Ranking
1st
REF 2021 Grade point average
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Course overview
Join contemporary debates and harness a variety of transferable skills as you explore the connections of ethics and the philosophy of religion. Are there shared human values? Is there a conflict between science and religion? Do people with different religious views have the same morals? Is life without God meaningless? You'll interrogate these questions and more from anywhere in the world.
You'll consider ethical approaches from a wide range of perspectives and think critically about religious viewpoints and their impact. Developing your skills in presentation and persuasion, you’ll enhance your academic or professional career path.
We also offer this programme on-campus for 1-2 years. Find out more about the on-campus MA/PGDip Philosophy of Religion and Ethics.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months in a full-time mode. You can also study this programme part-time for up to 3 years.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. Full-time students begin planning and submit a proposal for the dissertation during term one.
Part-time students normally take three modules per year, usually in the autumn and spring terms of each year.
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 contemporary philosophical debates from different angles, and discover different responses to these issues from across the world.
- Become part of a Department of leading philosophy academics with the highest ranked research in the UK in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education)
- Build your degree around your interests with flexible module choices, covering a range of philosophical debates and religious beliefs.
- Access fantastic resources to support your studies with teaching and lectures from an internationally recognised School as well as the Birmingham Centre for the Philosophy of Religion.
- Study online from anywhere in the world. You can fit the course around other commitments with our flexible options.
Our virtual learning environment will provide a structure for your studies.
Take advantage of expertise that goes across subject boundaries.
Flexible range of modules available to build your own degree.
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, Global Ethics and Theology and Religion.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- You’ll study via the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - all distance learning teaching takes place asynchronously. This means the resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions at a time that suits you.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 15,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Module information
This programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation.
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 |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
| LM God, Freedom and the Meaning of Life (Distance Learning) | 20 |
Students must choose one of the following two modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Bioethics | 20 |
| LM Ethics and Global Ethics | 20 |
Students must take one of the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM DL Research Methods in the Study of Religion | 20 |
| Research Skills and Methods (Distance Learning) | 20 |
Students choose 60 credits of Level M optional modules from the list provided annually by the School of Philosophy, Theology and Religion. Contingent upon approval by the Programme Convenor, students are allowed to choose optional 60 credits of Level M optional modules in History and International Development. Availability of particular modules varies from year to year and is subject to timetabling constraints. An indicative list is provided below. Each year, a definitive list will be provided. 4: 60 CR For the Global Philosophy of Religion pathway, at least 40 of these 60 credits should be selected from the additional list provided.
Philosophy:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Bioethics | 20 |
| LM Epistemology (DL) | 20 |
| LM Ethics and Global Ethics | 20 |
| LM Human Rights | 20 |
| LM I am, I feel | 20 |
| LM Topics in Global Justice | 20 |
| Philosophy and Mental Health | 20 |
Theology and Religion:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Analytic Theology: Philosophy and Religions in conversation | 20 |
| LM Continental Philosophy of Religion: Selected Themes and Issues (Distance Learning) | 20 |
History:
International Development:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Conflict and Development | 20 |
| LM Conflict in Developing Countries | 20 |
| LM Development Politics | 20 |
| LM International Development | 20 |
Global Philosophy of Religion:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Buddhist Approaches to Philosophy of Religion (DL) | 20 |
| LM Hindu Approaches to Philosophy of Religion (DL) | 20 |
| LM Paradigms of Belief (DL) | 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
Please note: The part-time programme can be completed over up to three years, but fees are payable over two years; in each of years one and two, the fee payable will be half the full-time rate.
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
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
The deadline for all students applying to our distance learning courses is 31 August 2025.
Late applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.
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.
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.
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.