13May
UndergraduateCourse summary
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.
Modules
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. Myths and Mythology: How Stories Shape the World (20 credits) An Introduction to Ethics (20 credits) Ancient Philosophy (20 credits) Freedom, Equality and Justice: An Introduction to Political Philosophy (20 credits) The Big Questions (20 credits ) Optional Philosophy of Religion Year 2 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. Freedom, Agency and Responsibility Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics (20 credits) Early Modern Philosophy (20 credits) Existentialism and Phenomenology (20 credits) Metaphysics and Epistemology (20 credits) The Ethics of Life and Death: Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics (20 credits) Women and Religion (20 credits) Complex Bodies: Questioning Gender, Religion and Sexuality (20 credits) Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits) Religions in Africa (20 credits) Optional Confessing with Saint Augustine: God and Religion in the Twilight of the Roman Empire (20 credits) Activism, Protest and Campaigning for Global Justice (20 credits) International Mobility Opportunity (60 Credits) 20th Century Philosophy (20 credits) Professional Placement (20 credits) Global Genocides (20 credits) Year 3 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. Independent Project (40 credits) Optional Free-Market Environmentalism, Big Business and Global Politics (20 credits) Confessing with Saint Augustine: God and Religion in the Twilight of the Roman Empire (20 credits) Early Modern Philosophy (20 credits) Existentialism and Phenomenology (20 credits) Freedom, Agency and Responsibility (20 credits) Metaphysics and Epistemology (20 credits) The Ethics of Life and Death: Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics (20 credits) Women and Religion (20 credits) Complex Bodies: Questioning Gender, Religion and Sexuality (20 credits) Philosophy of Mind: Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits) Religions in Africa (20 credits) 20th Century Philosophy (20 credits) Global Genocides (20 credits)
Assessment method
Assessment will primarily be via coursework assignments.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- PRT1
- Institution code:
- T80
- Campus name:
- Online
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Visa and funding requirements If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. For full information read our visa application and guides. 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.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 - 112 points
English language requirements
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.
Acceptable Evidence of English
https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £15525 | Year 1 |
| International | £15525 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
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
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP