Philosophy, Religion and Ethics at Roehampton embodies practical humanities. You will learn how to apply your interpretative and analytical skills to a whole range of contemporary issues regarding community, public policy, social justice, and your personal life.
Start Date:
September 2022
Duration:
3 years (full-time)
4 years (full-time) if opting for the additional placement year
Degree Type:
BA (single honours)
Entry Tariff:
September 2022 entry: 96–112 points
UCAS Code:
V501
School:
Why this course
The 2022 Complete University Guide ranks Roehampton top in London for student satisfaction in both philosophy and religious studies. The 2022 Guardian University Guide ranks Roehampton top in London for course satisfaction for religious studies.
Tailor your studies to fit your interests with our diverse range of modules from classical philosophy and Islam to gender and sexuality and the philosophy of law.
Explore the intellectual overlap between religion and philosophy, with questions such as how are we to assess rational arguments for the existence of God?
Course and Module Details
Overview:
Our BA Honours degree in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics invites you to explore many of life’s big questions. What is the meaning of life? What responsibilities do we have to other people and the natural world? What can we learn from the history of philosophical and religious thought? How are we to assess rational arguments for the existence of God? How do religion and non-religion relate to culture, society, and politics?
Students take modules in each of the disciplines of philosophy, religion and ethics, as well as studying them in an integrated way. That will involve drawing on a number of religious perspectives, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism – as well as humanism and atheism. Equally, the degree enables students to study both analytical and continental philosophy.
What makes our BA in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics at Roehampton so distinctive is our commitment to practical humanities. You will learn how to apply your interpretative and analytical skills to a whole range of contemporary problems regarding community, public policy, social justice, and personal life. That could include thinking through challenges in environmental ethics, global cultures, or interfaith dialogue. Likewise, through engagement with media and the arts, you can explore themes such as community peacebuilding, jihad and terrorism, and the ethics of abortion and euthanasia.
As you progress through this course, you will develop highly transferable and employable skills, while tailoring your studies to your own areas of interest. Alongside traditional skills of critical thinking, argumentation, textual analysis, and clear communication, you will also develop the ability to analyse multiple forms of media, to write and present material for a public audience, and to read and analyse policy documents. You will have opportunities to take up work placements, to build a creative portfolio and to engage in collaborative projects – all designed to equip you for your future career path.
How you will learn
Discussion and debate lie at the heart of this course, and you will be taught by research-active staff, many of whom are leaders in their field, through a variety of methods and formats, including lectures and individual tutorials, class discussions and seminars, some of which are assessed.
Each year of this course dedicates time to developing your academic, professional, and key transferable skills so that by the time you graduate, you will be ready for your career, having built professional contacts and gained work experience.
The University offers extensive career support, with a dedicated career service, excellent connections with organisations and businesses, and an annual employability workshop where you will meet former students and employers from various industries.
Schedule by year of study
Year 1
- Cover the key elements and approaches that will allow you to understand the fundamental issues you will explore on this degree.
- Learn about classical and modern philosophy, religion and ethics.
- Develop skills such as critical thinking and analysis, time and project management, identifying and researching sources.
Year 2
- Study two compulsory modules that build core skills and knowledge: Philosophy of Religion and Key Texts in Focus.
- Select options from diverse module choices in line with your interests. Choose from a range of modules on ethics, politics, global religions and cultures, aesthetics, ecology and classical philosophy.
- Choose to do an applied professional practice module with work placement.
- Build on your thinking, project management and research skills.
Year 3
- Study a compulsory module in which you undertake a substantial research project of your choice with options for work placement, dissertation or building a creative arts portfolio.
- Tailor your third year to your own research interests, with topics as varied as animal rights, environmental ethics, the Holocaust, philosophy of law, religion and gender, and science and atheism.
First year
Compulsory Modules
Classical Philosophy
Philosophy, Film and Literature
Ethical Theory
The Study of Religion
Early Modern Thought
Being Human: Global Religious Perspectives
Second Year
Compulsory Modules
Key Texts in Focus
Philosophy of Religion
Optional Modules
Islam and the West
Aesthetics
Applied Humanities: Professional Practice and Placement
Freedom, Power and Politics
Practical Ethics
Self and World
Asian Religions, Cultures and Ethics
Christian Traditions and Practices
Religion, Ecology and Politics
Third Year
Compulsory modules
Final Year Project
Optional modules
Love, Sex, Death and God
Philosophy of Law
Animal Rights and Environmental Ethics
Political Philosophy
Continental Philosophy
Contemporary Issues in Global Religions
Representations of the Holocaust
Faith and Modernity: Science and Atheism
Compulsory and Required modules
Compulsory and/or required modules may change when we review and update programmes. Above is a list of modules offered this academic year.
Optional modules
Optional modules, when offered as part of a programme, may vary from year to year and are subject to viability.
Placement Year
This course offers all students the option to apply for a one-year paid work placement. If you successfully secure a work placement, you will undertake the placement following year two of your programme and return following the placement to complete your studies.
