Philosophy, Ethics and Religion with Foundation Year

Program Overview

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The Philosophy, Ethics and Religion with Foundation Year (BA Hons) program at Leeds Trinity University is a four-year program that provides an alternative route into university for those lacking necessary qualifications. The program offers a foundation year to equip students with academic skills and confidence, followed by three years of study in philosophy, ethics, and religion. Students will explore important questions about human existence, values, and beliefs, and gain valuable professional experience through work placements. The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in education, law, social work, and other fields.

Program Outline

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Philosophy, Ethics and Religion with Foundation Year (BA Hons) at Leeds Trinity University: A Detailed Breakdown

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Degree Overview:

• This four-year program provides an alternative route into university and gaining a degree by offering a foundation year for those lacking necessary qualifications or feeling unprepared for direct entry.
• The foundation year acts as a steppingstone, equipping students with academic skills and confidence while introducing core concepts and debates relevant to their chosen specialization.
• Following successful completion of the foundation year, students progress to the first year of the four-year program.
• They will be immersed in philosophy, ethics, and religion, exploring important questions about human existence, values, and beliefs.
• Through the lens of prominent thinkers like Aristotle, Plato, and Foucault, they will analyze contemporary moral, religious, social, and political questions.
• They will learn to analyze complex concepts, interpret texts, and apply their acquired knowledge to real-life situations.
• Their learning will be deepened through professional work placements, providing valuable experience to prepare them for future careers.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Introduction to the study of ethics, philosophical thought, and the study of religions.
• An optional module focuses on "Ethical Foundations," exploring ethical theories, the role of faith in morality, and non-Western ethics.
• Another optional module dives into "Modern Philosophy," tracing the development of core philosophical theories and principles.
• Through "Studying Religion and Spirituality," students gain a broad introduction to the study of religion, conducting original research and exploring diverse religious traditions.
• Further developing critical thinking and logic skills is supported by the "Critical Thinking and Logic" module.
• Key concepts in various global religions like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Daoism, and Confucianism are explored in "Key Concepts in Global Religions."

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Year 2:

• Exploring questions about the nature of persons, the world, and knowledge acquisition through episodes from the history of philosophy in "Mind, Self and World."
• Fieldwork in Religious Studies in local areas around Leeds and Bradford provides a firsthand experience with diverse religious practices and cultural contexts.
• "Understanding Social Justice" tackles the concept of social justice in various fields, encouraging reflection on models and approaches to achieving it.
• "Research Skills in Philosophy, Ethics and Religion" equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct independent research projects.
• Exploring the relationship between scientific and religious explanations in "Science and Religion" prompts critical thinking about the nature of science and its intersection with religious beliefs.
• A professional placement in various sectors provides students with valuable work experience and prepares them for future careers through the "Professional Placement" module.

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Year 3:

• Students focus on conducting independent research, culminating in their dissertation.
They will receive support and guidance through formative assessments and workshops.
• "Professional Learning Through Work" allows students to choose a project in a specific sector and deepen their professional skills and knowledge within that context.

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Year 4:

• Students will choose five option modules from a diverse range, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests within the realm of philosophy, ethics, and religion.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on modules and could include coursework, essays, presentations, project work, exams, research projects, and fieldwork observations.

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods encompass a range of styles, including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, discussions, fieldwork, presentations, research supervision, independent study projects, and work placements.
• The program is delivered by experienced and passionate academics who are actively engaged in research in their respective fields.
• The University emphasizes creating an inclusive learning environment that fosters active participation, critical thinking, and collaboration amongst students.

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Careers:

• This program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in areas such as:
• Education (teaching or research)
• Law
• Social work
• Public sector
• Management
• Marketing
• Communications
• Journalism
• Publishing
• Human resources
• Consultancy
• Academia
• Research
• Professional work placement opportunities further enhance their career prospects by providing practical experience, industry connections, and employer references.

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Other:

• Leeds Trinity University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students financially.
• To ensure their success, the university provides various student support services, academic guidance, a dedicated careers and placements team, and a strong sense of community.