Philosophy and Theology Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

What is it to be human? What do people believe about the world and how they fit within it? This degree will transform how you think and feel about fundamental issues of human existence. By studying philosophy and religion together you’ll get to understand:

* the overlaps and differences

* how they support and disagree with each other

* their personal, historical, and cultural importance

From the deeply personal to society-wide concerns, you’ll cover a wide range of issues providing you with a greater understanding of different ways of living. Throughout this course you’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills, and will also have the opportunity to undertake bespoke internships and placements to help you set yourself up for success after graduation.

Our [interfaith chaplaincy](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/chaplaincy/index.aspx "Chaplaincy homepage") also supports you to explore your faith and others’ faith in a supportive setting on campus.

### 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

You’ll be encouraged to [ask the big questions](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/explore-more-articles/art/The-big-questions-philosophy-theology-religion.html "The fundamentals of philosophy and theology") and explore the many ways in thinking about what it is to be human.

### Explore more

* [I know what I want to do for a career](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/explore-more-articles/art/i-know-what-i-want-to-do-for-a-career.html "Support to get started")

* [I am unsure what career I’d like](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/explore-more-articles/art/i-m-unsure-what-career-i-d-like---.html "Careers advice to get you started")

* [Thinking of teaching? – progress to a PGCE from this course](https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/explore-more-articles/central/thinking-of-teaching-.html "Careers advice for potential teachers")

### Course highlights

* Beginners welcome – you do not need any prior experience of theology, religion or philosophy to study this course.

* Diverse module choice across two subjects allows you to combine old and new and follow themes through both subjects.

* Enjoy a global curriculum, with particular strengths across Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and atheist thinking, and Western, Chinese, Indian and Africana philosophies.

### Proven results

* We’re ranked top 20 in the UK for philosophy and top 10 for theology and religious studies (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and Complete University Guide 2026).

* The average starting salary for philosophy and theology and religious studies undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £28,500 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).