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MA Philosophy of Religion and Ethics (Distance Learning)

Start date
September
Duration
1 year full-time, up to 3 years part-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Continuing professional development, Distance learning
Fees

Annual tuition fees for 2024 entry:
Full-time: £10,530
Part-time: £5,265
More detail.

Do you want to explore the key issues in the field of philosophy of religion and ethics? Are you looking to develop your professional or academic career path? 

Do you want to explore deeper the key issues in the field of philosophy of religion and ethics? Are you looking to develop your professional or academic career path?

On the MA Philosophy of Religion and Ethics programme you will explore a variety of questions - for example: Are there shared human values? How do we negotiate different belief systems in pluralistic societies? Is there a conflict between science and religion? Do people with different religious views have the same morals? Is life without God meaningless?

You will be taught by a vibrant community of philosophers, pursuing original research on a wide range of topics on which expert supervision is available. This programme can also be used as a route into PhD research.

By studying philosophy you can develop many skills that are useful in both academic and non-academic settings:

  • Critical thinking skills: Good philosophers can analyse problems and assess opinions from different viewpoints. Philosophers do not take anything for granted. This is highly useful for problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Communication skills: Good philosophers can present and explain abstract concepts and complex arguments in an accessible manner. They are also good at persuading others by presenting logical and coherent arguments.
  • Writing skills: Good philosophers can communicate effectively in writing. They can write clearly and concisely without compromising rigour.
  • Research skills: Good philosophers can identify problems and collect necessary information to resolve them in a timely manner.

We also offer an on-campus programme over one or two years – for more information, see Philosophy of Religion and Ethics MA. The qualification you will gain is the same whichever mode of study you choose.

Scholarships for 2024 entry

The University of Birmingham is proud to offer a range of scholarships for our postgraduate programmes. With a scholarship pot worth over £2 million, we are committed to alleviating financial barriers to support you in taking your next steps.

Each scholarship has its own specific deadlines and eligibility criteria. Please familiarise yourself with the information on individual scholarship webpages prior to submitting an application.

Explore our scholarships

 

The lectures were uniformly engaging, thought provoking and regularly stretching – exactly what I wanted. The support offered by the University ensures that everyone has the opportunity to do the best that they can and get the most out of the course.

James

Why study this course?

  • Taught by experts – you will be taught by some of the finest minds in Philosophy. The Department of Philosophy was ranked 1st in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on Grade Point Average (Times Higher Education).
  • Flexibility – you can study at home, in your own time and at your own pace, so you can combine achieving a qualification with work or family commitments. You also have the benefit of developing your career without having to leave employment.
  • Career changing – a qualification from the University of Birmingham can be the springboard to promotion with your current employer, the platform from which to launch a new career or simply a way to become more effective in your current role. Studying at Birmingham is a rewarding and enriching experience that brings about significant personal development.
  • Support – there is always support available from tutors at the University. The programme is designed to keep you in touch with fellow students and tutors. Our ‘virtual learning environment’ provides a focal point and help provide a structure for your learning. You will be assigned a personal tutor. Personal tutors are available to answer questions regarding the content of your programme, and also to give advice and provide clarification if you don't understand something, for example what an assignment question demands.

Modules

You will study three core modules and three optional modules before completing a 15,000 word dissertation.

Core modules

You will study three core Philosophy modules:

God, Freedom and the Meaning of Life

This module is an introduction to a number of philosophical issues that have a relevance to the philosophy of religion, such as: freedom and determinism, the existence of god and the meaning of life. The treatment of the areas covered will often involve discussion of the writings of central figures in the history of philosophy.
Assessment: Participation in online discussion, and one or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

Plus, one of:

Bioethics

Bioethics is the study of ethical issues surrounding life and death, especially those involved in biology, health care, research, and the beginning and end of life. This course introduces students to the key debates surrounding a number of theoretical and practical issues in bioethics, including but not limited to those that are transnational in nature. Possible topics covered include: abortion, euthanasia, intellectual property, enhancement, commodification, resource allocation and rationing, and infectious disease control.
Assessment: Participation in online discussion, and or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

Or

Ethics and Global Ethics

This module aims to introduce you to key concepts and debates in ethics, with some focus on the global dimension of current ethical problems. First, we will explore several prominent traditions in ethical theory; next we will apply these normative ethical theories to concrete ethical questions. In investigating these theories and applications, you will be encouraged to question your presumptions about the nature of ethics and moral values. The module also develops critical reasoning and argumentative skills through philosophical discussion and writing. The theoretical tools of analysis and argument can be applied in all aspects of ethics and global ethics.
Assessment: Participation in online discussion, and one or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

And one of:

Research Skills and Methods (Philosophy)

This module provides an introduction to the methods of contemporary philosophy. Topics addressed typically include: critical thinking in philosophy, reading in philosophy, research skills, dissertation planning, and presenting philosophical arguments in written work. You will also participate in online sessions focused on generic research skills.
Assessment: Participation in online discussion, and one or two written assignments totalling 4,000 words

Or

Research Methods in the Study of Religion

This module unpacks the core issues of researching in theology and religious studies.It addresses debates surrounding the design, conduct, ethics and evaluation of research in a multidisciplinary subject area. It prepares you to carry out independent research and to critically assess others’ research across a wide spectrum of approaches.
Assessment: Participation in online discussion, and one 2,000 word essay and one 2,500 word essay

Optional modules

Your remaining three modules are optional.

