Philosophy and Theology BA
    Go to University of Nottingham

    Philosophy and Theology BA

    University of Nottingham
    University of Nottingham
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Nottingham
    University Rank:#109
    Go to Official Website
    Duration3 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 32,821 / year(s)
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    Philosophy and Theology BA

    About

    Course overview

    Theology

    • Study biblical writings together with key thinkers, ideas, events and movements that shaped the course of Western Christian thought.
    • Explore how religion intersects with social justice, technology, and the natural world, as well as philosophy, sociology and history.

    Philosophy

    • Study topics, figures, and themes from across the Western, Indian, Chinese and Africana traditions.
    • Explore crime and justice, race and gender, politics and religion, mental health, the environment and society.
    • Apply philosophical thinking to everyday issues.

    Why choose this course?

    • Beginners welcome - you do not need any prior experience of theology, religion or philosophy - our year one modules are designed to give you a university-level foundation
    • Freedom to explore - following an introductory programme in year one, deepen your knowledge of your favourite topics and explore new ones through a wide range of modules
    • Global curriculum - particular strengths across Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and atheist thinking, and Western, Chinese, Indian and Africana philosophies
    • Follow your interests - diverse module choice across two subjects allows you to combine old and new, and to follow themes through both subjects
    • Ask the big questions - explore the many ways in thinking about what it is to be human
    • Interfaith chaplaincy - explore your and others faith in a supportive setting

    Engaged Arts

    All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.

    Placements, internships and volunteering

    Our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team assists with your employability skills development throughout your time at Nottingham. You can choose from a wide range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities. Gain real-world experience with optional Faculty of Arts work placement module and additional CV-boosting skills by getting involved by participating in student union and other extracurricular activities. Paid and volunteer roles are posted throughout the year.

    Some key statistics

    • 1st - top UK university for graduate careers (HESA Graduate Outcomes, classification of full-time, UK first-degree graduates entering work in the UK from 2018/19 to 21/22, published 2024)
    • Top 3 most targeted UK university by leading employers (The Graduate Market, High Fliers Research, 2024)
    • 7th best university in the UK for work experience (Rate My Placement Best Universities for Work Experience, 2025)

    Explore more

    Your department

    Find out more about what it’s like to study in the Department of Philosophy, with theology and religion.

    Arts and Humanities Foundation Year

    You may also progress to this course from our Arts and Humanities Foundation Year, subject to eligibility.

    Important information

    This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    IB score: 30 Points overall or 655 in 3 Higher Level Certificates IELTS:

    6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in any element)

    English language requirements

    As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

    For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

    If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

    If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

    High school qualifications:

    Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country

    A level: ABB Excluded subjects:

    General studies and critical thinking

    Additional entry requirements:

    All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.

    Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.

    Non-UK entry requirements:

    Alternative qualifications

    We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

    Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

    • Access to HE Diploma
    • Advanced Diploma
    • BTEC HND/HNC
    • BTEC Extended Diploma

    This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

    RQF BTEC Nationals

    RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD
    RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus 1 A Level grade B
    RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus 2 A Levels grades BB

    Access to HE Diploma

    Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at level 3, with distinction in 24 credits at Level 3 and 21 Level 3 credits graded Merit.

    GCSE English

    GCSE English grade 4 (C)

    Visa restrictions

    International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

    International requirement: BBB

    Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

    If you have already achieved your EPQ at Grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject.

    If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

    Mature Students

    At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

    English Program Requirements

    As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details. For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

    Career

    Theology and Philosophy both open the doors to a wide range of possible careers.

    You'll develop key professional skills such as how to:

    • understand and analyse others' ideas and beliefs
    • think carefully and clearly
    • sift evidence, make reasoned decisions and argue persuasively
    • develop sensitivity to cultural and religious diversity
    • communicate your ideas with confidence
    • engage intelligently and critically with the world in all its depth and complexity

    The skills you develop will make you:

    • resilient - as the nature of work changes you can adapt
    • flexible - you can choose across different sectors as you develop and grow and opportunities arise

    Recent graduates are currently working in areas such as:

    • law, public policy, strategy, and consulting
    • banking and finance
    • postgraduate degrees and academia
    • teaching
    • creative arts and cultural administration
    • police and detective work
    • religious and charitable organisations
    • journalism, advertising, and communications
    • psychology and counselling
    • publishing and editing
    • charities

    Find out more about opportunities for our Philosophy and Theology students.

    Graduate profiles

    "I left Nottingham with ways of thinking which have enabled me to thrive on a sought-after graduate scheme, and to secure an exciting job thereafter."

    Luke Gallimore, BA Philosophy 2015. Now Head of Product Management, Monstarlab

    Meet more of our graduates and how they think Nottingham has equipped them for the future.

    Key fact

    Only 14% of employers state that specific degree subjects are a selection criterion. (Institute of Student Employers recruitment survey 2019)

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    32,821 / year(s)

    Philosophy and Theology BA

    University of Nottingham

    University of Nottingham

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Nottingham

    Go to Official Website