Religion, Theology & Spirituality and Philosophy and Ethics (with Foundation Year)

RELIGION, THEOLOGY AND SPIRITUALITY

Liverpool, with its two iconic cathedrals, the oldest mosque in England, and a long history shaped by faith and cultural diversity, is the ideal setting for the Religion, Theology and Spirituality degree. This city is home to vibrant religious communities and a thriving cultural scene, making it the perfect backdrop to explore the wisdom, mysticism, and practices of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, alongside contemporary spiritual identities that go beyond traditional faiths.

The Religion, Theology and Spirituality course at Liverpool Hope offers the opportunity to study ancient wisdom, rituals, and sacred texts while critically engaging with pressing modern debates. You will examine profound ethical and theological questions around life, death, gender, sexuality, evil, suffering, ecology, violence, radicalisation, interfaith dialogue, secularisation, and spirituality in today’s world.

Through visits to places of worship and explorations of cultural expressions such as art, music, and even football, the Religion, Theology and Spirituality degree allows you to understand how communities create meaning, hope, and identity. The course also equips you with critical skills for careers where understanding diverse beliefs and navigating ethical challenges are key, including education, politics, community work, and the civil service.

Hear what a Religion, Theology and Spirituality student has to say about the course.

PHILOSOPHY & ETHICS

The Philosophy and Ethics course at Hope explores life’s biggest questions and the nature of morality: on what basis do we judge things as good or evil? It challenges you to examine your assumptions, opinions, and worldview. Key questions include: Do we need to believe in God for life to have meaning? What does it mean to be human? Do we have free will, or is life determined?

This philosophy and ethics course uses primary texts by philosophers like Plato, Aquinas, Descartes, Hume, Kant, and Nietzsche. You will learn to analyse and evaluate arguments. Also, you'll enhance your ability to express your ideas clearly. You will learn the basics of philosophy. As you advance, you'll study topics like religion, political philosophy, and applied ethics. You'll also explore modern issues like human personhood, artificial intelligence, ecology, and animal rights.

Studying in Liverpool provides a rich cultural context for exploring the human condition through art, performance, and social life. The course at Liverpool Hope is contemporary and timely, particularly in applied ethics and the study of religion in the modern world.

This philosophy and ethics course gives you the skills to tackle ethical and ideological challenges today. You'll prepare for many jobs that need critical thinking and the ability to handle complex, conflicting ideas.

Hear what a Philosophy & Ethics student has to say about the course.