- Work across the disciplines of philosophy and religion in a joint degree.
- Gain a rigorous grounding in the main areas of philosophical and theological thinking.
- Explore the works of key academics in religions and both continental and analytical philosophy.
- Study at a top 10 UK university for Religions and Theology (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).

BA Philosophy and Religion
About
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.
Requirements
Entry Requirements
35 points overall, with 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects
English Program 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 C/4 or;
- IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one 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.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than 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 .
Career
Career opportunities
You will develop versatile and transferable skills including presentation, critical thinking and analysis, team working and cultural sensitivity.
Course units will enable you to develop more specific skills, such as translation, source handling, exegesis, data collection and geo-historical awareness.
The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation for employability, and we are the second most targeted university by the nation's top employers (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research).
Degrees in Religions, Theology and Ethics provide some of the best 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.
Our graduates have gone on to work for employers including the BBC, the Civil Service, Xaverian College, PwC, SPCK, the Church of England, Christian Aid and the Liberal Jewish Synagogue.
A substantial number of students opt for postgraduate study in Religion and Theology or on 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 .
Find out more on the Careers and employability page.
Fee Information
BA Philosophy and Religion

The University of Manchester
United Kingdom, Manchester