A placement year is the perfect opportunity to implement the skills and knowledge that you will learn in year one and two, while gaining valuable work experience. The opportunity to make connections in your chosen industry will greatly improve your career prospects and equip you with the skills and experience you need to secure graduate-level employment.
The University Careers and Placements team will support you to develop your CV and skills though webinars, workshops and 1-2-1 appointments. You will also benefit from regular communication about available opportunities to aid your placement search.
Please note while the University will support you with your placement search and applications, a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Study Abroad
This course has the option of studying abroad as part of your degree in your second semester of second year.
With Roehampton Abroad scholarships of up to £1,000 and Turing Scheme funding available, you could spend a semester at one of our partner universities across the globe, with destinations including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.
Find out more about where your degree could take you here.
Career Options
This degree will open up multiple career pathways, whether you are thinking about a career in education, business, politics, law or media, or any field that requires an expert grasp of the complex nature of public policy and personal choices. You could go into journalism, broadcasting, international development, charitable work, community or social services, or pursue an academic career.
Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. They will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers. You’ll also have opportunities to work with our partners across London and beyond, and to attend a Roehampton jobs fair where you can find out about graduate opportunities and meet employers.
How to apply
Undergraduate programmes
How to join us in January or February 2022
To start a degree with us in January or February, complete our direct application form. See our list of January courses.
How to join us in September 2022
- Home (UK) students – apply through UCAS
- International students – apply using our direct application form.
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Detailed advice on applying for an undergraduate degree is available in the FAQs section below.
International (non-EU) students who do not wish to use the UCAS system can apply directly to us using our online application form. This is available to international students only.
Application process FAQs
How do I apply?
If you are applying to us for a full-time degree or extended degree programme, you will need to apply online through UCAS, or direct, depending on the start date of your course and your fee status. Please see tabs above. And don't hesitate to contact us at the same time. Either fill in an online enquiry form, or contact us at the details below!
This is the official applications service for the UK, and they will send your application details to each of the universities you have listed on your application.
When you register with UCAS, you will also receive a username and password so that you can access your application at a later date.
It is very important that you enter the correct institution code (for Roehampton this is R48) and course code for each choice. These can be found on the relevant course pages on our website.
Contact us directly if you have any questions.
Will you be taking into account the impact of Coronavirus when considering my application?
Yes we will take into account the ongoing disruption and impact that Coronavirus has had on applicants when considering the results of students applying to us.
What is Roehampton’s UCAS institution code?
The Roehampton UCAS institution code is R48.
What is a buzzword?
Your school, college or centre will give you a buzzword so you can link your application to them. You add this word to your application when you register to make an undergraduate application.
If you are applying independently, without a school or college, you do not need a buzzword.
What if I’m not at school/college?
If you are no longer at school or college you will need to apply to university as an independent applicant. When you register with UCAS they will give you a username and password so that you can complete your application whenever you like.
You will need to complete the online application, including your personal statement and will also need to supply a reference from someone who knows you well, and is able to write about why you are suitable for higher education.
It is very important that you enter the correct institution code (for Roehampton this is R48) and course code for each choice. These can be found on the relevant course pages.
Further guidelines can be found on the UCAS website.
Contact us directly if you have any other questions about applications.
Do I need to complete all of my online application at once?
No. UCAS will issue you with a username and password which you can use to log in whenever and wherever you want to work on your application.
There is no time limit from when you start your application to when you send it, as long as you complete it within the deadlines set by UCAS and your school.
How do I apply if I’m an international student?
If you are a international student, you can apply direct using our online application form.
Details of support we provide for international students, and useful information about the application process, are available on our international web pages.
Can I apply through UCAS more than once?
No, you can only send one UCAS application in each year’s application cycle, but this can include applications for up to five courses. Applying for more than one course will cost extra.
If you do not receive any offers from your initial UCAS application, you can make additional choices through UCAS Extra in the Spring term. You will be sent details of UCAS Extra if you are eligible.
When will I hear back about my application?
If you apply to university before the 15 January deadline you should have received decisions from each of the universities you apply to by 31 March 2020. In this case, you will need to make your replies about which to accept by 5 May 2020.
If you applied after the January deadline, or one or more of your universities hasn’t made a decision on your application by the end of March, other reply dates will apply – please do contact us to find out more.
Can I accept more than one offer?
You can accept two courses – one firm choice and one insurance choice.
If you meet the requirements of your firm choice, then you will be expected to take that place, so you need to be sure that the course you have accepted firmly is the one you want to do.
If you miss the grades for your firm choice and meet the requirements for your insurance choice you will be expected to take up that place.
If you meet the terms of your firm choice and ask to be released from this, you will be entered into Clearing and cannot go to your insurance choice.
How do I know what’s happening with my application?
Once you have applied through UCAS you will be able to follow the progress of each of your applications by using UCAS Track.
You can also contact us directly to find out the status of your application with us.
What are conditional and unconditional offers?
If you apply through UCAS and we make you an offer, we will ordinarily make you one of the following types of offer:
Conditional Offers
This offer requires you to meet particular academic or other conditions before you can join the course of study you have applied for. This could be a combination of grade, scores or subjects and will be outlined in the offer communication that you receive.
