Study information

Programme Specification for the 2022/3 academic year

BA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology with Study Abroad

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology with Study Abroad Programme codeUFA4HPSCTH01
Study mode(s)Full Time
Part Time
 Academic year2022/3
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

The BA CH Philosophy and Theology programme at Exeter will offer you an excellent Honours-level education in Philosophy and Theology. It will provide you with a stimulating and supportive environment that is informed by research where deemed appropriate. Questions that pertain to the nature of God, religion, faith and moral life have been the domain of both Philosophy and Theology for many centuries. Philosophy offers invaluable logical and analytical tools to address theological questions, both old and new. This programme will also enable you to reflect in depth about the role of religion in contemporary life and society.

You will spend the 3rd year of study in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

1. Offer an excellent Honours-level education in Philosophy and Theology, which meets the standards set in the national Subject Benchmarks.
2. Provide a stimulating and supportive environment for students that is informed by research where deemed appropriate.
3. Offer a coherent and structured framework of study which ensures that within the time-span of the programme every student follows a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that students are able to follow individual pathways of learning.
4. In philosophy, produce graduates who are grounded in the main themes and methods of philosophy through a combination of modules, which develop a reflective understanding of some pervasive and problematic features of the world and of ourselves.
5. In theology, produce graduates who are able to demonstrate comprehension of and critically analyse a range of themes, debates and methods of the discipline, through the study of various modules, including the in-depth study of biblical and other texts in relation to contexts of interpretation, and the study of philosophical theology and Christian ethics, through engagement with key historical figures, and in relation to significant contemporary issues.
6. Provide a range of academic and personal skills, which will prepare students from varied educational backgrounds for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility, adaptability and critical enquiry, and which will enable them to deploy their knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.

4. Programme Structure

The programme is studied over four years. The first two years, and the final year, are university-based; the third is spent at a university abroad. Study is undertaken in four levels, one for each year of study. The programme is divided into units called modules. Modules have a credit value of 15 or 30 credits. Each stage comprises 120 credits.

Assessment at stage one does not contribute towards the summative classification of the award. Procedures for the final assessment of the degree programme can be found at: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/collegehandbook/assessmentandfeedback/

Credits at stage 1 must be successfully completed in order to proceed to stage 2, but marks gained at this stage play no further part in the final assessment. Procedures for the final assessment of the degree programme can be found at: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/student/undergraduate/collegehandbook/assessmentandfeedback/

5. Programme Modules

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.

The full list of modules in Philosophy (with module descriptions) is available at at 
https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/socialsciences/moduledescriptions/

 

 

The University’s rules on modularity include a provision that the degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules and as part of the degree programme. Students may take up to 30 credits a year outside their main degree subject, after they have met the compulsory requirements of their main subjects. However, the normal expectation on this programme is that students will take 60 credits in each subject, in order to gain sufficient skills and expertise in philosophy and theology to complete the programme effectively. The level 3 programme in Philosophy already allows students to choose a 30-credit option from a range of philosophical subjects offered by other disciplines. Any student wishing to take an option of up to 30 credits outside the programme should seek permission from the Director of the Philosophy Programme or the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Theological Studies).

If students wish to undertake their study abroad in a University which does not teach in English, they must normally take 30 credits from the Foreign Language Centre at stages 1 and 2 in the appropriate language. In doing this they would be deemed to have exercised their rights under the University’s modularity provisions.

