Politics, Religion and Philosophy

Explore significant dimensions of public and private life such as political thinking, contemporary issues in religion and critical philosophical enquiry with our undergraduate BA Politics, Religion and Philosophy degree at the University of Birmingham.

Studying BA Politics, Religion and Philosophy at the University of Birmingham allows you to develop your intellectual curiosity and understanding of critical issues at the borderlands between politics, religion and philosophy to address some of the most important issues of our time. During your degree course, you will encounter different viewpoints regarding the place of religion in wider society, the political theories, powers and practices that have formed communities, and the philosophical thinking that continues to challenge private and public assumptions.

The undergraduate degree course is a partnership between three departments: Theology and Religion, Philosophy, and Politics and International Studies.

Why study this course?

Our BA Politics, Religion and Philosophy is for you if...

You want to be taught by our internationally renowned academic staff, who do research that matters - you will study alongside some of the finest minds in Politics, Religion and Philosophy. The Departments of Philosophy is ranked first in the country for their performance in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education) and the Department of Theology and Religion is ranked third in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on 4* research.

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 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 be a part of an exciting community - you will have a variety of opportunities to enhance your undergraduate student experience including regular coffee mornings for staff and students, visiting speakers, specialist lectures, and a variety of trips.

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