| UCAS code | VV56 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | VV5P |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| UCAS code | VV5Q |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
| UCAS code | VV5R |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Philosophy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: AAB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB |
Overview
- Develop a reflective understanding of some of the most pervasive and problematic features of the world and ourselves
- You’ll reflect in depth about the role of religion in contemporary life and society and develop the critical and analytical skills necessary to engage with key debates questions and debates
- Our wide range of optional modules give you the opportunity to customise your degree according to your own interests and career ambitions
- The Philosophy and Theology student societies will give you the chance to make friends, attend socials and seminars and hear from guest speakers
- Get ready for your future career by developing a range of skills valued by a wide range of employers from the media to teaching and the public, private and charity sectors
Top 10 in the UK for Philosophy
8th in The Complete University Guide 2025
Opportunities to study abroad
88% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation
Based on full-time, first degree, UK domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21
Commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAB | n/a |
| IB | 34/665 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDD | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
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.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL1002A | Knowledge and Reality 1 Note A above | 15 |
| PHL1002B | Knowledge and Reality 2 Note A above | 15 |
| PHL1005A | Evidence and Argument 1 Note A above | 15 |
| PHL1006 | Introduction to Philosophical Analysis Note A above | 15 |
| PHL1013 | Philosophy of Morality Note A above | 15 |
| THE1120 | What is Religion? Note B above | 30 |
| THE1125 | Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Note B above | 15 |
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
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THE1101 | The Bible: Past and Present | 15 |
| THE1121 | Religion and Material Culture | 15 |
| THE1122 | Introducing Social-Scientific Approaches to Religion | 15 |
| THE1123 | Reform, Retreat, and Reinvention: A History of Christianity | 15 |
| THE1070 | Elements of New Testament Greek Note C above | 15 |
| THE1072 | Introducing Biblical Hebrew Note C above | 15 |
| PHL1004 | Philosophical Problems 1 | 15 |
| PHL1007 | Philosophical Reading 1 | 15 |
| PHL1009 | Philosophies of Art | 15 |
| PHL1010 | Introduction to Asian Philosophy | 15 |
| PHL1112 | Philosophy of Film | 15 |
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.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL2118 | Moral agency in social context Note D above | 15 |
| PHL2015 | Body and Mind Note D above | 15 |
| PHL2016 | Metaphysics Note D above | 15 |
| PHL2018 | Philosophy of Language Note D above | 15 |
| PHL2010A | Philosophy of Mind 1 Note D above | 15 |
| PHL2043 | Philosophical Research Note D above | 15 |
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.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THE2147 | Early Christian Women: Eve, Mary, Thecla | 30 |
| THE2226 | The Transformation of Modern Orthodox Christianity | 30 |
| THE2185 | Incarnation: Topics in Philosophical Theology | 30 |
| THE2173 | Life and Death in Israel and Judah | 30 |
| THE2224 | Modern Jewish History and Thought | 30 |
| THE2221 | God, Food, and Alcohol in Israelite Cultures | 30 |
| THE2225 | Trans Studies in Christianity and Judaism | 30 |
| THE2227 | Military Ethics in Religious and Philosophical Perspectives | 30 |
| THE2152 | Evolution, God and Gaia | 30 |
| PHL2002 | Existentialism | 15 |
| PHL2020 | Virtues and Vices | 15 |
| PHL2021 | Symbolic Logic | 15 |
| PHL2026 | Philosophy of Science | 15 |
| PHL2038 | The Self | 15 |
| PHL2040 | Critical Theory: The Frankfurt School and Communicative Capitalism | 15 |
| PHL2041 | Feminist Philosophy: Gender, Race and Class | 15 |
| PHL2042 | Philosophical Frontiers | 15 |
| PHL2052 | Epistemology | 15 |
| PHL2053 | History of Philosophy | 15 |
| PHL2054 | Philosophy of Psychiatry | 15 |
| PHL2112 | Practical Ethics | 15 |
| PHL2114 | Aristotle's Ethics | 15 |
| PHL2119 | Animal Minds and Animal Ethics | 15 |
| PHL2125 | Ethics of Emerging Technologies | 15 |
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
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HAS3999 | Study Abroad (HASS) | 120 |
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
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHL3040 | Philosophy Dissertation Note E above | 30 |
| THE3030 | Theology and Religion Dissertation Note E above | 30 |
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
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| THE3025 | Art in Syria and the Holy Land at the Time of the Crusades | 30 |
| THE3210 | Encounters between Religions | 30 |
| THE3196 | Encounters in Philosophy and Theology | 30 |
| THE3199 | Theology and Criminal Justice | 30 |
| THE3219 | Religion and Holocaust Memory in Public Life | 30 |
| PHL3002 | Existentialism | 15 |
| PHL3013 | Virtues and Vices | 15 |
| PHL3014 | Symbolic Logic | 15 |
| PHL3038 | The Self | 15 |
| PHL3052 | Epistemology | 15 |
| PHL3053 | History of Philosophy | 15 |
| PHL3056 | The Nature of Normativity | 15 |
| PHL3061 | Philosophy of Law | 15 |
| PHL3113 | Practical Ethics | 15 |
| PHL3114 | Aristotle's Ethics | 15 |
| PHL3124 | Ethics of Emerging Technologies | 15 |
| PHL3125 | Mind and World in Contemporary Japanese Philosophy | 15 |
Course variants
UCAS code: VV5P
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your College Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. You will continue to receive a maintenance loan if you are eligible for this whilst on your Study Abroad year.
UCAS code: VV5Q
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
UCAS code: VV5R
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?
Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2024 entry
UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £23,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
We use a wide range of teaching and learning methods and encourage you to develop your writing and presentation skills in a supportive atmosphere:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Small group tutorials
- Independent study
You will also have access to personal and subject tutors who will give you the individual help and guidance you need to succeed.
How will I be assessed?
- Exams
- Essays
- Projects
- Practical assignments
You must pass your first year modules in order to proceed but your performance at this level does not count towards your final degree classification.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law
- Leadership
- Social Data Science
Your future
As a Philosophy, Religion and Ethics graduate you will develop a range of professional, academic and personal skills that are good preparation for a number of careers including in the media, public sector, legal profession, business and management.
- Analytical, critical and independent thinking
- Independent research
- Discussion and group work
- Collecting, assessing and presenting evidence
- Written and verbal communication
- Articulating ideas and arguments
- Organising, planning and time management
Career paths
The broad range of transferable skills gained on a Philosophy, Religion and Ethics degree enable graduates to pursue further study or employment in a wide range of careers including:
- Teaching and research
- Local or national government
- The Civil Service
- Business and finance
- Charities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the UK and abroad
- Marketing and public relations
- Management and administration
- Social Services and the caring professions
- The church and other religious organisations
Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award
Many of our students participate in the Exeter Award and Exeter Leaders Award. These schemes encourage you to participate in employability related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market.
Developing your skills and career prospects
We provide a range of support to help you develop skills attractive to employers. You will be able to access a range of specific activities such as careers skills sessions and employer-led events, or seek bespoke advice and support from Employability Officers.
The Career Zone also organises a busy schedule of activities including careers fairs, skills workshops, and training events, and can advise on graduate opportunities and volunteering.