Stage 1

 

 

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL1002A Knowledge and Reality 1 at least 45 credits of core modules: PHL1002A, PHL1002B, PHL1005A, PHL100615No
PHL1002B Knowledge and Reality 2 15No
PHL1005A Evidence and Argument 1 15No
PHL1006 Introduction to Philosophical Analysis 15No
THE1106 Philosophy of Religion and Christian Ethics 15No
THE1110 The History of Early Christianities 15No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL S1 BA Philosophy SH and CH opt 2022-3 up to 15 credits of optional modules
PHL1005A Evidence and Argument 1 15 No
PHL1010 Introduction to Asian Philosophy 15 No
PHL1006 Introduction to Philosophical Analysis 15 No
PHL1016 Introduction to Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence 15 No
PHL1002A Knowledge and Reality 1 15 No
PHL1002B Knowledge and Reality 2 15 No
PHL1004 Philosophical Problems 1 15 No
PHL1007 Philosophical Reading 1 15 No
PHL1008 Philosophical Reading 2 15 No
PHL1009 Philosophies of Art 15 No
THE S1 BA T&R CH opt 2022-3 up to 30 credits of optional modules
THE1076 Religion in the Modern World 15 No
THE1109 Introduction to the History and Literatures of the Bible 15 No
THE1101 The Bible: Past and Present 15 No
THE1072 Introducing Biblical Hebrew 15 No
ARA1018 Introduction to Islam 15 No
THE1106 Philosophy of Religion and Christian Ethics 15 No
THE1103 Introducing Christian Theologies 15 No
ARA1038 Religious Minorities of the Middle East 15 No
THE2035 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew 15 No
THE1008 Big Questions in Science and Religion 15 No

Stage 2

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL S2 BA Philosophy SH comp 2022-3 at least 45 credits of core modules
PHL2010A Philosophy of Mind 1 15 No
PHL2011A The Philosophy of Nature 1 15 No
PHL2015 Body and Mind 15 No
PHL2016 Metaphysics 15 No
PHL2018 Philosophy of Language 15 No
PHL2118 Moral agency in social context 15 No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL S2 BA Philosophy SH and CH opt 2022-3 up to 15 credits of optional modules
PHL2001 Phenomenology 15 No
PHL2002 Existentialism 15 No
PHL2010A Philosophy of Mind 1 15 No
PHL2015 Body and Mind 15 No
PHL2016 Metaphysics 15 No
PHL2018 Philosophy of Language 15 No
PHL2020 Virtues and Vices 15 No
PHL2022 Sex and Death: Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology 15 No
PHL2026 Philosophy of Science 15 No
PHL2038 The Self 15 No
PHL2040 Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism 15 No
PHL2041 Feminist Philosophy: Gender, Race and Class 15 No
PHL2042 Philosophical Frontiers 15 No
PHL2045 Aesthetics 15 No
PHL2046A The Holocaust, Genocide and Society 30 No
PHL2052 Epistemology 15 No
PHL2053 History of Philosophy 15 No
PHL2054 Philosophy of Psychiatry 15 No
PHL2056 The Nature of Normativity 15 No
PHL2061 Philosophy of Law 15 No
PHL2096 Cyborg Studies 15 No
PHL2110 Philosophy of Emotion 30 No
PHL2111 The Deep Past, History and Humanity 15 No
PHL2112 Practical Ethics 15 No
PHL2114 Aristotle's Ethics 15 No
PHL2116 Reality, Existence and Change 15 No
PHL2117 Philosophy and Psychedelics 15 No
PHL2118 Moral agency in social context 15 No
PHL2119 Animal Minds and Animal Ethics 15 No
PHL2120 Philosophy and Sociology of Race 15 No
PHL2122 Data, Experiments, and Society 15 No
PHL2123 Philosophy of Medicine 15 No
PHL2124 Social Epistemology 15 No
PHL2125 Ethics of Emerging Technologies 15 No
PHL2126 Mind and World in Contemporary Japanese Philosophy 15 No
PHL2127 Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy 15 No
PHL2043 Philosophical Research 15 No
THE S2 BA T&R CH opt 2022-3 up to 60 credits of optional modules
THE2043 Religious Literacy, Communication and Media 30 No
THE2028 Queer Theologies and Theories 30 No
THE2219 Religion and Holocaust Memory in Public Life 30 No
THE2223 Introduction To Indian Philosophy (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism) 30 No
THE2142 Heaven and Hell throughout the Ages 30 No
THE2218 The Invention of God 30 No
THE2035 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew 15 No
THE2023 Military Ethics in Christian Perspective 30 No
THE2196 Encounters in Philosophy and Theology 30 No
THE2044 Reading New Testament Letters 30 No
THE2210 Encounters between Religions 30 No
THE2214 Building God's House: The Origins of Church Architecture 30 No

