Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (BA)

We put research at the heart of your learning. You’ll be taught by leading experts whose work shapes their fields, bringing the latest ideas into every class.

We create a supportive, inclusive environment where you learn to think independently and with confidence. Through interactive lectures, seminars and workshops, you’ll debate ideas, question assumptions and work closely with staff and fellow students. These sessions give you space to explore key texts, test your thinking and learn from others.

We help you build the skills that matter. You’ll analyse complex arguments, evaluate evidence, collaborate to solve problems and communicate your ideas clearly. With full access to digital learning resources, you’ll have the tools to succeed and grow as a critical thinker.

How will I be supported?

We support you to thrive, academically and personally, from day one. You’ll learn from module leaders and have dedicated personal tutors to guide your progress, study skills and career planning. You can meet them regularly and access extra support when you need it, including options for Welsh-speaking students.

Professional services teams will be available to support your academic and student experience. You'll also have access to a range of student services and support, co-located in the Centre for Student Life. This includes services relating to Advice and Money, Student Futures, Counselling, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service, Academic Study Skills and Student Mentoring.

We give you clear, regular feedback so you can improve with confidence. You’ll test ideas in class, receive detailed comments on your work and, if you take a dissertation, work closely with a supervisor.

We’re committed to an inclusive community. We welcome and support students of all backgrounds, identities and experiences, creating a respectful environment where everyone can belong, contribute and succeed.

How will I be assessed?

We design assessments to help you grow and succeed. You’ll build skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking and reflection as you progress through your degree.

You’ll demonstrate your knowledge through a range of engaging assessments, including essays, critical analyses, reviews, group work and reflective tasks. In your final year, you’ll take part in a collaborative philosophy project, producing work for a professional audience. Optional modules let you explore creative formats, such as public writing, podcasts or responses to religion, art and media.

We support you at every step. You’ll receive regular feedback and opportunities to test your ideas, helping you prepare with confidence for your final assessments. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the skills and experience needed to move into a wide range of careers.

What skills will I practise and develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding:

KU1: Examine the complexity of underpinning ideas, concepts, and terminology relevant to religions and to the study of religion, including its ethical dimension.

KU2: Observe and articulate the range of world views, practices, texts and material culture identified within religious traditions.

KU3: Critically evaluate some of the central theories and arguments, and their applications, in moral, political, or social philosophy.

KU4: Critically evaluate some of the central theories and arguments, and their applications, in epistemology, philosophy of language, or philosophy of mind.

KU5: Critically analyse theories and arguments from contemporary philosophical work, including intersections of different areas of philosophy or interdisciplinary research.

KU6: Apply philosophical research by drafting policy or strategy documents, or action recommendations, in response to a real-world ethical or social problem of contemporary societal concern.

KU7: Comprehend and interpret ethical problems and the methodological tools for addressing them in academic and public spheres.

Intellectual Skills:

IS1: Critically appreciate and analyse different world views and ways of life.

IS2: Interpret and critically analyse key texts, events, and ethical debates from a range of religious traditions.

IS3: Explain complex and specialised philosophical claims and arguments.

IS4: Construct arguments that support claims in response to philosophical questions.

IS5: Apply standard techniques of philosophical analysis to critically evaluate philosophical claims and arguments.

Professional Practical Skills:

PS 1: Communicate complex information and arguments in different formats appropriate to different purposes.

PS 2: Contribute in a collaborative manner to group discussions and team projects.

PS 3: Articulate and evaluate your own academic and professional skills.

Transferable/Key Skills:

KS 1: Respond to problems creatively, critically, and independently.

KS 2: Implement task instructions and manage workload effectively to meet deadlines.

KS 3: Deliver and act on constructive feedback.