BA Single Honours Theology and Philosophy (with Foundation Year) (full-time)
Undergraduate
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Discover how philosophical inquiry, theological reflection and ethical reasoning prepare you for a meaningful career. The BA (Hons) Theology and Philosophy at Birmingham Newman University is a full-time, three-year undergraduate degree designed for those who want to explore life’s big questions and understand how belief systems shape society.
Whether you are new to the subject or continuing your studies, this course offers a supportive and intellectually rich route into disciplines that promote critical thinking, cultural awareness and social responsibility.
Academic study is combined with real-life case studies to help you build confidence and develop the skills needed to interpret, analyse and apply ideas across a wide range of contexts.
Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University
Start with confidence. Progress with purpose.
The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Birmingham Newman University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.
You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.
Who is the Foundation Year for?
• This route is designed for students who:
• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life
You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.
What Will I Study?
The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.
You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.
‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Birmingham Newman University Alumna
What Happens After the Foundation Year?
Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.
Why Study This Course?
Study Theology and Philosophy at Birmingham Newman University because:
You want a career with meaning. 90% of graduates from Birmingham Newman University say that the roles they find after graduation are meaningful, fit in with their plans, and use the skills they developed with us. Source: HESA graduate outcomes survey 2024.
You want to change your situation. Birmingham Newman University has one of the best track records in the country for social mobility. We can help you make the most of your skills and experience to lift you on to the next rung of the ladder. Source: https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2024/12/03/social-mobility-index-2024/
Philosophy and religion shape the world around us. Focussing on questions of religion, ethics, and philosophy, we explore the challenges that humans are facing right now across the globe. The course reflects the evolving role of theology and philosophy in public life and supports your development across academic, professional and civic domains.
The teaching is excellent. Students ranked Theology and Philosophy at Birmingham Newman as the best in the UK for overall satisfaction in 2024 and we were placed 5th nationally in the Guardian Good University Guide 2025. In the 2025 National Student Survey, the degree gained 100% satisfaction in assessment and feedback and academic support, with 96% satisfaction in teaching. Source: The Guardian University Guide 2025 – the rankings | University guide | The Guardian
You will be supported every step of way. We build personalised support in to our degree and our university’s student support team was named second best in the UK in 2025. This means that your lecturers will know your name, what you want from the course, and will support you to get it. Source: WhatUni Awards 2025
You want to be taught by experts. Our teaching team produces internationally significant research in their subject areas. “This team are special – highly skilled teachers and researchers who are committed to putting students first.” (External Examiner’s report, 2024-25).
Explore the Ideas That Shape Belief, Ethics and Society
You will study philosophy of religion, ethics, biblical interpretation and Christian theology, alongside modules in political thought, existentialism and contemporary philosophy. Seminars, primary texts and collaborative projects help you develop skills in analysis, argumentation and interpretation. You will also explore research methods and applied philosophy, learning how to evaluate ideas and contribute to innovation in education, policy and community work.
Supportive and Personalised Learning
At Birmingham Newman University, you will be part of a close-knit academic community that supports your growth. Teaching blends lectures, seminars and discussion-based learning, enriched by insights from visiting speakers and community partners. You will receive tailored feedback, academic mentoring and career guidance throughout your studies. The learning environment is inclusive and student-focused, helping you build confidence and resilience. On graduation, you will be equipped with the intellectual tools and transferable skills needed to pursue a wide range of careers or further study.

Got a question you’d like to ask?
Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2025 entry: 48 UCAS points Those with significant work and life experience of a complexity that demonstrates an aptitude to study at degree level, but with no formal qualifications, will also be favourably considered. Different degree pathway options available at the end of the foundation year may have different additional entry requirements. If you require any further information or clarification of entry requirements please contact our friendly, helpful Admissions department, who will be happy to help.
The full-time course fee, for UK home students, for September 2025 is: £5,760
Additional Costs
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
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Placement Information
During your BA (Hons) Theology and Philosophy course, you will have opportunities for real world experience across the West Midlands and surrounding areas. These placements are carefully integrated with your academic modules to support your development.
You will be guided by experienced professionals and supported by university staff, with progress monitored through structured reflection and assessment.
As part of this placement, you might interact with community leaders, help educators solve problems, or make improvements for service users. As you do this, you’ll build insight, confidence and a deeper understanding of theology and philosophy in practice. These opportunities are designed to help you apply theory to real-life scenarios and grow into a capable and reflective person.

Where This Course Can Take You. Graduates of this degree are well-prepared for a variety of roles in education, public service, business, ministry and the voluntary sector. You may choose to work in areas such as teaching, chaplaincy, youth work, policy development or community outreach.
The course also supports progression into postgraduate study, including theology, philosophy, religious education or social justice.
Support from Birmingham Newman University’s Careers and Employability Service includes mentoring, networking opportunities and guidance on further study or employment. You will be equipped to contribute confidently within multi-disciplinary teams and help address complex ethical and societal challenges.
Accreditations and Exemptions
This degree is academically rigorous and professionally relevant, preparing you for careers that require ethical insight, analytical thinking and cultural understanding. The curriculum is developed in consultation with educators, faith leaders and community organisations, reflecting current expectations across the sector. As a student at Birmingham Newman University, you will benefit from a programme that is intellectually challenging, socially engaged and aligned with the evolving demands of theology and philosophy. You will graduate prepared to pursue your ambitions for after university.
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