COURSE OVERVIEW
Please note, this course is not currently accepting applications for September 2023 entry.
- Examine theological arguments, ancient texts and ethical controversies and see how they link to current issues
- Develop your skills as a writer, debater, and thinker
- Learn from staff who are comfortable with big questions and know how to make their subject interesting
- Enjoy opportunities to specialise in your own areas of interest
Our Theology, Religion and Ethics programme deals with big questions of human existence. Why do we exist? Can we prove the existence of God? What is the role of religion in the contemporary world? How should we treat each other?
You study these stimulating questions through the analysis and confrontation of texts, sacred and secular. In doing so, you learn how to think imaginatively about living faiths and intellectual reason, about life and death, and the nature of right and wrong. Whether you have a robust faith, or you are an ardent atheist, our degree helps you understand the complexity of the human condition.
We want you to address the parts of our contemporary world that one wouldn't usually think to question. And to consider the ideas that underpin our history as a species.
Although you study the historical origins of religions, you also explore religion as a lived cultural phenomenon. To help you do this, you examine how religious texts and practices are critiqued in contemporary culture. And you discuss the great thinkers of ethical philosophy, ancient and modern, and how their ideas relate to the issues we face in today’s globalised world.
In studying theology, religion and ethics so closely, you grow as writers, debaters and thinkers. You also develop close skills in reading, critical argument and cultural literacy.
Year 1 is foundational and provides you with the basis for specialised study in Years 2 and 3. In Year 1, you are oriented in the core subject areas of theological tradition, ethics and religious studies. Core modules include Great Theological Minds, Ethics and Religion and Controversies in Biblical Studies. These develop study skills and enhance your confidence in critical writing and reading.
In Years 2 and 3, you are able to build a profile of options to develop your own academic interests. These reflect the range of specialisms offered in the Department. Optional modules such as Bioethics and Theology, Gender, Sexuality and the Bible and Aspects of Islam encourage you to think about the way religious ideas and practices interact with the contemporary world.
Some of our students arrive with destinations in mind, but others discover their vocation while they’re here. Graduates commonly find work as teachers, journalists, social workers and academics, or in the charity sector.
Wherever you’re heading, we want to help you reach there. A degree that addresses what it means to reason, to be, to act, to believe, to read – we think that’s a good place to start.
Find out more about the Department for Theology, Religion and Philosophy
Careers
Graduates enter a wide range of careers in such areas teaching (philosophy, religion or ethics), charity/Non-Governmental Organisation work, and employment in the public and private sectors.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Study abroad
Our Theology, Religion and Ethics course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the USA
For more information see our Study Abroad section.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Theology, Religion and Ethics teaching is very student-centred and you are unlikely to be lectured at. We teach in small, informal, specialist classes which ensure you're always a name and never a number. Our teaching is dynamic and interactive, fuelled by reading, discussion and presentations, or through interaction with visual media and the arts. We'll run group exercises, help you get started on individual projects, and guide you along the way with your assessments.
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
• Teaching, learning and assessment: 180 hours
• Independent learning: 1020 hours
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
• Teaching, learning and assessment: 168 hours
• Independent learning: 1032 hours
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
• Teaching, learning and assessment: 144 hours
• Independent learning: 1032 hours
• Placement: 24 hours
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
YEAR 1 (LEVEL 4)*:
87% coursework
0% written exams
13% practical exams
YEAR 2 (LEVEL 5)*:
87% coursework
0% written exams
13% practical exams
YEAR 3 (LEVEL 6)*:
82% coursework
13% written exams
5% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2023 Entry: 104-120 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Send us a message
International Students
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
| Joining the Conversation | 15 | |
|
In this module we will focus on a key debate, topic or dilemma in the Christian tradition to collectively develop your academic skills. These skills will include textual analysis, research, note taking and academic writing. This module will show how lectures, reading and independent work might be utilised for effective written assessment. Students will be trained to read primary and secondary texts, and work within the parameters of Higher Education with increased confidence. Important topics for your success at university such as what constitutes good essay structure, understanding assessment criteria and how your work is marks, along with how to reference texts and avoid committing plagiarism will be introduced through this module. |
||
| Ethics and Religion | 15 | |
|
This module is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the academic study of ethics. Students will explore a range of current moral issues and debates in some or all of the following areas: science, technology and medicine; animals and ecological concern; gender, sexuality and intimate relationships; political, economic and social life. They will develop skills in analysing such debates through the study of selected philosophical, theological and/or religious approaches to moral reasoning. The module will give students an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of key historical and contemporary thinkers and traditions in ethics, and will explore some of the ways in which philosophical, theological and religious forms of moral reasoning have interacted in different times and places. |
