(Full time) 2021 start
History and Philosophy of Science and Theology and Religious Studies BA
Overview
This joint honours course blends the study of science with the study of religious and societal traditions.
History and Philosophy of Science uses philosophical, historical and social perspectives to understand the nature of science and its role in society. You’ll explore the history of scientific thought, the links between magic, science and religion and the nature of scientific knowledge.
Theology focuses on the beliefs and ideas of one religious tradition. Religious Studies looks at different religions and faith communities. Both subjects think about how religions shape and are shaped by wider society. At Leeds you’ll be able to explore the role and development of religious belief and practice from both perspectives. You could also choose to study major world religions, what they have meant to people over time and how they are evolving today.
During your course you’ll also be able to choose from a wide selection of optional modules, meaning you can tailor your degree to suit your own interests.
Take a look around our libraries:
Brotherton Library
Laidlaw Library
Edward Boyle Library
Course content
A joint honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each single honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.
History and Philosophy of Science
In your first year core modules will introduce you to themes and approaches in history and philosophy of science, such as philosophy of science and the development of scientific thought. You’ll develop your knowledge in the following year by choosing optional modules in areas like theory of knowledge and the history of ideas. You’ll continue to select optional modules in your final year, from the history of the body to philosophical questions in technology.
Theology and Religious Studies
Core modules in your first year will introduce the principles of theology and religious studies, studying Christian theology and the role of religion in modern Britain. You’ll also choose from optional modules on religious traditions such as East Asian religions or themes like philosophy of religion. You’ll develop your knowledge over the next two years: a core module will place religion in context and you’ll choose optional modules covering diverse topics, from the concept of sin to African religious practice.
Throughout the degree you’ll build an impressive range of subject knowledge, and develop research and analytical skills. In your final year you’ll also have the chance to showcase these skills, when you focus on a subject of your choice to undertake a final year project.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Magic, Science and Religion 10 credits
- Introduction to the History of Science 10 credits
- Darwin, Germs and the Bomb 10 credits
- How Science Works 10 credits
- Introduction to the Study of Religion/s 10 credits
- Introducing Theology 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Introduction to Arab and Islamic Civilisation 20 credits
- History of Psychology 10 credits
- Living with Technology 10 credits
- History of Modern Medicine 10 credits
- Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion 10 credits
- Visions of Humanity: Philosophical, Religious and Scientific Perspectives 20 credits
- Introduction to the Study of Islam 10 credits
- Introduction to the Bible 10 credits
- Religion in Modern Africa 10 credits
- Religion, Politics and Society in the Modern World 10 credits
- Religion in Modern Britain 10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Studying Religion in Context 20 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Students Into Schools (Arts Humanities and Culture) 20 credits
- History of Science in 10 Objects 20 credits
- History of Psychiatry and Mental Illness 20 credits
- Introduction to Epistemology 20 credits
- Philosophy of Religion 20 credits
- Philosophical Issues in Biology 20 credits
- How Biology Works 10 credits
- Human Rights and Religion 20 credits
- Thinking About Race 10 credits
- Augustine of Hippo: A Key Thinker in Philosophy and Theology 20 credits
- Sociology of Religion 20 credits
- God, Sex and Gender in Africa 20 credits
- Religion, Gender and Society 20 credits
- Ideologies of Hebrew Bible Texts and Readers 20 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Cultural Diversity in Museum and Material Culture - Case Study 20 credits
- Buddhism: A Lived Tradition 20 credits
- Religion and Violence 20 credits
- Science Communication: History & Theory 20 credits
- History of the Body 20 credits
- Mind, Brain & Society 20 credits
- Philosophy of Biology 20 credits
- Introduction to Philosophy of Modern Physics 10 credits
- Philosophy of Modern Physics 20 credits
- Philosophical Issues in Technology 20 credits
- Philosophy of the Social Sciences 20 credits
- Independent Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science 40 credits
- Integrated Research Project in Philosophy, Religion or History of Science 40 credits
- Existentialism and Phenomenology 20 credits
- Religion, Belief and Ethics 20 credits
- Moral, Rational Selves: Perspectives on Human Nature 20 credits
- Religion and Mental Health 20 credits
- Religion and Media 20 credits
- Muslims in Britain: Transnational Communities and Multicultural Politics 20 credits
- Ideologies of Hebrew Bible Texts and Readers 20 credits
- Religions and Global Development 20 credits
- Sin 20 credits
- God, Sex and Gender in Africa 20 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.
We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
Other course specific tests:Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be ABB at A Level and grade A in the EPQ.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.
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BTEC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: DDD. Other BTEC qualifications are also considered. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M2
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall including 16 at Higher Level
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or AAAABB in Highers
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us.
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Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80%.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science Undergraduate Admissions team.
You can find out more about what it is like to be an international student by speaking to a Link to Leeds ambassador. They can’t help you with your application, but they can tell you how they have found living and studying in Leeds.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
UK/EU: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2021/22 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in summer. When the fee is confirmed, we will publish an update on this website.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.