Philosophy, Ethics and Religion, BA, University of Leeds

Course content

You'll spend your first year studying core modules that introduce you to key concepts and ideas in philosophy, ethics and religious studies, such as How to Think Clearly and Argue Well and Philosophy of Religion. You'll also choose from a wide range of optional modules on topics such as the Bible, the mind, Islamic civilisation, the philosophy of science, and South Asian religions - or you can choose discovery modules from departments across the University.

Once you've developed this foundation, you'll build on it in your second year by taking core modules in religious studies, ethics or political philosophy, and philosophy of religion. Then you choose from an extensive list of optional modules, so you can specialise in the areas that interest you. Examples include the ethics of life and death, Hindu traditions, metaphysics, the Hebrew Scriptures, and ancient philosophy. You'll continue to develop key skills of research, critical thinking and formulating arguments.

In your final year, you have the flexibility to follow your interests. You write an extended project on a theme that you have chosen, and you choose from an extended list of optional modules. Examples include The Structure of Reality, Religion, Politics and the Future, Philosophy and Literature, Modern Islamic Thought and The Religious Mapping of Leeds. You have the freedom to emerge as a specialist in philosophy, or in ethics, or in some area of religious studies, or in some combination of these subject areas.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Follow the links to the Programme Catalogue for more example optional modules and the full course structure.

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAB

  • Career opportunities

    A degree in Philosophy, Ethics and Religion spans across disciplines such as literary studies, history and sociology. As a result, it will equip you with a variety of transferable skills that are highly valued by all kinds of employers.

    You'll be a confident communicator who can work independently or within a team, as well as having skills in research, critical thinking and analysing complex information. You'll also have a deeper awareness of some of the social and cultural issues that impact on communities.

    Graduates have pursued careers in fields as broad as politics, management, the civil service, journalism, the media, education and the charity sector. Others have gone onto postgraduate study or further training.

    Careers support

    We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

    Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

    The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

  • Study abroad and work placements

    All University of Leeds students can apply to spend a year studying abroad. It's a great way to gain an insight into another culture, as well as gaining valuable experience that will look great on your CV.

    The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science also has exclusive exchange links with universities in Denmark, France and Spain - language classes are available before you go to prepare you for the experience.

    Read more about Study abroad in Philosophy, Religion and History of Science

    Work placements

    Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

    Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

    You'll also have additional opportunities to gain work experience during the degree. For example, you can apply for our Philosophy Students into Schools module which allows you to spend time planning and delivering lessons, or you can get involved in the ongoing development of the Leeds Museum of the History of Science, Technology and Medicine.