Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

Our undergraduate BA Philosophy , Religion and Ethics degree at the University of Birmingham will give you access to world-class talent in fields as diverse as Ethics (including Bioethics, Global Justice and the Ethics of Non-Violence), Philosophy of Religion, and the Philosophy of Mind. You'll take the time to explore these topics and more as they relate to religion, faith and spirituality in one of the most culturally and religiously diverse communities in Europe.

The city of Birmingham provides an exciting environment for you to study undergraduate Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. You will be taught by specialists with expertise in a diverse range of disciplines as well as global schools of thought, movements and traditions that are shaping the twenty-first century. You will benefit from our excellent relationships with the city’s faith communities, and the work placement module allows you to explore a wide range of potential career pathways including law, education, culture and media sectors, non-profit organisations and more, relating your experience to your course of study.

You will benefit from our excellent relationships with the city’s faith communities, and the work placement module allows you to explore a wide range of potential career pathways including law, education, culture and media sectors, non-profit organisations and more, relating your experience to your course of study.

You will have the opportunity to tailor your undergraduate degree course and focus on the areas of each discipline that interest you most. In your second and final years, you have the option to focus your studies more on theology and religion or philosophy and ethics, depending on where your strengths and interests lie. Whatever you choose to specialise in, you will graduate with well-rounded skills in debating and reflective thinking.

Why study this course?

BA Philosophy, Religion and Ethics is right for you if...

You want to be taught by our internationally renowned academic staff, who do research that matters - the Department ranked 1st in the country for Research Impact, on its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021.

You would love to live in a culturally diverse city - all major faiths are well-represented in Birmingham, with more than 650 churches, mosques, synagogues and temples across the city. Outside London, Birmingham has the UK’s largest Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist communities, the second-largest Hindu community and the seventh-largest Jewish community.

You want to boost your employability skills - as part of your course, you will have the opportunity to complete a placement in a variety of settings at home and abroad, ranging from the cultural and educational sectors to NGOs and law firms. The University of Birmingham is the fourth most targeted University by the UK's top graduate employers (Graduate Outcomes Survey, High Fliers report 2022).

You value a supportive community - at Birmingham we believe that teaching hours should be complemented by a wide range of academic opportunities and social occasions. As a student in Theology and Religion you will have access to opportunities including free language tuition, bespoke academic writing advice, and a student experience team who co-ordinate trips, talks, quizzes and celebrations.

You're aiming to lead the discourse - the Department's position at the forefront of philosophical discussion and debate will prepare you to build and support your argumentation, developing transferable skills that appeal to employers.

Top 10 for Theology and Religion in the Complete University Guide 2025

11th for Philosophy in the Complete University Guide 2025