Philosophy and Theology BA

Course overview

This course combines a rigorous training in analytic philosophy with study of some of the main areas of theological thought. You will gain a good grounding in the sources and contemporary context for theological reflection by studying the biblical writings together with key thinkers, ideas, events and movements that shaped the course of Western Christian thought; and by studying other religious traditions. You will also develop an understanding of the central ideas and movements in analytic philosophy, while acquiring important skills in clear thinking, argument and communication.

Year one 

In philosophy, you will be introduced to the subject through a series of core modules in central philosophical problems and you will also be able to choose optional modules. In theology, you will gain a broad foundation in the critical study of the Bible, the historical development of Christian thought, modern Christian ideas, and the Islamic tradition.

Year two

In philosophy, there is one core module, which will build on material studied in year one, to give you a solid grounding in some of the key concepts, theories, and arguments required to understand the main areas of analytic philosophy. You will always choose from a variety of optional modules that allow you to develop and broaden your philosophical skills and knowledge. In theology, you will take a core module in philosophy of religion. In addition, you may choose to study in more depth areas such as Jesus, Paul, the Old Testament, political theology, literature and religion, and other religious traditions such as Hinduism.

Year three

In philosophy, there will be free choice from a wide variety of more advanced modules, including the opportunity to write a dissertation on a topic of your own choosing. In theology, there is a wide range of choices, and you may concentrate on philosophical approaches to religion, as well as taking options in biblical studies, theological ideas, religious studies, and religion and culture. There is also an opportunity to undertake an independent study project

More information

See also the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.

Entry requirements

A levels: AAB/A*AC/A*BB, plus C in maths at GCSE

We do not require any particular A-level subjects for this degree programme, and we are happy to accept most A-level qualifications. However, we consider certain A-level subjects to be more ‘vocational’. These subjects are less suitable as preparation for undertaking this degree programme, and we recommend that no more than one is studied to A-level for entry to the course. These include:

• Art
• Art and Design
• Ceramics
• Citizenship Studies
• Communication and Culture
• Communication Studies
• Dance
• Design and Technology
• Economics and Business
• Home Economics
• Leisure Studies
• Music Technology
• Performance Studies
• Photography
• Physical Education
• Textiles
• Theatre Studies
• Travel and Tourism

We accept General Studies for entry to this degree programme. However, while we do not consider it to be a “vocational’ subject”, we think it is less useful as preparation for degree-level study than other A-level subjects.

• Assessment of your application: if you apply to us with General Studies, you must also be studying at least two more “academic” subjects at A-level, and you must be predicted at least a B in both subjects.

• Satisfying your offer: if we then make you an offer, general studies can be included as one of your grades, either with one “academic” and one “vocational” subject, or with two “academic” subjects.

Please feel free to contact the departments for further advice.

English language requirements 

IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)

Alternative qualifications 

For details please see the alternative qualification page

Modules

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.

Year-one modules

Your course is split equally between philosophy and theology in year one. In philosophy, you will take the core philosophy modules:

• Elementary Logic
• Locke, Appearance and Reality
• Moral Philosophy
• Reasoning and Argument: An Introduction to Philosophical Method
• Self, Mind and Body

You will also take one philosophy module from the optional modules offered. These vary depending on which members of staff are teaching, but modules taught in recent years include:

• Plato
• Issues in Feminist Philosophy
• Reasons for Action
• Applied Ethics
• Philosophy of Religion.

There are no core first-year modules in Theology. Typical modules on offer include:

• Introduction to the Study of the Hebrew Bible
• Introduction to the Study of the New Testament
• Introduction to Islam
• Christian Thought in the Modern World
• History of Christian Thought to 1600
• Introduction to Judaism
• Philosophy for Theologians

Year-two modules

Year two of your course is split equally between Philosophy and Theology. You have two core modules:

• The Nature of Meaning
• Philosophy of Religion

You will then choose optional modules in both Philosophy and Theology. Typical modules on offer include:

•  Epistemology
•  History of Philosophy
•  Metaphysics
•  Normative Ethics
•  Philosophy of Mind
•  Political Philosophy
•  The Theology of Paul
•  The Hindu Tradition
•  Literature and Religion: An Introduction
•  The Trinity
•  Encountering God: Theology, Worship and Spirituality
•  History of Muslim-Christian Relations
•  Jewish Theology and Philosophy: from Philo to Levinas
•  Love and Death
•  Religion in Nineteenth-Century Britain
•  Virtue Ethics and Literature
•  Forgiveness

Year-three modules

It is possible to split the final year equally between both subjects, or to focus more on one discipline.  There are no core modules – students choose from a range of specialist modules in both subjects, with the option of writing a dissertation. The modules on offer will vary depending on which staff are teaching, but modules on offer in recent years include:

• Advanced Logic
• Environmental Ethics
• Free Will and Action
• Issues of Indeterminism
• Marx
• Merleau-Ponty
• Metaethics
• Naming and Necessity
• Narrative, Language, and Mind
• Reality, Representation, and Truth
• Philosophy of Art
• Philosophy of Science
• Problems of Religious Diversity
• Darwinism
• The Jewish Context of Jesus and Early Christianity
• Islamic Theology
• Creation
• The Eucharist: An Historical Approach 

Skills and careers

You will have a broad knowledge of a variety of philosophical theories and theological traditions. You will have the skills to communicate your ideas clearly and precisely, and the ability to think and study independently. You will be able to abstract, analyse and construct logical arguments, and to recognise the strengths and weaknesses on both sides of a philosophical or theological debate.

Average starting salary 

The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the Department of Philosophy was £18,359.38 and for graduates of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies it was £18,359.38.*

*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.