Philosophy and Theology BA (Hons)
Course code V5PT
What is special about this course?
This degree combines two of the oldest and most important disciplines of investigation.
Theological studies investigate the intellectual claims of Christian religion. The theological element will focus on the intellectual underpinnings of the Christian tradition, through the application of a wide range of skills and disciplines, both historical, textual, linguistic, hermeneutical and sociological.
Philosophical studies focus on intellectual skills such as analysis, reasoning and logical thinking, and applying such skills in the investigation of reality. Philosophy seeks to understand, and particularly to question, ideas concerning the nature of reality, value and experience that play a pervasive role in understanding the world and ourselves. The philosophy discipline focuses on problematic concepts, such as existence, reason and truth, which occur in every sphere of human enquiry, but more specifically on problematic concepts that belong to particular areas of thought and practice, such as politics, economics, religion, science and ethics.
Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.
Special features
- The joint honours degree in two complementary subjects gives you greater flexibility in employment, advanced study and research opportunities
- The degree can be studied full time or part time to suit your personal circumstances
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above OR
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- At least two of these must be from the list of relevant subjects
- Other humanities or Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP) will also be considered
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Advanced entry to year two:
- HNC Social Science (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7 which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit will be considered for direct entry to year two
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
Year 1 - CertHE
You will study the following modules.
Two core Philosophy modules:
- Thinking and writing for study, work and life
- Problems in philosophy
Two Theology modules from the list below:
- Introduction to systematic theology
- