Study information

Programme Specification for the 2025/6 academic year

BA (Hons) Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

1. Programme Details

Programme nameBA (Hons) Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Programme codeUFA3HPSCTH06
Study mode(s)Part Time
Full Time
 Academic year2025/6
Campus(es)Streatham (Exeter)
 NQF Level of the Final Award6 (Honours)

2. Description of the Programme

This degree enables you to study the complementary disciplines of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. Questions relating 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.

Studying Philosophy will give you the opportunity to discuss long-standing questions about the nature of knowledge (how do we know what we know?), science (does science provide us with a special kind of knowledge?), reality (does the world out there really exist?), ethics (how should we act?), art and beauty (who decides what counts as beautiful?), the mind-body relationship (how can the brain produce the mind?), the meaning of life (why is there something rather than nothing?) and more.

You’ll also receive an excellent grounding in all the subjects essential to a good understanding of the discipline of Theology, from biblical studies and church history to modern theology, philosophy and ethics.

A long list of Theology and Philosophy options will enable you to customise your degree by choosing modules covering topics as diverse as the soul, heaven and hell, heresy, morality and ethics, martyrs and pilgrimage, life after death, the Holocaust, philosophy of science and the study of religions.

3. Educational Aims of the Programme

  • Offer an excellent Honours-level education in Philosophy, Religion and Ethics , which meets the standards set in the national Subject Benchmarks.
  • Provide a stimulating and supportive environment for you that is informed by research where deemed appropriate.
  • Offer a coherent and structured framework of study which ensures that within the time-span of the programme you follow a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that you are able to follow individual pathways of learning.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Provide a range of academic and personal skills, which will prepare you for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility, adaptability and critical enquiry, and which will enable you to deploy your knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.

 

4. Programme Structure

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.

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=philosophy

https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=classics (THEXXXX modules)

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, you must graduate with a minimum of 150 credits from each side of your programme (meaning that you may take a maximum of 60 elective modules in total).

Option Modules may be taken as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full via the links below.

Stage 1

90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules

 

 

Compulsory Modules

Philosophy

A - Three of the five 15 credit compulsory PHL1XXX modules below must be chosen
You can choose one 15 credit PHL1XXX option module (this can include any of the remaining compulsory PHL1XXX modules not initially chosen)

 

Theology

B - THE1120 What is Religion? and THE1125 Religion, Philosophy and Ethics must be taken.
You may then choose one 15 credit option module.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL1002A Knowledge and Reality 1 Note A above15No
PHL1002B Knowledge and Reality 2 Note A above15No
PHL1005A Evidence and Argument 1 Note A above15No
PHL1006 Introduction to Philosophical Analysis Note A above15No
PHL1013 Philosophy of Morality Note A above15No
THE1120 What is Religion? Note B above30No
THE1125 Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Note B above15No

Optional Modules

You can choose one 15 credit Philosophy option module, and one 15 credit Theology option module

C - THE1070 and THE1072 run on alternate years

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
THE1101 The Bible: Past and Present 15No
THE1121 Religion and Material Culture 15No
THE1122 Introducing Social-Scientific Approaches to Religion 15No
THE1123 Reform, Retreat and Reinvention: A History of Christianity 15No
THE1070 Elements of New Testament Greek Note C above15No
THE1072 Introducing Biblical Hebrew Note C above15No
Philosophy Stage 1 Option Modules 2025-6
PHL1004 Philosophical Problems 1 15 No
PHL1007 Philosophical Reading 1 15 No
PHL1009 Philosophies of Art 15 No
PHL1010 Introduction to Asian Philosophy 15 No
PHL1112 Philosophy of Film 15 No
ARA1018 Introduction to Islam 15No
ARA1041 Religious Communities of the Middle East: Culture, Endangerment and Survival 15No

Stage 2

45 credits of elective compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

Philosophy

D - Three of the six 15 credit elective compulsory modules must be chosen.

Theology

There are no compulsory modules for Theology and Religion in stage 2.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL2118 Moral agency in social context Note D above15No
PHL2015 Body and Mind Note D above15No
PHL2016 Metaphysics Note D above15No
PHL2018 Philosophy of Language Note D above15No
PHL2010A Philosophy of Mind 1 Note D above15No
PHL2043 Philosophical Research Note D above15No

Optional Modules

You can choose one 15 credit Philosophy option module (including any of the elective core above not initially chosen), and 60 credits of Theology and Religion option modules.

