(BA) Bachelor of Arts
Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (Including Foundation Year and Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Pathways
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Philosophy
BA VV59
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
UK and EU applicants:
All applications for degree courses with a foundation year (Year Zero) will be considered individually, whether you
- think you might not have the grades to enter the first year of a degree course;
- have non-traditional qualifications or experience (e.g. you haven’t studied A-levels or a BTEC);
- are returning to university after some time away from education; or
- are looking for more support during the transition into university study.
Standard offer:
Our standard offer is 72 UCAS tariff points from at least two full A-levels, or equivalent.
Examples of the above tariff may include:
- A-levels: DDD
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMP
- T-levels: Pass with E in core
If you are unsure whether you meet the entry criteria, please get in touch for advice.
Mature applicants and non-traditional academic backgrounds:
We welcome applications from mature students (over 21) and students with non-traditional academic backgrounds (might not have gone on from school to take level 3 qualifications). We will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference, to gain a rounded view of your suitability for the course.
International applicants:
Essex Pathways Department is unable to accept applications from international students. Foundation pathways for international students are available at the University of Essex International College and are delivered and awarded by Kaplan, in partnership with the University of Essex. Successful completion will enable you to progress to the relevant degree course at the University of Essex.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 5.5 overall. Specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
Our Year 0 courses are only open to UK and EU applicants. If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to your chosen degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Josiah Saunders
Associate Professor
Durham University
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
To provide a sound curriculum of philosophical study, with a special focus on the philosophy of religion and ethics.
To enable students to engage in an informed and rigorous way with hotly contested issues of great moment in public and personal life.
To familiarize students with essential philosophical concepts and theories, and especially in the philosophy of religion and ethics.
To expose students to a wide range of texts and other philosophical resources, especially in the history of thought about religion and ethics.
To develop students' capacities for independent thought and critical reflection.
To provide students with the skills required for further study or career development.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge of philosophical texts from a variety of traditions and a variety of historical and social contexts.
A2: Knowledge of significant figures in the history of philosophy, and of some central theories, arguments and issues connected with them.
A3: Knowledge of techniques of philosophical reasoning and conceptions of philosophical method, embracing diverse traditions and approaches.
A4: Knowledge of major issues currently being debated by philosophers.
Learning methods
A1-A4 are acquired through: teaching in lecture and class format; lecturers conveying module content in a general manner while allowing for, and encouraging, questions from students; classes generally focusing on specific textual, argumentative or practical examples, where emphasis is placed on student discussion.
The use of books and journal articles to convey module content.
The use of books, journal articles and internet resources to write coursework and prepare for examinations.
Assessment methods
Outcomes A1-A4 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework consists of essays written during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written feedback for the student.
Examinations consist of essay-based questions, for which revision classes are provided.
Coursework tests the ability to research a topic using, for example, library and internet resources, expound specified texts and enter into detailed argumentation with them.
Unseen exams test the ability to rehearse and assess arguments in relation to specific questions posed within a limited time frame.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Ability to identify complex arguments and to present one's own evaluation of them.
B2: Ability to use and criticise specialised philosophical terminology.
B3: Ability to summarise complex and demanding texts, often written at historical distance, and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the views they propose.
B4: Ability to identify underlying issues in philosophical texts, debates and arguments, and to highlight deficiencies such as unquestioned assumptions, superficial analogies and unsubstantiated claims.
Learning methods
Skills B1-B4 are obtained and developed through the teaching and learning methods described above.
Students are expected to read background material for lectures and classes, and to participate fully in class discussions.
Assessment methods
Outcomes B1-B4 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework consists of essays written during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written feedback for the student.
Examinations consist of essay-based questions, for which revision classes are provided.
C: Practical skills
C1: Ability to write a philosophical essay, expressing oneself clearly.
C2: Ability to abstract and synthesize relevant information from a range of sources, including books, journal articles, library and internet resources.
Learning methods
Skills C1-C2 are gained by participation in class discussion, discussion with the lecturer during class and office hours, independent research for and writing of coursework and exam preparation.
Assessment methods
Outcomes C1-C2 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework consists of essays written during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written feedback for the student.
Examinations consist of essay-based questions, for which revision classes are provided.
D: Key skills
D1: Ability to write clearly, and to communicate ideas to an audience.
D2: Use of relevant information technology to research and present written work.
D3: Not applicable.
D4: Ability to identify the problem to be solved; to articulate critically the assumptions underlying or connected with the problem; to compare and contrast differing and often contradictory solutions to the problem; and to provide argument and evidence in defence of one's solution to the problem
D5: Not applicable.
D6: Ability to read closely and carefully; to organize one's reading and thinking in relation to specific topics; to learn from feedback from the lecturer in the form of written comments on coursework and oral communication; and to work to deadline
Learning methods
Skills D1, 2, 4 & 6 are acquired and developed through the teaching and learning methods described above, and in class discussions.
Students are encouraged to use the University key skills on-line package, word processing packages, library searches and internet philosophy resources.
Assessment methods
Outcomes D1, 2, 4 & 6 are assessed through continuous coursework and unseen written examinations.
Coursework consists of essays written during the academic year for a specified module, returned with a grade and written feedback for the student.
Examinations consist of essay-based questions, for which revision classes are provided.