BA (Hons) Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

Our unique Philosophy, Religion and Ethics degree is not simply studying these fields separately but explores questions at the intersection of these disciplines. You get to set philosophical ideas in conversation with religious traditions, rituals and sacred texts, engaging in stimulating debates about right and wrong, life and death, faith and politics. Top 15 in the UK for student satisfaction (Philosophy subject rankings, Complete University Guide 2025) (CUG,2024) At Winchester, you study the grand narrative of the philosophical tradition, from ancient Greece to the world of existentialism and post-modernity.

Each year you analyse the meaning and significance of classic philosophical works from thinkers as diverse as Aristotle, Fanon, Ibn ‘Arabi, and de Beauvoir. In analysing the texts produced by great intellects, you grow as a writer, debater and thinker. And it’s not all about heavyweight thinkers – you have the chance to consider material practices rather than just ideas: for example, to study what burial rituals tell us about our relation to death rather than just what texts tell us.

Alongside this, you will visit sites of worship and learn from practitioners within these community alongside our research experts. In the past, trips have included Glastonbury Tor and Crossbones Burial Ground as well as more traditional houses of worship from across the spectrum of religious communities. We also look close to home and the city of Winchester for learning, such as at the W