Stage 3

Students spend this stage in a partner University on an Erasmus/Socrates exchange or other approved programme of study. The year abroad comprises 120 credits. Assessment is normally based on the credits gained at the partner institution abroad.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
SSI3999 Year Abroad 120No

Stage 4

60 credits at Level 3 in Philosophy, and 60 credits at Level 3 in Theology. Students are required to take either the Dissertation in Philosophy OR the Dissertation in Theology. The dissertation will comprise 30 of the 60 required credits for the relevant subject.

Compulsory Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL3040 Philosophy Dissertation or THE308230No
THE3082 Theology Dissertation or PHL304030No

Optional Modules

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL SF BA Philosophy SH and CH opt 2022-3
PHL3001 Phenomenology 15 No
PHL3002 Existentialism 15 No
PHL3013 Virtues and Vices 15 No
PHL3014 Symbolic Logic 15 No
PHL3018 Sex and Death: Introduction to the Philosophy of Biology 15 No
PHL3026 Philosophy of Science 15 No
PHL3038 The Self 15 No
PHL3045 Aesthetics 15 No
PHL3046A The Holocaust, Genocide and Society 30 No
PHL3052 Epistemology 15 No
PHL3053 History of Philosophy 15 No
PHL3054 Philosophy of Psychiatry 15 No
PHL3056 The Nature of Normativity 15 No
PHL3061 Philosophy of Law 15 No
PHL3077 Bioethics: DNA-technologies, Ethics and Human Identity 15 No
PHL3078 Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism 15 No
PHL3079 Feminist Philosophy: Gender, Race and Class 15 No
PHL3080 Philosophical Frontiers 15 No
PHL3096 Cyborg Studies 15 No
PHL3110 Philosophy of Emotion 30 No
PHL3111 The Deep Past, History and Humanity 15 No
PHL3112 Ecology, Environment and Conservation 15 No
PHL3113 Practical Ethics 15 No
PHL3116 Reality, Existence and Change 15 No
PHL3117 Philosophy and Psychedelics 15 No
PHL3118 Animal Minds and Animal Ethics 15 No
PHL3119 Philosophy and Sociology of Race 15 No
PHL3121 Data, Experiments, and Society 15 No
PHL3122 Philosophy of Medicine 15 No
PHL3123 Social Epistemology 15 No
PHL3124 Ethics of Emerging Technologies 15 No
PHL3125 Mind and World in Contemporary Japanese Philosophy 15 No
PHL3126 Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy 15 No
THE SF BA T&R CH opt 2022-3
THE3043 Religious Literacy, Communication and Media 30 No
THE3028 Queer Theologies and Theories 30 No
THE3219 Religion and Holocaust Memory in Public Life 30 No
THE3223 Introduction To Indian Philosophy (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism) 30 No
THE3142 Heaven and Hell throughout the Ages 30 No
THE3218 The Invention of God 30 No
THE3023 Military Ethics in Christian Perspective 30 No
THE3196 Encounters in Philosophy and Theology 30 No
THE3044 Reading New Testament Letters 30 No
THE3200 Atopia - God, Story, Facebook and Mushrooms 30 No
THE3210 Encounters between Religions 30 No
THE3214 Building God's House: The Origins of Church Architecture 30 No

