Ranking
1st
REF 2021 Grade point average
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Course overview
Join the latest debates and explore the connections between ethics and the philosophy of religion. Are there shared human values? Is there a conflict between science and religion? Is life without God meaningless? Gain the tools to find meaningful answers to these questions.
You'll consider ethical approaches from a wide range of religious viewpoints and think critically about theological perspectives and their impact. Developing your skills in presentation and persuasion, you’ll enhance your academic or professional career path.
We offer this programme by distance learning. Find out more about the MA Philosophy of Religion and Ethics (Distance Learning).
Course structure
You can study the MA or PGDip full-time or part-time. The MA runs over 12 months full-time; the PGDip runs over 8 months full-time.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time MA and PGDip students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, with an emphasis on guided independent learning.
For MA students, one-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
Course highlights
Study across subject boundaries and learn from experts from Philosophy, Ethics and Theology and Religion. Benefitting from our wide range of expertise and different approaches, you'll investigate important contemporary philosophical debates from different angles and discover different responses to these issues across the world.
- Build your degree around your interests with flexible module choices, covering a range of philosophical debates and religious beliefs.
- Our resources, include thousands of religious texts and manuscripts in the Cadbury Research Library to support your studies.
- Immerse yourself in one of the most religiously and cultural diverse cities in Europe. Make the most of the Department's links with faith-based communities across the city.
- You'll be taught by experts who specialise in interdisciplinary research across Philosophy and Theology and Religion. Both departments are ranked in the top 3 in the UK for their subject area in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).
Join a lively Department and contribute to ongoing research activities.
Take advantage of expertise that goes across subject boundaries.
Build your own degree with our flexible range of modules.
Global Philosophy of Religion pathway
Explore key global issues and debates in the philosophy of religion and ethics by taking the Global Philosophy of Religion pathway. You’ll develop a critical awareness of current problems by discussing the writings of key figures and you'll explore the nature of global ethics, gaining the tools to analyse the arguments of others and create your own robust ethical arguments. Our optional modules will allow you to develop your own personal specialised interests. They cover global perspectives and if you take this pathway, we encourage dissertation topics with a global outlook.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Philosophy.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Module information
The MA comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. The PGDip comprises 120 credits of taught modules without the dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM God, Freedom and the Meaning of Life | 20 |
Students must choose either:
Research Skills and Methods for MA students (Philosophy) if the dissertation will be written in the Philosophy department
OR
Research Methods in Theology and the Study of Religion if the dissertation will be written in the Theology and Religion department.
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Research Methods | 20 |
| Research Skills and Methods in Philosophy | 20 |
Students must choose one of the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Bioethics | 20 |
| LM Ethics and Global Ethics | 20 |
Students must choose either:
Dissertation (Philosophy) (student must have taken the Research Skills and Methods for MA students of the Philosophy department).
OR
Dissertation (Theology & Religion) (student must have taken the Research Methods in Theology and the Study of Religion module).
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
| LM Dissertation | 60 |
Students choose 60 credits of Level M optional modules from the list provided annually by the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion. This list may include modules taught in other Schools. Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints. Please contact the School for further details. 6: 40 CR For the Global Philosophy of Religion Pathway, at least 40 of the 60 credits should be selected from the additional list provided (NB a definitive list will be provided each year):
Theology and Religion:
Philosophy:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Bioethics | 20 |
| LM Epistemology | 20 |
| LM Ethics and Global Ethics | 20 |
| LM God, Freedom and the Meaning of Life | 20 |
| LM Human Rights | 20 |
| LM I am, I feel | 20 |
| LM Philosophy and Mental Health | 20 |
| LM Philosophy of Cognitive Science | 20 |
| LM Philosophy of Mind | 20 |
| LM Topics in Global Justice | 20 |
Global Philosophy or Religion Pathway:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Buddhist Approaches to Philosophy of Religion (DL) | 20 |
| LM Hindu Approaches to Philosophy of Religion | 20 |
| LM Paradigms of Belief | 20 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in Philosophy, Theology or a relevant subject like Sociology or English.
If your undergraduate degree is in another subject, you can still apply. We consider every application on its merits, and we’ll consider applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
We may also require you to submit a writing sample. This should be around 3-4 pages long. Although it does not need to be a Philosophy essay, you should demonstrate your ability to present an argument and write in an analytical style. These skills are necessary for postgraduate level Philosophy.
If you have been out of academia for some time, we will accept a professional reference and one academic reference, rather than the standard requirement for two academic references.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
For the Global pathway, you'll need to apply for MA Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, and you can choose to take the pathway when you begin your studies.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Philosophy at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to articulate your ideas clearly, analytical skills, and the ability to present a strong argument.
Our Philosophy graduates enter many roles, including:
- Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Victims Adviser
- Policy Advisor
- Deputy HR Manager
- Tutor
Employers our Philosophy graduates have worked for include:
- Regional police forces
- University of Birmingham
- Migrant Help
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.