- UCAS course code
- V375
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
BA Religions, Theology and Ethics
Duration: 3 years
Year of entry: 2026
UCAS course code: V375 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Study abroad
Study with a language
- Typical A-level offer: ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer: BBC
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: BBC
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 34 points overall with 6,5,5 at HL
Overview
Course overview
- Choose subjects from the full range of traditions and topics taught in Religions, Theology and Ethics.
- Concentrate on one specific subject area, or tailor your course to your interests by combining units in multiple subject areas.
- Explore the lives and works of key religious thinkers and literary, historical, theological, anthropological and gender-theory approaches.
- The University of Manchester is a world-leading institution, ranked in the top-50 globally across all of Arts and Humanities by Times Higher Education 2025 .
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- 0161 509 2871
- ug-religions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/religions-and-theology/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
ABB including one essay based/humanities subject.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
A-level contextual offer
BBC including one essay based/humanities subject.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
BBC including one essay based/humanities subject.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 6 or B in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and 4 or C in Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific entry requirements
English language requirements
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade B/6, or;
IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component, or;
An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
- Find out more from student finance
- Eligible UK students can apply for bursaries and scholarships
- Funding for EU and international students is on our country-specific pages
- Many students work part-time or complete a student internship
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Home-schooled applicants
If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
How your application is considered
Returning to education
Deferrals
Re-applications
Transfers
We will consider applications to transfer to Manchester from other universities and would normally ask for a letter explaining why a transfer was needed,relevant transcripts, a copy of the applicant's UCAS form and a confidential reference from one of the applicant's current university tutors.
We will consider applications to transfer from other degrees within the University of Manchester but applicants are required to have the A-level grades (or other qualifications) needed for entry to that degree programme.
Both of the above are subject toour having enough places to accommodate such applicants. Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details).
Course details
Course description
Our BA Religions, Theology and Ethics course is designed for you to engage with a wide range of traditions and beliefs, covering all periods up to the present day.
We offer one of the widest ranges of course units at any British university. You can study ancient languages to read scriptures in their original form, learn about Buddhist, Jewish and Islamic traditions, and pursue an interest in the Bible or Christian theology.
Discover the different approaches to religion offered by sociology, anthropology, and philosophy.
Whether or not you have a religious background, the study of the beliefs, philosophies, practices, policies, ethics, and values which have defined our civilisations over hundreds of years provides insight into one of the most fascinating aspects of the human psyche.
You'll explore topics crucial to understanding the shape of our current multicultural society - from religion, culture, and gender to Holocaust theory, from sacred spaces to apocalyptic expectation.
Courses you can study cover Islam, Judaism and Christianity, Japanese religious worldviews, and include theology, history and biblical studies.
Aims
- provide a multidisciplinary curriculum informed by the research and scholarly activities of the teaching staff;
- stimulate curiosity about a variety of religious cultures, their histories and the present condition;
- enable you to analyse and evaluate a range of political, social and cultural practices using methodologies drawn from the disciplines of Religious Studies;
- develop your critical understanding of religion, theology and the various approaches to studying this discipline through a diverse range of learning, teaching and assessment methods;
- equip you with the skills necessary to interpret primary and secondary sources related to an in-depth study of texts, religious practices and traditions;
- provide, when required, appropriate language instruction;
- 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.
Special features
Placement year option
Apply your knowledge in a real-world context through a placement year in your third year of study. This hands-on experience not only boosts your employment prospects but also helps you define your career path while expanding your professional network.
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
During the second year of your degree, you can apply to spend one semester studying abroad. Exchange partners are offered in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Read scriptures in their original language
You can study ancient Hebrew or Greek as part of your course.
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.
Teaching and learning
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.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment includes:
- recital
- written coursework (e.g. essays, literature reviews and a dissertation)
- examinations
- e-learning activities
- group projects/presentations
Course content for year 1
The core course asks the question what religion is and introduces a broad range of historical, literary and anthropological approaches.
The diverse and exciting range of other course units are all introductory.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| RELT10311 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| HIST10172 | 20 | Optional | |
| MEST10041 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT10120 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT10131 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT10192 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT10242 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT10522 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT10711 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT10911 | 20 | Optional | |
| Displaying 10 of 11 course units for year 1 | |||
| Display all course units for year 1 | |||
Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPA20211 | 20 | Optional | |
| MEST20272 | 20 | Optional | |
| MEST20351 | 20 | Optional | |
| MEST20501 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT20121 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT20140 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT20301 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT20572 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT20632 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT20651 | 20 | Optional | |
| Displaying 10 of 16 course units for year 2 | |||
| Display all course units for year 2 | |||
Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| RELT30000 | 40 | Mandatory | |
| JAPA33082 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT30331 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT30521 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT30712 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT30962 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT31131 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT31142 | 20 | Optional | |
| RELT31322 | 20 | Optional |
What our students say
I loved studying Religions and Theology. The number of courses available means you can really tailor your studies to your interests. Some of the lecturers are world leaders in their field, and it's an amazing opportunity to have such fantastic input into your learning.
Samuel Cresswell, Religions and Theology BA
Facilities
Our standout research asset is the internationally renowned John Rylands Library - which holds one of the finest collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives in the world.
As well as an excellent selection of books on Religions and Theology, the library houses many special collections of worldwide significance. 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, generally acknowledged to be one of the finest research resources in the world for the study of evangelical religion.
Find out more on the Facilities page.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
You will develop versatile and transferable skills, including presentation, critical thinking and analysis, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity.
Some course units will enable you to develop more specific skills, such as translation, source handling, exegesis, data collection and geo-historical awareness.
Degrees in Religions, Theology and Ethics provide some of the necessary skills to prepare for roles in fields such as:
- teaching and education;
- cultural heritage;
- counselling;
- the creative industries;
- law;
- research consultancies and think-tanks;
- finance;
- publishing;
- faith-based organisations;
- youth work;
- charity work;
- media;
- the public sector.
The University of Manchester is the second most targeted in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2024).
Employers include the BBC, the Civil Service, Xaverian College, PricewaterhouseCoopers, SPCK, the Church of England, Christian Aid and the Liberal Jewish Synagogue.
The University also has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester, you will have access to numerous opportunities to help boost your employability.
Students also choose to continue to postgraduate study, including further education in Religion and Theology and PGCE courses.
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.