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

1. PHILOSOPHY: Show familiarity with philosophical ideas about the nature of society and the social sciences.
2. Reflect upon the conditions of human social life.
3. Show familiarity with the history of modern philosophy (18.1).
4. Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in epistemology, metaphysics and the philosophies of mind and nature (18.2).
5. Analyse concepts in ethics (18.3).
6. Analyse and criticise substantial works by important historical and contemporary moral and political philosophers (18.2 and 18.3).
7. Engage in logical and conceptual analysis and abstract reasoning (23.2, 23.4, 23.6).
8. Apply a reflective and sophisticated analytic understanding to a range of complex issues and subject matters.
9. THEOLOGY: Be able to state clearly, discuss and demonstrate critical comprehension of some of the following: the social, textual, intellectual, historical, theological, ethical, institutional or aesthetic expressions of the Christian tradition (5.3: Knowledge and Understanding, 2).
10. Be able to discuss and demonstrate where appropriate critical comprehension of the Christian tradition's classical sources and their subsequent articulation by some interpreters of the tradition in different historical periods and in different social or geographical settings (K and U, 3).
11. Be able to evaluate and critically analyse a diversity of primary and secondary sources, including material from different disciplines (K and U, 4).

[Philosophy] In explicit terms, skills 1-2 are developed through lectures, seminars and essay work on Social Philosophy; 3-4 through similar methods and strategies on Knowledge and Reality, Philosophy of Mind and Philosophy of Nature; 5-6 through similar methods on Ethics, and 7 through practical exercises on Evidence and Argument. However, depending on the student’s chosen portfolio of modules, they will be developed, further in the modules chosen at level 3. 8 is developed especially through the optional modules taken at level 3.

[Theology] Skills 9 and 10 are developed across the curriculum, and specifically through the core modules in biblical studies, patristics, philosophical theology and Christian ethics. Skill 11 is fostered through these same modules, and also through the engagement of many option modules with the methods of the social sciences. Modules make use of lectures and student-led seminar presentations, and some make use of formatively assessed essays and small-group tutorials which help to foster essay-writing skills.

[Philosophy] The assessment of skills 1-8 is made through a combination of course essays, oral presentations, examinations; also, where appropriate, Research Methods Project or dissertation.

[Theology] 9-11 are assessed by various methods including closed book examinations, essays and summatively assessed seminar presentations. There is also a level 3 dissertation module.

Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

12. Analyse critically individual texts and combine those analyses to demonstrate understanding of the development of literary genres (Phil. 23.3, 23.4).
13. Synthesise complex and diverse arguments and ideas lucidly and coherently, both orally and in writing (Phil.23.2).
14. Engage in creative analytical and evaluative thinking about texts, sources, arguments and interpretations (Phil. 23.6).
15. Engage in lateral thinking, making connections between ideas and information in different fields of their study (Phil.23.9, 25.1).
16. Select and apply appropriate critical tools when reading primary and secondary literature and ancient literature in translation (Phil. 23.3; TRS 5.3: Discipline Specific and Intellectual Skills, 4).
17. Be able to represent views other than the student's own sensitively and intelligently with fairness and integrity (TRS 5.3: DSIS, 1).
18. Be able to demonstrate understanding of the multi-faceted complexity of religions, e.g. in the relationship between specifically religious beliefs, texts and practices, and wider social and cultural structures (TRS 5.3: DSIS, 3).
19. Be able to demonstrate awareness of and critical assessment of religious contributions to debate in the public arena about e.g. values, truth, beauty, health, peace and justice (TRS 5.3: DSIS, 5).

[Philosophy] Skills 12-18 are developed throughout the Philosophy degree programme by lectures and seminars, written work and oral work (both oral presentations and class discussion). A more sophisticated use of these skills is developed in the second and third stages; in the third stage, independent use of these skills is developed through the dissertation and level 3 optional modules selected by the student. 


[Theology] Skill 18 is developed throughout the curriculum, and specifically in e.g. the core modules in biblical studies and patristics. Skill 8 is also developed throughout the programme, and specifically through the use of seminar presentations, classroom discussion, and formative assessment of essays and seminar presentations. Skills 18-19 are taught through e.g. the core modules in biblical studies, philosophical theology and Christian ethics, and also through the availability of many modules (core and optional) which engage with the methods and conclusions of the social sciences.