Unconditional offers
An unconditional offer has no conditions attached. Unconditional offers are often made to students who already have their achieved qualification grades and who are returning to education after a gap year or a period of time in work.
What happens if Roehampton is my firm choice and I don’t meet the conditions of my offer?
If Roehampton is your firm choice, and you have not met your conditions, please check UCAS track, we may be able to show some flexibility, although this is not guaranteed.
If you have missed the conditions of your firm choice, but met the conditions of your Insurance choice. Congratualtions, you will be studying at your Insurance choice. If you miss the conditions for both your firm and Insurance choice, then UCAS will automatically enter you into Clearing.
Make sure that you are prepared for results day and any decisions you may need/want to make. Check UCAS for more advice about what happens on results day.
If you would like any advice on this, please contact us directly and we can discuss your options.
Will my application be accepted after the January deadline?
If you are applying to university from the UK or European Union (EU), irrespective of your nationality, you must submit your UCAS application before the January deadline in order for it to be guaranteed equal consideration. The deadline for the 2022 cycle is Wednesday 26 January 2022 at 18:00.
We understand that there are many reasons why you may not be able to meet this deadline. With this in mind, Roehampton will still consider applications received after the January deadline, if there are places available on the course.
I am studying T Levels. Can I apply to Roehampton?
The University of Roehampton welcomes the introduction of T Levels and is delighted to confirm that we will be able to accept them across the majority of our programmes. Students will be able to apply using T Levels for both three year and four year undergraduate degrees. UCAS Tariff requirements for each programme, will be made available on programme webpages.
I have accepted an offer to study at Roehampton through UCAS. Can I change my mind?
Yes, if you accepted an offer of study at us or another University through UCAS, you have 14 days in which you can change your response, and you can do so by contacting UCAS.
I have accepted a place at another University but want to join Roehampton. What do I do?
If you want to change your mind, please do get in touch to discuss your options with us. Call us on 0208 392 3314.
What is Clearing and how can I apply?
If you first apply through UCAS after 30 June 2022, UCAS will not send your application to universities but will instead send you details about Clearing.
Clearing a service that is available between July and September to help people find places on higher education courses. You may be eligible for Clearing if any of the following are relevant to you:
- you have applied this year but have not gained a place
- you have declined your offers
- you have not previously applied to UCAS for entry this year.
Does Roehampton offer financial support for undergraduates?
Yes, we offer a range of scholarships, alongside support on managing your finances while you are with us.
You can find more information on our financial support pages.
Do you offer student accommodation?
Yes, we have a wide range of on-campus and off-campus student residences. You will be guaranteed University accommodation if you are applying for September 2021, January 2022 or September 2022 entry.
Find out more about our accommodation and accommodation guarantee here.
Do you provide additional support for care leavers?
Yes to find out more visit our care leavers webpage.
I am already studying at another university. How can I transfer to Roehampton?
We can support you to transfer to Roehampton from another university, into the relevant year of study. Find out more here.
Where can I find advice on applying to University?
UCAS offers a number of helpful articles on the process of applying to universities. You can also find advice and guidance from the Schools and Colleges Engagement Team here.
Need help before you apply?
Who Teaches Philosophy, Religion and Ethics?
Professor Fiona Ellis
Hi, my name is Fiona, and I’m Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Roehampton.
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Dr Simonetta Calderini
My name is Simonetta, I am Reader in Islamic Studies, and I have been teaching at Roehampton for 20 years.
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Dr Mark Sinclair
Hi, my name is Mark and I am Reader in Philosophy. On this programme, you’ll normally find me teaching in the areas of metaphysics and the history of philosophy.
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Dr Neil Williams
Hi, my name is Neil and I am Senior Lecturer in Philosophy. On this programme, you’ll mostly find me teaching in the areas of ethics, environmental philosophy, and the history of philosophy.
Read More
Dr Neil MacDonlad
My name is Neil. I am Reader in Theological Studies and have been teaching at Roehampton for nearly 20 years.
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Dr Karen O'Brien Kop
My name is Karen and I am Lecturer in Asian Religions and Ethics. On this degree, you will meet me teaching Study of Religion in year one and Asian religions and philosophies across the degree.
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Dr Angie Pepper
I’m Angie, I’m a Lecturer in Philosophy and I convene the module in Animal Rights and Environmental Ethics. I also teach undergraduate courses in ethics and political philosophy.
Read More
Rev Dr Martin Poulsom
My name is Martin and I’m a Senior Lecturer in Theology. In my teaching, I explore key ideas in Christian theology and ways in which theological ideas and practice can interact with the contemporary world.
Read More
Dr Tom O'Shea
My name is Tom, and I'm a senior lecturer on the programme. I teach modules in ethics and political philosophy - helping students to think about topics like freedom, justice, and power.
Read More
Dr John Moxon
Hello, I'm John Moxon, Principal Lecturer in Biblical studies and was part of the team that designed the original Philosophy, Religion and Ethics course at Roehampton.
Read More
Dr Jenny Bunker
I’m Jenny, a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy, and I’ve been teaching on the degree here at Roehampton for 12 years.
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