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Philosophy Stage 2 Option Modules 2025-6
PHL2001 Phenomenology 15 No
PHL2002 Existentialism 15 No
PHL2020 Virtues and Vices 15 No
PHL2021 Symbolic Logic 15 No
PHL2038 The Self 15 No
PHL2040 Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism 15 No
PHL2042 Philosophical Frontiers 15 No
PHL2045 Aesthetics 15 No
PHL2052 Epistemology 15 No
PHL2053 History of Philosophy 15 No
PHL2054 Philosophy of Psychiatry 15 No
PHL2060 Philosophy of Emotion 15 No
PHL2096 Cyborg Studies 15 No
PHL2111 The Deep Past, History and Humanity 15 No
PHL2112 Practical Ethics 15 No
PHL2114 Aristotle's Ethics 15 No
PHL2117 Philosophy and Psychedelics 15 No
PHL2119 Animal Minds and Animal Ethics 15 No
PHL2123 Philosophy of Medicine 15 No
PHL2125 Ethics of Emerging Technologies 15 No
PHL2127 Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy 15 No
PHL2130 Plato's Dialogues 15 No
PHL2131 Philosophy of Music 15 No
Theology and Religion Stage 2 CH Option Modules 2025-6
THE2024 Spirituality - Prayer, Meditation and Worship 30 No
THE2034 Intermediate New Testament Greek 15 No
THE2147 Early Christian Women: Eve, Mary, Thecla 30 No
THE2152 Evolution, God and Gaia 30 No
THE2179 'Deviant Bodies': Disability Studies and the New Testament 30 No
THE2185 Incarnation: Topics in Philosophical Theology 30 No
THE2195 Blasphemy and the Abrahamic Faiths 30 No
THE2225 Trans Studies in Christianity and Judaism 30 No
THE2232 Living with Robots: New Technologies and Ethics in Religious and Philosophical Perspectives 30 No

Stage 3

30 credits of compulsory modules and 90 credits of optional modules

Compulsory Modules

E - Either PHL3040 Philosophy Dissertation or THE3030 Theology and Religion Dissertation must be chosen

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
PHL3040 Philosophy Dissertation Note E above30No
THE3030 Theology and Religion Dissertation Note E above30No

Optional Modules

If PHL3040 is chosen, 30 credits of PHL3XXX options / 60 credits of THE3XXX options are taken

If THE3030 is chosen, 30 credits of THE3XXX options / 60 credits of PHL3XXX options are taken

CodeModule Credits Non-condonable?
Philosophy Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6
PHL3001 Phenomenology 15 No
PHL3002 Existentialism 15 No
PHL3013 Virtues and Vices 15 No
PHL3014 Symbolic Logic 15 No
PHL3038 The Self 15 No
PHL3045 Aesthetics 15 No
PHL3052 Epistemology 15 No
PHL3053 History of Philosophy 15 No
PHL3054 Philosophy of Psychiatry 15 No
PHL3060 Philosophy of Emotion 15 No
PHL3078 Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism 15 No
PHL3080 Philosophical Frontiers 15 No
PHL3096 Cyborg Studies 15 No
PHL3111 The Deep Past, History and Humanity 15 No
PHL3113 Practical Ethics 15 No
PHL3114 Aristotle's Ethics 15 No
PHL3117 Philosophy and Psychedelics 15 No
PHL3118 Animal Minds and Animal Ethics 15 No
PHL3122 Philosophy of Medicine 15 No
PHL3124 Ethics of Emerging Technologies 15 No
PHL3126 Hidden Voices in Early Modern Philosophy 15 No
PHL3127 Plato's Dialogues 15 No
PHL3131 Philosophy of Music 15 No
Theology and Religion Final Stage Option Modules 2025-6
THE3024 Spirituality - Prayer, Meditation and Worship 30 No
THE3147 Early Christian women: Eve, Mary, Thecla 30 No
THE3152 Evolution, God and Gaia 30 No
THE3179 'Deviant Bodies': Disability Studies and the New Testament 30 No
THE3185 Incarnation: Topics in Philosophical Theology 30 No
THE3195 Blasphemy and the Abrahamic Faiths 30 No
THE3225 Trans Studies in Christianity and Judaism 30 No
THE3232 Living with Robots: New Technologies and Ethics in Religious and Philosophical Perspectives 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. 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
4. Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in epistemology, metaphysics and the philosophies of mind and nature
5. Analyse concepts in ethics
6. Analyse and criticise substantial works by important historical and contemporary moral and political philosophers
7. Engage in logical and conceptual analysis and abstract reasoning
8. Apply a reflective and sophisticated analytic understanding to a range of complex issues and subject matters.
9. 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
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
11. Be able to evaluate and critically analyse a diversity of primary and secondary sources, including material from different disciplines