[Philosophy] Skills 12-18 are assessed though course essays, assessed oral presentations and examinations at stages 1-2 and through the dissertation at stage 3.

[Theology] Skills 16-19 are assessed through essays, examinations, seminar presentations, and (at level 3) the dissertation module.

Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
On successfully completing this programme you will be able to:		Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be...
...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class):...and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

20. Select, organise and analyse material for written work and oral presentations of different prescribed lengths. (Phil. 23.2; TRS 5.3: Key Skills, 1)
21. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized and effective manner (Phil. 26.8; TRS: KS, 2).
22. Present an argument in a written form in a clear and organized manner, with appropriate use of correct English (Phil.23.6).
23. Formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction (Phil. 23.8).
24. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of challenging material in groups (Phil. 28.3; TRS: KS, 5-6).
25. Work creatively, flexibly and adaptably with others, both peers and academic staff (Phil. 27.5; TRS: KS, 6).
26. Demonstrate autonomy, manifested in self-direction and intellectual initiative, both in learning and study and in the management of time (Phil. 27.2; TRS: KS, 7).
27. Evaluate and reflect on your own work (Phil.27.5; TRS: KS, 10).
28. Write and think under pressure and to meet deadlines (Phil. 27.3).
29. Plan the execution of demanding work based on individual research over a long time (Phil. 27.3).
30. Use a range of basic IT resources (such as e-mail and the World-Wide-Web) to acquire and manipulate general and subject-specific information (Phil. 26.8.2; TRS: KS, 9).
31. Use a word processor to create clearly presented written assignments and handouts (Phil. 26.8.2; TRS: KS, 9).
32. Be able to reflect on the challenges of living and learning in a different environment.

(a) Skills 20, 21, 23 and 24 are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in many modules at all levels in both sides of the programme, and through the oral discussion of challenging material in all modules in the programme.

(b) Skill 25 is also developed through meetings with personal tutors, one-to-one or small-group tutorials giving feedback on written work and through discussion in seminars.

(c) Skills 20, 22, 23, 26, and 28 are developed through written assignments (essays) in most modules and examinations in many modules at all levels.

(d) Skills 26-27 form essential parts of the successful completion of the programme but are encouraged especially through preparation for written and oral assignments and seminars. They are also promoted in Philosophy through the student Self-Appraisal system in the mid-semester break and in Theology through the use of tutorials for feedback on formatively assessed essays.

(e) Skill 29 is developed through the dissertation in Philosophy/Theology.

(f) Skills 30 and 31 are developed in both sides of the programme through the requirement that all written work is word-processed and that students use the WWW to access texts and other learning materials.

(g) Skill 32 will result from completion of the Learning Log which is central to the One-year Study Abroad module.

(a) Skills 20, 21, 23 and 24 are assessed through seminar presentations. In philosophy, oral contributions to seminars are assessed formatively; in theology seminar presentations are sometimes assessed summatively and sometimes formatively.

(b) Skills 20, 22, 23, 26 and 28 are assessed through written work at all levels and in all modules by examination in many modules and by the dissertation.

(c) Skills 30-31 is assessed through written course-work in all modules.

(d) Skill 29 is assessed by the dissertation in either subject.

7. Programme Regulations

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

Classification

Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic Tutoring

It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you with individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of your programme, and this support extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information on the College Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to College support services can be found on the College webpages for current students.

Student Staff Liaison Committee (SSLC)

SSLCs enable students and staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning

Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.

10. Admissions Criteria

Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.

Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.

(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards

The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.

14. Awarding Institution

University of Exeter

15. Lead College / Teaching Institution

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)

16. Partner College / Institution

Partner College(s)

Not applicable to this programme

Partner Institution

Not applicable to this programme.

17. Programme Accredited / Validated by

0

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology with Study Abroad

19. UCAS Code

VV5P

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

480

 ECTS credits

240

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

[Honours] Philosophy
[Honours] Theology and religious studies

23. Dates

Origin Date

01/10/2009

 Date of last revision

28/07/2020