Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (Including Year Abroad)
- Study level:
- Undergraduate

Course summary
Our course enables you to study philosophy, with a special focus on issues regarding religion and ethics, including momentous issues like the meaning of life, the relationship between faith and reason, arguments for and against the existence of God and the moral status of abortion and euthanasia. Study both classic texts and on-going debates in these fields, across a range of philosophical traditions. You will be equipped to engage with these discussions in an informed and critical way.
We are involved in many exciting and interdisciplinary research projects, and have active links with other areas including political science, law, sociology, psychoanalysis, and art history.
Our School of Philosophy and Art History has been ranked in the Top 20 in the UK for research excellence (REF 2014, mainstream universities, THE 2014).
Modules
Many of our courses offer a choice of optional modules to tailor your learning experience. More information about these can be found on the University of Essex website.
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- VV5P
- Institution code:
- E70
- Campus name:
- Colchester Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
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Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 - 120 points
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 6 credits M: 39 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 - 30 points
T Level - D
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Contextual admissions
At Essex we consider your whole application โ not just grades. If you donโt meet the exact grade requirements, you may still be considered.
Weโre dedicated to helping students from underrepresented groups to access an Essex education. We may give you a Contextual Offer up to two A-Level grades below our standard conditional offer based on where you live, your school, and other details from your application. Involvement in our on-campus events may also support eligibility for a Contextual Offer.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 35 other historical, philosophical and religious studies courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- ABB
- Highest grades
- DDD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | ยฃ9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | ยฃ20475 | Year 1 |
| International | ยฃ20475 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fees displayed are for the 2025-26 academic year. Fees may increase for each academic intake and each academic year of study.
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions Office
Email:admit@essex.ac.uk
Phone:01206 873666
Fax: 01206 872808