[Philosophy]
In explicit terms, 1 and 2 are developed through lectures, seminars and essay work in PHL1002A and PHL1002B; 3 and 4 through similar methods and strategies in PHL1006A, PHL1005a, PHL201a, PHL2016, PHL2015, and PHL2018; 5 and 6 through similar methods in PHL1013 and PHL2118; and 7 through similar methods on PHL2010A, PHL2015, and PHL2018.

However, depending on the student’s chosen portfolio of modules, they will be developed, with increasing intensity as s/he progresses through the Stages, on the elective modules as well. 8 is developed through the optional modules taken. The level of competence expected of students intensifies at each stage of the programme.

[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
13. Synthesise complex and diverse arguments and ideas lucidly and coherently, both orally and in writing
14. Engage in creative analytical and evaluative thinking about texts, sources, arguments and interpretations
15. Engage in lateral thinking, making connections between ideas and information in different fields of their study
16. Select and apply appropriate critical tools when reading primary and secondary literature and ancient literature in translation
17. Be able to represent views other than the student's own sensitively and intelligently with fairness and integrity
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).
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
20. 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
21. 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

[Philosophy]
Skills 12-17 are developed throughout the curriculum, through a combination of lectures, seminars, and formatively and summatively assessed essay work, practical exercises, and classroom presentations. Specifically, skills 12, 13, 16, and 17 are developed in core modules (including Knowledge & Reality 1&2; Philosophy of Mind; Philosophy of Morality). Skills 12, 14, and 16 are developed in close reading seminars (Philosophical Readings 1-3; Philosophical Frontiers) which are designed to improve not only philosophical knowledge but also analytic skills and depth of understanding. Skills 13-15 are developed, especially, in optional modules (such as Practical Ethics, Philosophy of Psychiatry, Aesthetics, and Epistemology), which require both in-depth, critical study of major elements of the discipline, and creative and lateral thinking to connect to broader philosophical themes.

[Theology]
Skill 18 is developed throughout the curriculum, and specifically in e.g. the core modules in biblical studies and patristics. Skill 19 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 20-21 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 science.

[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 18-21 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:

22. Select, organise and analyse material for written work and oral presentations of different prescribed lengths.
23. Present an argument orally in a clear, organized and effective manner
24. Present an argument in a written form in a clear and organized manner, with appropriate use of correct English
25. Formulate and express ideas at different levels of abstraction
26. Undertake group work, including the presentation and discussion of challenging material in groups
27. Work creatively, flexibly and adaptably with others, both peers and academic staff
28. Demonstrate autonomy, manifested in self-direction and intellectual initiative, both in learning and study and in the management of time
29. Evaluate and reflect on your own work
30. Write and think under pressure and to meet deadlines
31. Plan the execution of demanding work based on individual research over a long time
32. Use a word processor to create clearly presented written assignments and handouts

22, 24, 25 and 26 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.

27 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.

22, 24, 25, 28, and 30 are developed through written assignments (essays) in most modules and examinations in many modules at all levels.

Skills 28-29 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.

Skill 31 is developed through the dissertation in Philosophy/Theology.

Skill 32 is 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.

22, 23, 25 and 26 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.

Skills 22, 24, 25, 28 and 30 are assessed through written work at all levels and in all modules by examination in many modules and by the dissertation.

32 is assessed through written course-work in all modules.

31 is assessed by the dissertation in either subject

7. Programme Regulations

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 departments should have in place a system of academic personal tutors. Their role is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of your programme, and this support extends to signposting you to sources of support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff. The role of subject tutors is to support you with your studies in individual modules.

 

Information on the Faculty Personal Tutoring system, library provision, ELE resources and access to Faculty support services can be found on the Faculty 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.

(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

Not applicable to this programme.

18. Final Award

BA (Hons) Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

19. UCAS Code

Not applicable to this programme.

20. NQF Level of Final Award

6 (Honours)

21. Credit

CATS credits

360

 ECTS credits

180

22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group

Level 1

23. Dates

Origin Date

03/10/2005

 Date of last revision

04/06/2024