||
| Understanding Christianity | 15 | |
|
This module seeks to give students a knowledge of the Christian tradition’s underlying ideas: its fundamental beliefs, its central practices, its historical development and the challenges it now faces. Students will be encouraged to read the central New Testament texts and to understand how the Christian tradition is a history of the multiple, contested interpretations of these. Christianity will be treated not just as a set of beliefs, but as an historical phenomenon with certain key practices (e.g. reading the bible, celebrating the sacraments, prayer and worship). Principal denominational, theological and regional variations of Christianity in a global context will be studied, and trends in contemporary theology and church life critically assessed. |
||
| God, Soul and World in Early-Modern Thought | 15 | |
|
The Early-Modern period: a time when parts of Classical thought were being rejected while others were being rediscovered. We will look at how a renewed focus on epistemology along with developments in the natural sciences led to a new confidence in the power of reason against superstition and illusion. To develop our skills and knowledge of the diverging rationalist and empiricist traditions that succeeded medieval scholasticism, we will focus in particular on the conceptual accounts and proofs of the existence of God, Soul and World that developed in the succession of debates sparked by Descartes. By investigating their proofs for the existence of God, the immortal soul and the reality of the external world, their explanations for the existence of evil and their accounts of freedom, we will learn to analyse texts carefully and form persuasive arguments with and against them. |
||
| Living Religions: Buddhism, Hinduism and Eastern Religions | 15 | |
|
This module introduces students to the scholarly study of Buddhism, Hinduism and/or other eastern-originating religions and their lived traditions and ritual practices. It will introduce students to a small selection of academic debates that are central to Religious Studies, including material religion and religion in diaspora. This will be elaborated in relation to the study of Buddhism, Hinduism and/or other eastern-originating religions and their lived traditions and ritual practices. The module will introduce students to a small selection of key themes in Buddhism, Hinduism and/or other eastern-originating religions and their lived traditions and ritual practices which will enable some measure of comparison and contrast between these. Students will also be taught to differentiate between different types of sources, between description and analysis, and between the general and the particular, in the study of religions. |
||
| Living Religions: Judaism and Islam | 15 | |
|
This module introduces students to the scholarly study of Jewish and Muslim traditions. It engages students in the study of a small selection of key themes in Judaism and Islam, notably gender and ritual as well as the study of religion and/in culture. It also provides students with a grounding in both traditions and their key sub-traditions, and includes an exploration of their historical background. |
||
| Great Christian Thinkers | 15 | |
|
The Christian doctrinal tradition has been the scene of immense intellectual energy and creativity for two thousand years. This module introduces some of its most influential figures, situating them within their historical context and exploring some of the central themes in their thought. Theologians to be included will normally include figures such as Catherine of Siena, Aquinas, Luther, Schleiermacher and Gutiérrez. |
||
Optional Credits
| Joining the Conversation | 15 | |
|
In this module we will focus on a key debate, topic or dilemma in the Christian tradition to collectively develop your academic skills. These skills will include textual analysis, research, note taking and academic writing. This module will show how lectures, reading and independent work might be utilised for effective written assessment. Students will be trained to read primary and secondary texts, and work within the parameters of Higher Education with increased confidence. Important topics for your success at university such as what constitutes good essay structure, understanding assessment criteria and how your work is marks, along with how to reference texts and avoid committing plagiarism will be introduced through this module. |
||
| Ethics and Religion | 15 | |
|
This module is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the academic study of ethics. Students will explore a range of current moral issues and debates in some or all of the following areas: science, technology and medicine; animals and ecological concern; gender, sexuality and intimate relationships; political, economic and social life. They will develop skills in analysing such debates through the study of selected philosophical, theological and/or religious approaches to moral reasoning. The module will give students an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of key historical and contemporary thinkers and traditions in ethics, and will explore some of the ways in which philosophical, theological and religious forms of moral reasoning have interacted in different times and places. |
||
| Understanding Christianity | 15 | |
|
This module seeks to give students a knowledge of the Christian tradition’s underlying ideas: its fundamental beliefs, its central practices, its historical development and the challenges it now faces. Students will be encouraged to read the central New Testament texts and to understand how the Christian tradition is a history of the multiple, contested interpretations of these. Christianity will be treated not just as a set of beliefs, but as an historical phenomenon with certain key practices (e.g. reading the bible, celebrating the sacraments, prayer and worship). Principal denominational, theological and regional variations of Christianity in a global context will be studied, and trends in contemporary theology and church life critically assessed. |
