Our Religion, Philosophy and Ethics BA (Hons) course scored 92% for both teaching and academic support in the National Student Survey 2024.
100% of students on this course who graduated in 2021/22 are now in graduate-level jobs or further study, according to the Graduate Outcomes survey 2024.
Our theology & religious courses are ranked 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2024.
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. You’ll be encouraged 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 outside of the classroom. You’ll also have opportunity to take part in field trips – both national and international – as well work with local charities and communities who are committed to social justice.
Our approach to the subject is through student-centred and research-led teaching. You’ll study in smaller seminar groups, led in person by our academic 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 and placements which will enable you to develop key critical skills, such as being able to analyse complex problems and offer solutions with evidence and work creatively with others. We believe these abilities will be essential for your future career and will be greatly valued beyond university.
We’ve developed excellent relationships with local community groups giving students the opportunity to make a real difference to the world around them. These range from the local and national Jewish, Quaker, Hindu and Buddhist communities to the Glastonbury Heathen and Pagan communities, as well as interfaith and environmental organisations.
You’ll have the opportunity to take part in field trips to India, Italy and various sites across the UK including Glastonbury, Avebury and local venues such as Shri Krishna Hindu Mandir, Cheltenham Synagogue, New Kadampa Buddhist meditation centre and Quakers Meeting House. We also offer a dynamic and growing programme of placement opportunities where you can work on research projects in the field with a number of organisations and charities who are involved with issues concerning social justice and sustainability.
Your University experience is much more than gaining a degree – you’ll have the chance to engage with the issues that interest you most, and gain the confidence to take the next step in your life.
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 additional integrated foundation year. This four year option has lower entry requirements – see below – than the other study type/s available.
Typical offers
48 UCAS tariff points, EE at A levels or a PP in a BTEC Diploma.
To apply for the integrated foundation year degree, select the ‘With foundation year’ option from the study types listed at the top of this page before clicking ‘Apply’.
See course overview for more information about the interated foundation year option.
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 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.
You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.
| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) Fee per year |
Fee (international) Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | VV65 | £9,535 | £17,425 |
| Sep 2026 | 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 | |||
At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.
95% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers
Discover our promisesDuring the degree, we offer placements and research opportunities with a number of local and national charities, NGO’s, community groups and faith and inter-faith organisations as well as the chance to take part in field trips both in the UK and abroad such as India and Italy. These experiences will prepare you for a range of impactful careers.
A degree in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics is perfectly suited to a number of diverse career pathways, from IT ethics to human rights and sustainable development. You may choose to work in the public sector including local and national government, social services and teaching, or the third sector with NGOs, charities and people-centred organisations. Many of our students also go on to to postgraduate studies in related fields. There are no limits.
Our Religion, Philosophy and Ethics BA (Hons) course scored 92% for teaching in the National Student Survey 2024.
Our Religion, Philosophy and Ethics BA (Hons) course scored 92% for academic support in the National Student Survey 2024.
Our Religion, Philosophy and Ethics BA (Hons) course scored 95% for learning opportunities in the National Student Survey 2024.
Our Francis Close Hall campus has been part of our heritage for 170 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.
Being exposed to new ideas, lively discussion and a friendly, supportive environment are a huge part of becoming a confident independent critical thinker.
One of the reasons we consistently score so high in the National Student Survey (2023) is because students and academic staff engage in extended learning through socialising, be it informal conversations, having a coffee together in the refectory, one-to-one peer mentoring or a society debate evening.
There are also a number of informal events such as film club where students and staff meet to watch and discuss RPE-themed movies.
It’s not just new ideas, but skills and experiences that make RPE at University of Gloucestershire unique. Here, opportunities are offered to students such as working with lecturers to publish their work. Budding academics, authors or editors can learn about the research, writing and peer-review system.
There is also a University-wide approach to creative student collaborations with each other over different subject areas.
Public engagement with philosophy and ethics are essential to building a wider culture of sharing and learning about the world around us. GPS invites expert speakers to talk and discuss their ideas, inspiring curiosity about the fundamental questions of philosophical thinking and how they may apply to current issues.
Topics have ranged from Kant and Sex Robots to the function of social media and conspiracy theories. Students and the public come together to learn from each other and return philosophy to its roots, helping us think about the world we live in.
Explore and collaborate with creatives from across the spectrum. We offer the perfect environment to practice your craft and prepare you to graduate career-ready.
Our philosophy and religious studies courses are ranked 2nd in the UK for learning opportunities according to the National Student Survey 2024.
Our theology & religious studies courses are ranked 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2024.
Our theology & religious studies courses are ranked in in the top 12th in the UK for graduate prospects (on track) by the Complete University Guide 2025.
You’ll have the opportunity to experience Religion Philosophy and Ethics as they are lived. We have an ongoing programme 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.
Find out more about recent trips and experiences on the Religion, Philosophy and Ethics blog.
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 time spent travelling through India, South East Asia, the Middle East and Australasia made me realise how central religion is to most people’s lives on a day-to-day basis.
“As a teacher of the study of religions, 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 have published widely on contemporary Hindu movements in the UK and India. I also have an interest in examining the current relationship between presence, narrative and ritual.”
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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