Philosophy of Religion and EthicsMA / PGDip

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

• 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). 

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.

• 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.

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:

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.

Students must choose one of the following modules:

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).

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:

Global Philosophy or Religion Pathway:

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.