MA Philosophy and Religion

What does the programme cover?

The degree is made up of four taught modules and a dissertation. Two modules - in Philosophy of Religion and in Twentieth Century Religious Thought - are compulsory for all students. You choose two further option modules, and complete the programme with a 12-15,000 word dissertation on a topic chosen by you and approved by your supervisor.

The first compulsory module, Philosophy of Religion, looks at the nature of religious belief from a variety of viewpoints, including topics such as
- What does it mean to say God exists?
- What is meant by talking to God?
- Can God act in the world? Can miracles happen and why does a good God allow suffering?
- How can the attributes of God, including omnipotence and omniscience, be understood?  

Options allow you to select from related groups to make an “Ethics Pathway” or a “Philosophic Pathway”, but it is not a requirement to choose one of these.  Whatever choice you make, you will have opportunities to consider some historical philosophical and theological approaches to religious questions, a range of philosophical views from different religious traditions, and ethics.

Some modules are only available every other year: it is normally possible to adjust the sequence of your modules to allow you to follow your preferences.