||
| God, Soul and World in Early-Modern Thought | 15 | |
|
The Early-Modern period: a time when parts of Classical thought were being rejected while others were being rediscovered. We will look at how a renewed focus on epistemology along with developments in the natural sciences led to a new confidence in the power of reason against superstition and illusion. To develop our skills and knowledge of the diverging rationalist and empiricist traditions that succeeded medieval scholasticism, we will focus in particular on the conceptual accounts and proofs of the existence of God, Soul and World that developed in the succession of debates sparked by Descartes. By investigating their proofs for the existence of God, the immortal soul and the reality of the external world, their explanations for the existence of evil and their accounts of freedom, we will learn to analyse texts carefully and form persuasive arguments with and against them. |
||
| Living Religions: Buddhism, Hinduism and Eastern Religions | 15 | |
|
This module introduces students to the scholarly study of Buddhism, Hinduism and/or other eastern-originating religions and their lived traditions and ritual practices. It will introduce students to a small selection of academic debates that are central to Religious Studies, including material religion and religion in diaspora. This will be elaborated in relation to the study of Buddhism, Hinduism and/or other eastern-originating religions and their lived traditions and ritual practices. The module will introduce students to a small selection of key themes in Buddhism, Hinduism and/or other eastern-originating religions and their lived traditions and ritual practices which will enable some measure of comparison and contrast between these. Students will also be taught to differentiate between different types of sources, between description and analysis, and between the general and the particular, in the study of religions. |
||
| Living Religions: Judaism and Islam | 15 | |
|
This module introduces students to the scholarly study of Jewish and Muslim traditions. It engages students in the study of a small selection of key themes in Judaism and Islam, notably gender and ritual as well as the study of religion and/in culture. It also provides students with a grounding in both traditions and their key sub-traditions, and includes an exploration of their historical background. |
||
| Great Christian Thinkers | 15 | |
|
The Christian doctrinal tradition has been the scene of immense intellectual energy and creativity for two thousand years. This module introduces some of its most influential figures, situating them within their historical context and exploring some of the central themes in their thought. Theologians to be included will normally include figures such as Catherine of Siena, Aquinas, Luther, Schleiermacher and Gutiérrez. |
||
Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
| Research Methods | 15 | |
|
This module is designed to help students reflect on the nature of their chosen discipline(s), to identify particular methods and skills relevant to their disciple from a wide range of methods and skills, and to develop those skills in order to produce a research proposal. |
||
| Optional Modules | ||
|
||
Optional Credits
| Research Methods | 15 | |
|
This module is designed to help students reflect on the nature of their chosen discipline(s), to identify particular methods and skills relevant to their disciple from a wide range of methods and skills, and to develop those skills in order to produce a research proposal. |
||
| Optional Modules | ||
|
||
Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
| Dissertation | 30 | |
|
In conversation with a member of academic staff, students select an appropriate area of investigation. In 8-10,000 words, students must engage with their chosen topic using critical methodologies, evidence and argument. The topic chosen must be one which relates to the subject matter of their programme and which permits the demonstration of independent research, study and reflection. |
||
| Optional Modules | ||
|
||
Optional Credits
| Dissertation | 30 | |
|
In conversation with a member of academic staff, students select an appropriate area of investigation. In 8-10,000 words, students must engage with their chosen topic using critical methodologies, evidence and argument. The topic chosen must be one which relates to the subject matter of their programme and which permits the demonstration of independent research, study and reflection. |
||
| Optional Modules | ||
|
||
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £44,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,135 | £45,540 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Printing and Binding: The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
Optional
Core texts: Core Texts are available from the University Library; however, students will be strongly encouraged in some modules to purchase a copy of a key work that the module focuses on. Some Core Texts can be bought second hand, or as an ebook which can often reduce this cost. Indicative costs: £100 per academic year.
Field trips: In year 2 and/or year 3, students may undertake field studies to explore the diversity of religions, cultures and traditions - previous trips have included India, Istanbul and Jerusalem. The cost of a field trip is dependent on location and duration. Indicative cost: £800-£1200.
Study abroad: Students have the option to study a semester abroad in the USA in their second year of study. For more information please click here.
Course Specific Bursaries/ Scholarships
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- V602
- Duration
- 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
- Typical offer
- 104-120 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester
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