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Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (BA) – Distance Learning

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The Philosophy, Religion and Ethics programme not only explores the big philosophical and religious questions, but also explores the impact that philosophical, religious, and ethical debates have on the contemporary world. You will be able to explore a wide range of historical, political, and social issues and find new ways to address not only age-old debates, but also contemporary challenges.

This programme will develop your understanding of key debates in philosophy, religion and ethics, as well a developing your own critical responses to these debates.

The programme is delivered via distance learning, which allows you a flexible approach to study. However, there will still be the opportunity to work with other students via online seminars, and the opportunity for one-to-one online tutorials.

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Complete University Guide 2023.

PATHWAY OPTIONS AND HOW TO APPLY

Philosophy, Religion and Ethics
Apply via UCAS

Philosophy, Religion and Ethics with Foundation Year
Apply via UCAS

Applicants to full-time courses can apply through UCAS. Applicants to part-time courses can apply through the University.


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Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year

Why choose this course?

  1. Distance-learning offers a flexible approach to studying.
  2. This programme is taught to you via our unique distance-learning platform, so you can carry on working and keep up with your family commitments while you study for your BA degree.
  3. The opportunity for online seminars.
  4. Support from a personal tutor.
  5. Modules based on lecturers' distinctive research expertise.

What you will learn

Course Overview

The programme not only explores the big philosophical and religious questions, but also explores the impact of that philosophical, religious, and ethical debates have on real world situations.

It will explore a wide range of historical, political, and social issues and help students to find new ways to address not only age-old debates, but also contemporary challenges.    

Module Topics

Year One – Level 4 (CertHE, DipHE & BA)

  • Academic Skills (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Introduction to Ethics (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Introduction to Metaphysics and Epistemology (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Introduction to the Study of Religion (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Philosophy of Religion (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Spirituality: From Ancient Times to the Present (20 credits; compulsory).

Year Two – Level 5 (DipHE & BA)

Year A Entry

  • Freedom, Agency and Responsibility (20 credits; compulsory)
  • God and the World: The Cosmos in Religious & Ethical Perspective (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Metaethics (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Religion in Latin America (20 credits; compulsory)
  • The Ethics of Life and Death (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Theology and Inter-Religious Encounter (20 credits; compulsory).

Year B Entry

  • Celtic Sanctity, Spirituality: Hagiography and Saints’ Cults (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Chinese Religion and Thought (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Religion and the Media (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Sex, Sexuality, and Gender (20 credits; compulsory)
  • The Meaning of Life (20 credits; compulsory).

Year Three – Level 6 (BA)

Year A Entry

  • Dissertation (40 credits; compulsory)
  • Freedom, Agency and Responsibility (20 credits; optional) 
  • God and the World: The Cosmos in Religious & Ethical Perspective (20 credits; optional) 
  • Metaethics (20 credits; optional) 
  • Religion in Latin America (20 credits; optional) 
  • The Ethics of Life and Death (20 credits; optional) 
  • Theology and Inter-Religious Encounter (20 credits; optional).

Year B Entry

  • Celtic Sanctity, Spirituality: Hagiography and Saints’ Cults (20 credits; optional) 
  • Chinese Religion and Thought (20 credits; optional) 
  • Dissertation (40 credits; compulsory)
  • Humans, Animals and Machines (20 credits; optional) 
  • Religion and the Media (20 credits; optional) 
  • Sex, Sexuality, and Gender (20 credits; optional) 
  • The Meaning of Life (20 credits; optional).

Level 3 (Foundation Year) 

  • Academic Skills (20 credits; compulsory)
  • The Humanities (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Writing for University (20 credits; compulsory)         
  • Knowledge and Belief (20 credits; compulsory)
  • People across time (20 credits; compulsory)
  • Language and Culture (20 credits; compulsory)

Prospective students should be aware of the following:

  • Not all optional modules are offered every year
  • Optional modules are delivered subject to sufficient student numbers
  • Language modules are optional/compulsory/core according to linguistic ability
  • There are many Level 5 and Level 6 versions of the same module. Students can only take this module once; this depends on which year the modules are offered in.
Assessment

Assessment will primarily be via coursework assignments.

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Key Information

Entry Criteria

Grades are important; however, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We are interested in creative people that demonstrate a strong commitment to their chosen subject area and therefore we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

To assess student suitability for their chosen course we normally arrange interviews for all applicants at which your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered as well as your qualifications.

Career Opportunities

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.

Additional Costs

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

Related Courses

Philosophy (BA)
UCAS Code: V502

Religious Studies (BA)
UCAS Code: JKS2

Accommodation

Visit our Lampeter Accommodation section to find out more.