Our theology & religious Studies courses are ranked 3rd in the UK for student experience by the Complete University Guide 2023.
This course is as much about engaging with a rich diversity of religious traditions, philosophical ideas and ethical values as it is about examining the ways in which they shape and change the world we live in today.
You’ll study, critically and in depth, the world religions, emergent spiritualities, philosophy from the Greeks to transhumanism, and ethical theories – not just as a way of understanding how they have influenced our past but their central role in our future. So we fully encourage you to look at how these ideas, beliefs and practices inform and interact with aspects of contemporary social justice, the environment, politics, race and gender.
We also believe you have to experience the subject and so we regularly take religion, philosophy and ethics out of the lecture room into the world. We’ve organised international field trips to India and Spain, as well as local field trips in the UK. You’ll also have opportunities to work with local charities and communities who are committed to social justice.
We’ve developed excellent relationships with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Wales), the post lineage yoga community and the Glastonbury Heathen and Pagan communities.
Our approach to the subject is through student-centred and research led teaching. You’ll study in smaller seminar groups all of which will be led by our academically respected subject experts and a variety of guest speakers. We’ll engage with you directly through stimulating interactive sessions that include discussions, debates, and presentations.
Your learning will also be enhanced by a range of field trips – both national and international – and we’re currently developing a dynamic programme of placement opportunities with a number of organisations who are involved with issues concerning social justice and sustainability. This allows you to make the most of your time at the university while developing key critical skills – such as being able to analyse complex problems and offer solutions with evidence and work creatively with others. We believe these are the abilities you’ll need for your future career and will be greatly valued in the world beyond university.
96 – 112 UCAS tariff points, CCC – BBC at A levels, MMM – DMM at BTEC or a Merit in your T-Level.
If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.
English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
This course is available with an integrated foundation year to help you prepare. A degree with an integrated foundation year starts your studies with a year spent learning the skills required to progress onto a full honours degree. You will develop valuable study skills, communication, team work and problem-solving techniques which help to build your confidence and prepare you for the rest of your course.
Typical offers
48 UCAS tariff points, DD at A levels, PPP at BTEC or a Pass in your T Level.
GCSEs
Grade C/4 in English Language/Literature and Mathematics, or equivalent (e.g. Level 2 Functional Skills).
We welcome applications from mature students (aged 21 and over) and do not necessarily require the same academic qualifications as school leaving applicants, although some entry requirements may still apply for Professionally Accredited Courses. We accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas and make offers on an individual basis.
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and you’re welcome to contact our admissions team if you have questions.
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) per year |
Fee (international) per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2023 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | VV65 | £9,250 | £15,450 |
| Sep 2024 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | VV65 | TBC | TBC |
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International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
Graduates on this course can go on to work in:
You’ll have the option to undertake an international field trip to India to visit sights such as the Jama Masjid in Delhi. We also visit Leicester’s Diwali festival and a Hindu temple in London.
Our Francis Close Hall campus has been part of our heritage for 150 years and provides an inspiring backdrop for studying. You’ll join a close-knit and collaborative community, where students from a range of subjects can share and develop ideas.
We believe it’s not enough to talk about the world without changing it. Most of all we want our students to have the courage to be themselves, and so they can make important choices with confidence, and take the next step in their lives.
Work with experienced practitioners, engage with active researchers and be inspired by published authors to become well-rounded and innovative individuals.
Our theology & religious studies courses are ranked 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023.
Our philosophy courses are ranked 6th in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023.
You’ll have the opportunity to experience Religion Philosophy and Ethics as they are lived. We have an ongoing program of international field trips that have to date included India, the United States and Spain and we offer a number of more local trips to Glastonbury, Oxford, Leicester and London where we have experienced contemporary spiritualities and a number of established world religions.
Our degree also provides opportunities, alongside other placements, for students to work with local charities and communities who are committed to social justice. We want our students to have the courage to be themselves, so they can make important choices with confidence and take the next step in their lives.
“My love of the subject stems from a number of years spent travelling through India, South East Asia the Middle East and Australasia. The experiences I had along the way made me realise how central religion is to most people’s lives on a day-to-day basis, whether expressed through food and activism or politics and contemplation.
“As a teacher of the study of religions, in a world where walls are going up and borders being closed, I encourage students to value open dialogue, put aside assumptions and develop qualities of empathy and insight. I teach Hinduism and Buddhism as well as New and Non-Religious Movements and my research and publishing to date has focused upon contemporary Hindu movements in the UK and India. I also have an interest in examining the current relationship between religion, populism and national identity.”
Martin Wood, Course Leader in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
“What a truly remarkable experience. The initial idea of going to India itself was incredible, but this trip in particular offers an insight that you simply wouldn’t get if you travelled as a tourist. Some of the sites we saw, the shine of Nizamuddin for example were real eye openers.”
Joe Lee, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics student
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