Philosophy of Religion and Ethics PGDip
Year of entry 2024
- Start date
- September 2024
- Delivery type
- Online exclusive
- Duration
- 12 months full time
- 24 months part time
- Entry requirements
- A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant discipline.
Full entry requirements - English language requirements
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component
- UK fees
- £ 7,667 (Total)
- International fees
- £ 7,667 (Total)
- Contact
- prhs_pgenquiries@leeds.ac.uk
Course overview
This online course addresses fundamental questions in philosophy of religion and ethics.
Taught entirely online, this PGDip draws on the School’s outstanding research in philosophy of religion and ethics (PRE), you’ll use a variety of digital learning resources to explore key issues in the field of PRE. You’ll have the opportunity to consider themes such as: concepts of God; the nature of justice; religious experience; ethics of the environment; the religious and spiritual significance of the arts and our relationship to the natural world.
This online course is open to students from a variety of backgrounds, so if you have a personal interest in philosophical and religious questions, or you want to develop your knowledge of philosophy and religious studies for professional development purposes, this course is for you.
You can also study this course for an MA or PGCert qualification. You’ll study the same content as the MA course, but take fewer modules overall for the PGCert and more modules for the MA.
Course details
There are two modules in the philosophy of religion strand of the course: a module examining concepts of God, and a module examining religious and spiritual practice, and its significance for our understanding of the nature of a good human life. You can take both modules if studying the PGDip or MA.
You’ll take a core module in ethical theory, and choose from optional modules on a range of ethical themes, such as life and death, the environment, and the nature of justice.
As a PGDip student, you’ll have the option of writing a dissertation. This enables you to investigate a topic of your choice at length with the support of a supervisor, and to apply the knowledge and skills in independent research that you have developed during your course.
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.
Year 1 compulsory modules
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Ethics: Reasons, Motivation, Obligations and Happiness | 15 |
Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
| Module Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Justice: Fairness, Equality and Diversity | 15 |
| Global Environmental Ethics | 15 |
| Business Ethics | 15 |
| Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life (Online) | 15 |
| Ethical Issues at the End of Life (Online) | 15 |
| Current Developments in Health Care Ethics (Online) | 30 |
| Philosophy and Spiritual Practice | 30 |
| Concepts of God | 30 |
| Philosophy of Religion and Ethics Dissertation | 60 |
Learning and teaching
This course is taught entirely online, so you can fit your studies around your social and professional life. You’ll be able to access a wide range of teaching and learning resources through our online learning platform (Minerva) and use the University Library’s online resources for your own independent research. You’ll also be able to discuss issues arising from your studies with other students through our forums.
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
For most modules, you keep a weekly log, in which you reflect on the study exercises for the week. In addition, you make regular contributions to discussion forums, and write one or more essays. The discussion forum contributions and essays determine the final module mark.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in an appropriate humanities or social science discipline.
Our admissions team are experienced in considering a wide range of international qualifications. If you wish to discuss whether your qualifications will meet the necessary entry criteria, contact the School’s admissions team. You can also check the accepted qualifications for your country or region.
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.
How to apply
Please see our How to Apply page for information about application deadlines.
The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Documents and information you need
Copies of your degree certificate and full transcript, or a partial transcript if you’re still studying.
A sample of your written work (2,000-3,000 words) on a topic relevant to the course. All samples must be typed and in English.
A personal statement of around 500 words, in response to the questions asked in the supporting statement section of the application.
The Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures receives very large numbers of high-quality applications and regrets that it cannot make offers to all of its applicants. Some particularly popular schools may have to reject many that hold the necessary academic qualifications.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025
This course is taught by
School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
Contact us
Postgraduate Administration Office
Email: prhs_pgenquiries@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:
Fees
UK: £ 7,667 (Total)
International: £ 7,667 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
Additional cost information
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 on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.
Career opportunities
This course will be of interest to teachers of Philosophy and Religious Studies for professional development purposes. The course can also provide a route into a research degree in the fields of philosophy of religion and ethics. Equally, the important skills of argumentation and clear expression that are developed in the course will be valuable in a wide range of work settings.
Student profile: Sam Hunter
One of the best things about the University of Leeds is how supportive the academics are, as well as how flexible the modules can be. I was able to shape my MA to my own interests.Find out more about Sam Hunter's time at Leeds