Philosophy and Ethics

Philosophy and Ethics is offered as a Major, Joint or Minor component of a Combined degree. If you want to combine it with Study of Religions you should take the Religions, Philosophies and Ethics specialised award.

Why study Philosophy and Ethics?

This course is concerned with pursuing and answering questions of truth, knowledge, meaning and reality and exploring crucial ethical issues facing humanity. The approach taken is global, contemporary and applied, and enables you to develop as an analytical, critical and systematic thinker.

Ratio of applications to places

No. of places (2011): Variable number as part of a Combined Award

National student survey results

Overall student Satisfaction with teaching for courses in this subject area (2011): 93%

Course structure

In Year 1 we offer a core module which introduces philosophical and ethical enquiry, providing you with the tools of philosophical and ethical analysis, and critically examining core concepts in epistemology, metaphysics and ethics. There is an optional module in Global religions and philosophies, looking at major traditions and movements, and key thinkers.

The core module in Year 2 focuses on philosophy in Indian and Chinese traditions. Optional modules include ethics within religious and humanist traditions, on topics such as medical ethics, and social justice; philosophy and film, and philosophy, religions and the environment.

There is also a Special Project in which you can explore topics of your choice, engage in a placement or project relevant to employment, or take part in a summer school in another country such as Korea.

In the third year, options include a philosophical module on the meaning of human existence, encompassing such topics as absurdity and purpose, identity and mortality and a module on religion, philosophy and gender. There is also a special research project which could focus on Applied Ethics, a Dissertation which allows for in-depth concentration on a topic of your choice, or an employment related project.

NOTE: You will need to study another subject to study with Philosophy and Ethics.

Modules

Year 1:

• Beyond Belief: Introduction to the Study of Religions and Spiritualities (core module);
• Truth and Value: Introduction to Philosophical and Ethical Enquiry (core module);
• Global Religions and Philosophies;
• Philosophy and Thinking in Schools;
• Heritage and Applied History;
• The Business of Heritage;
• Medieval and Renaissance Worlds.

Year 2:

• Darshana, Dharma and Dao: Philosophy in the Indian and Chinese Traditions (core module);
• Exploring Global Christianity;
• Power, Duty and Desire: Life and Liberation in the Hindu Tradition;
• Ethics, Religion and Humanism: Contemporary Moral Dilemmas;
• Religion and Heritage;
• Film and Philosophy;
• Special Project;
• Buddhism: Historical and Doctrinal Developments;
• Saints and Soldiers: Mysticism, Militancy and Modernity in the Sikh Tradition;
• Philosophy, Religions and the Environme

Year 3:

• Studying Religions in the Contemporary World (core module);
• Dissertation;
• Employment related placement (alternative to Dissertation);
• Buddhism in Practice;
• Religion, Philosophy and Gender;
• Life and Meaning;
• Advanced Special Project;
• The Song of the Lord: Hinduism, Religion, Scripture and the Bhagavad-Gita;
• Spiritual Revolution: Pagan, New and Alternative Religions in the 21st Century;
• Religion, Culture and Society in Japan;
• The Muslim World
• Without Fear or Favour: National and International Perspectives on Religion, Culture and Education;
• Culture and Counterculture: from Orientalism to the ‘Hippy Trail’.

Course assessment

Mainly by coursework such as essays, reports, projects, presentations, on- line discussion board participation. There are also some timed elements such as critical analyses or examinations.

The approach taken to the study of Philosophy and Ethics at Bath Spa is distinctive in taking a global approach. Philosophies studied include South and East Asian philosophies as well as Western approaches. We stress ‘doing philosophy’ and developing your own abilities to argue a case and analyse appropriate evidence. We apply philosophical and ethical thinking to address contemporary concerns such as gender and sexuality, environmental ethics, war and conflict and medical ethics. There are opportunities to follow up your own interests or career plans in a variety of special projects, employment related placements and a dissertation.

We offer excellent teaching with attention to individuals, and staff are active in research and scholarship in their specialist areas. We welcome non-traditional entrants and mature students.

Teaching methods

We offer excellent teaching with attention to individuals, and staff are active in research and scholarship in their specialist areas. We welcome non-traditional entrants and mature students.

Application method

All full time applications are through UCAS

Course enquiries

Please contact our Admissions team (see above)

Entry requirements

260–300 UCAS Tariff points.

Career opportunities

Philosophy and Ethics develops many skills valued by employers such as clarity and precision in thinking, the ability to recognise unnoticed assumptions, the expertise to present a strong case, and to see the ethical issues involved in everyday decisions. Graduate careers for which Philosophy is good preparation include: law, civil service, local government, journalism, financial institutions, management, and IT. Some of some of our students have gone on to teach Religious Education, Philosophy and/or Citizenship in secondary or primary schools, where there is a shortage of specialists. Others have gone on to further academic study.

Since 2010, employers such as Global Xchange. Ethicall, Citizens' Advice Bureau and Birmingham University have recruited graduates from this course. Students have also gone into roles including Healthcare Assistant, Fundraiser,  Children's Home Activities Coordinator and Assistant to the Communications Director.