BA Philosophy and Religion / Course details

This joint degree offers the best of both Philosophical and Religious Studies.

You will study the sacred texts and world philosophies taught by various religious traditions, alongside the writings of some of the greatest world philosophers.

You will explore fascinating debates concerning human nature, conceptions of the divine, belief and doubt, existence, truth, and you'll reflect on the ways we think we know what we know.

You will also learn a variety of methods for approaching such profound questions, and Manchester's emphasis is distinctive: for Religious Studies, we offer the opportunity to study a diversity of religious traditions and their texts, with special emphasis on their real-world impact and for Philosophy we offer both Analytic and Continental philosophy.

Analytic Philosophy is concerned with the clarification of ideas and the language we use to express our ideas and has been highly influential in Anglo-American philosophy.

Continental Philosophy denotes a cluster of philosophical movements originating in 19th and 20th century continental Europe, and covers such areas as structuralism, hermeneutics, existentialism, phenomenology and deconstruction.

We aim to:

• provide multidisciplinary curricula informed by the research and scholarly activities of the teaching staff;
• develop your critical understanding of the interaction between philosophy and religions through a range of learning and teaching methods;
• equip you with the skills necessary to interpret primary and secondary sources;
• provide appropriate language instruction, where feasible;
• help students from diverse backgrounds progress through their course by providing effective academic and pastoral support;
• equip you for a variety of careers through subject specific knowledge, active engagement in your own learning and the development of analytical and other transferable skills.

Learn in a multi-faith city

You will have the opportunity to engage with living religious traditions in a contemporary context in one of the most religiously-diverse and dynamic cities in the UK.

Study abroad

You may apply to spend one semester studying abroad during the second year of your degree. Exchange partners are offered through the Erasmus Exchange scheme (in Europe) and the Worldwide Exchange Scheme (eg USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore).

Connect with like-minded students

Join one of our student societies to further explore your interests, including the Religions and Theology Society, an inclusive community that plans academic and social activities from first year through to postgraduate level.

Placement year option

Apply your knowledge in a real-world context through a placement year.

You'll choose from an extensive menu of course units relating to philosophy and ethics in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Japanese religions.

You'll be exposed to traditional and innovative teaching and learning methods. You may have the opportunity to conduct research among Manchester's various multi-faith communities.

These methods include:

• lectures
• seminars
• one-to-one meetings
• small group tutorials
• research workshops.

A number of units may offer 'outward facing' assessment, in which students work with mentors to produce resources that can be used outside of an academic context, such as blogs and guides.

Our most distinctive research resource is the John Rylands Research Institute and Library - an internationally renowned resource which holds one of the finest collections of rare books, manuscripts and archives in the world.

As well as an excellent general collection of books on Religions and Theology and related areas, the Rylands houses many collections of world importance.

You will find a substantial collection of papyri, such as the oldest manuscript fragment of a New Testament book, alongside several major archives, including the Methodist archive, with many original documents.

Find out more about our Facilities .