a way that works best for you. At the same time, you will not be studying in isolation. You will have the chance to collaborate with others through online seminars, where you can discuss ideas, share insights, and build connections with fellow students. One-to-one online tutorials also provide personalised support, helping you grow in confidence and understanding.
This is more than a course—it is an opportunity to engage deeply with the ideas that have shaped our world and will continue to shape its future. If you are curious about the big questions and want to explore how they relate to today’s most pressing issues, the Philosophy, Religion and Ethics programme offers the tools and knowledge to help you do just that.
Course details
- Distance Learning
- Full-time
- English
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
At the heart of our teaching is a commitment to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the complexities of philosophy, religion, and ethics. Through engaging discussions, independent research, and collaborative learning, we empower students to explore challenging ideas, develop informed perspectives, and connect ancient traditions with the contemporary world.
In your first year, you will build a solid foundation in philosophy, religion, and ethics. Core modules introduce key philosophical questions, major religious traditions, and foundational ethical debates. You will explore how historical and cultural contexts have shaped Eastern and Western traditions and begin developing essential analytical and interpretative skills to critically engage with complex ideas.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits )
Optional
The second year focuses on deepening your understanding of philosophical traditions and exploring how religious questions and ethical debates address political issues, social issues, and cultural diversity. Professional placements and study abroad opportunities form an optional part of this year.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(60 Credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In your final year, you will build on your understanding of philosophy, religion, and ethics, you will explore their relevance to contemporary issues and contribute original perspectives to ongoing debates. An independent project will allow you to specialise in a topic of your choice, preparing you for further study or professional life.
(40 credits)
Optional
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course 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.
Rankings
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.
Further information
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96-112 UCAS Tariff Points -e.g. A-levels: CCC-BBC, BTEC: MMM-DMM, IB: 30-32
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visa and funding requirements  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â€¯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. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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€¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Assessment will primarily be via coursework assignments.
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The Faculty has estimated on the assumption that students buy new copies of the books. Students may also choose to spend money on printing drafts of work.
Students may spend up to £300 per year on books and additional related materials.
Students are expected to submit 2 hard copies of their final project, the estimated cost for binding these is £20.
Optional Field trip:
Faculty works to ensure that there are a range of fieldwork and field trip options available both locally and internationally. Thus students can opt to take either more expensive or less expensive placements. The Faculty subsidises these but the cost each year is dependent on airfare, location, and currency exchange rates. Below are the upper end of expected costs based on where students have currently done placements.
Fieldwork (depending on where student decides to do fieldwork): c. £500 - £1,500
Individual trips: c. £5 - £50
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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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You will develop powers of analysis, logical thought and argument within a supportive and encouraging environment. It will be these skills of communication, understanding, analysis and self-management that provide you with a passport into employment. Types of employment could include museum and archive work, journalism, law, banking, local politics, all types of administrative work, marketing and advertising, and teaching.