Philosophy and Theology & Religion

Options available within Philosophy and Theology and Religion typically include:

  • Topics in Global Justice
  • Philosophy and Mental Health

You can also choose Bioethics, Ethics and Global Ethics or Research Methods in Theology if not taken as core.

For more information, see our Philosophy postgraduate modules and Theology and Religion modules.

International Development Department Modules

You will also have a chance to choose modules from the International Development Department which could include:

  • International Development
  • Development Politics
  • Conflict and Development

Dissertation

In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.


Please note that the optional module information listed on the website for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024 entry are as follows:

  • Full-time, all students: £10,530
  • Part-time, all students: £5,265

Please note: The part-time programme can be completed over up to three years, but fees are payable over two years; in each of years one and two, the fee payable will be half the full-time rate.

Paying your fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available. To discover whether you are eligible for any award across the University, and to start your funding application, please visit the University's Postgraduate Funding Database.

How To Apply

Please review our Entry Requirements before making your application.

Application routes

Please note that the duration of this programme is one year full-time, while part-time study can be up to three years. However, part-time programmes are only eligible for Government Masters Loans if they are no more than twice the length of the full-time version. Therefore any UK/EU part-time students wishing to apply for Government Masters Loans must complete the programme within two years. If you plan to study over two years and/or would like to apply for a Masters Loan, please select the two-year part-time application route shown. If you would like the flexibility to study over up to three years, and are not seeking funding, please select the three-year part-time application route.

Application deadlines

The deadline for all students applying to our distance learning courses is 30 August 2024.

Late applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.

Making your application

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

You will need an upper second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, preferably in Philosophy, Theology or another relevant subject (e.g. Sociology, English).

If your undergraduate degree is in another subject, you are still very welcome to apply. We consider every application on its merits and we are happy to consider applicants with diverse academic backgrounds. Your level of academic achievement, letters of reference, and personal statement will all have strong influence on our decision. We may also require you to submit a writing sample. This should be around 3-4 pages long, and although it does not need to be a Philosophy essay, it should provide strong evidence of your potential for the type of discursive, analytical, writing that is required in Philosophy at postgraduate level.

We ask you to submit two academic references as part of your application, but if you have been out of academia for some time we will also accept a professional reference in addition to one academic reference.

International/EU students

Academic requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries - use our handy guide below to see what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements: standard language requirements apply for this course - IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band. If you are made an offer of a place to study and you do not meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course - if you successfully complete the course, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without retaking a language qualification.

IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is equivalent to:

  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component

Learn more about international entry requirements

International Requirements


Although much of the course is delivered through our ‘virtual learning environment,’ support is always available.

You will have a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor to guide you and answer any questions, and you have access to a wide range of online resources too.

Course delivery

The overall structure of the programmes is the same as our campus-based MA programmes, in that you will take six taught modules and write one 15,000-word dissertation. Distance learning programmes run on the same term-time schedule as on-campus programmes - term dates can be found on our website. Students on both types of programme get substantial written feedback on assignments.

One advantage of distance learning is that you can work wherever and whenever you want. There are no specific scheduled teaching times, so you can catch up on material and contribute to discussions whenever it suits you.

Content delivery for distance learning programmes will vary. However, a typical distance learning module would include: a weekly recorded lecture on a given topic, access to PowerPoint slides and/or a handout; a moderated discussion thread where students can contribute and receive feedback from the lecturer and other students; and online access to a set of readings on that topic.

Given the online nature of distance learning programmes, contact is typically through discussion forums or via email. Supervision for the dissertation, however, may take place over video call (e.g. Zoom, Teams, Skype etc.)

Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.

Further information on distance learning

For more information on distance learning including answers to frequently asked questions, student experiences and funding opportunities, please see our distance learning website

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for employment and this will be further enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University.

The University's Careers Network provides advice and information specifically for postgraduates that will help you to develop an effective career and skills development strategy, and to make the most of your time with us at the University. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team to deliver local support.

In addition to a range of campus-based events and workshops, Careers Network provides extensive online resources, and comprehensive listings of hundreds of graduate jobs and work experience opportunities.

You will also be able to access our full range of careers support for up to two years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: Philosophy

Birmingham's Philosophy postgraduates develop a range of skills that are highly desirable in the job market including articulacy, precise analytical thought, and the ability to analyse and construct sound arguments.

Due to the transferable nature of these skills, Philosophy postgraduates traditionally enter a wide range of employment areas, from teaching and lecturing to social work. Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include BBC, Friends of the Earth, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Highways England, Ministry of Justice and University of Birmingham.