| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Global Religions and Philosophy BA Hons program at Lancaster University examines the fundamental questions of human existence through a global perspective, encompassing both religious and philosophical beliefs. It develops critical thinking skills and fosters an appreciation for the diversity of human thought. Graduates are equipped for careers in politics, consultancy, education, and other fields that require critical thinking, analytical, and communication abilities.
Program Outline
The Global Religions and Philosophy BA Hons program at Lancaster University offers a unique perspective on the fundamental questions of human existence by combining world, political, and social perspectives. Students will explore the relationship between faith and reason, morality and free will, and examine age-old and emerging intellectual discussions in a global context.
Objectives:
- Equip students with a global perspective on the fundamental questions that have gripped thinkers from ancient to modern times.
- Provide a comprehensive understanding of world religions, their beliefs, practices, and historical development.
- Develop critical thinking skills that will open up a range of exciting careers, from politics and diplomacy to consultancy and education.
- Foster an appreciation for the diversity of human thought and experience.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- The nature of human existence
- The relationship between faith and reason
- The ethics of morality
- The meaning of life
- The existence of God
- The nature of reality
- The history of philosophy
- The history of religion
- The philosophy of science
- The philosophy of art
- The philosophy of politics
Course Structure:
The program is typically completed in three years. In the first year, students will take a variety of core courses that provide a foundation in philosophy and religious studies. In the second and third years, students will choose from a wide range of optional courses that allow them to specialize in their areas of interest.
Individual Modules:
- Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Reality
- Moral and Political Philosophy
- Exploring Global Religions
- Idealism, Empiricism & Criticism in 18th Century Philosophy
- Indian Philosophical and Religious Thought
- Issues in Contemporary Political Philosophy
- Metaphysics
- Modern Political Thought: Equality and Community
- Moral Philosophy
- Nineteenth-Century Philosophy
- Philosophical Questions in the Study of Politics and Economics
- Philosophy of Science
- Religion and Politics in South Asia: The Power of the Past
- The Ethics and Politics of Knowledge
- The Politics and Philosophy of Higher Education
- The Politics of Race
- Values and Objectivity
- Women and Philosophy in the Ancient World
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Essays
- Exams
- Presentations
- Group projects
- Research papers
Assessment Criteria:
Students will be assessed on their:
- Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
- Critical thinking skills
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Research skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program is taught through a variety of methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Field trips
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and internationally renowned scholars. The faculty includes:
- Professor Brian Black
- Professor Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad
- Professor Christopher Partridge
- Professor Hiroko Kawanami
- Dr. Bihani Sarkar
Unique Approaches:
The program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- A focus on the global context of philosophy and religion
- Opportunities for students to conduct research with leading scholars
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program will be well-prepared for a wide range of careers, including:
- Politics and diplomacy
- Consultancy and education
- Journalism and media
- Law and public policy
- Business and finance
- Healthcare and social work
Career Opportunities:
The program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of careers. Graduates will be able to:
- Think critically and solve problems
- Communicate effectively
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Conduct research and analyze data
- Apply ethical principles to their work
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields. Some notable alumni include:
- The Rt Hon David Miliband, former Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom
- Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, human rights lawyer and Labour peer
- Professor A.C. Grayling, philosopher and author
- Dr. Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury This internship provides students with the chance to apply the knowledge and skills they develop on their studies to a real-world research project with external bodies such as think tanks and faith-based organizations.
Study Abroad:
Students can also choose to spend a year studying abroad at one of Lancaster University's partner institutions. This is a great opportunity to experience a different culture and learn about different perspectives on philosophy and religion.
As a guide, our fees in 2024/25 were: Home International £9,250 £23,750 Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers. Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small college membership fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee. For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems. The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
Study abroad courses
In addition to travel and accommodation costs, while you are studying abroad, you will need to have a passport and, depending on the country, there may be other costs such as travel documents (e.g. VISA or work permit) and any tests and vaccines that are required at the time of travel. Depending on the employer and your job, you may have other costs such as copies of personal documents required by your employer for example. The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about how we assign your fee status.
Fees in subsequent years
Home fees are subject to annual review, and may be liable to rise each year in line with UK government policy. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Fees for study abroad and work placements
We will charge tuition fees to Home undergraduate students on full-year study abroad/work placements in line with the maximum amounts permitted by the Department for Education. The current maximum levels are: Students studying abroad for a year: 15% of the standard tuition fee Students taking a work placement for a year: 20% of the standard tuition fee International students on full-year study abroad/work placements will be charged the same percentages as the standard International fee.Please note that the maximum levels chargeable in future years may be subject to changes in Government policy.
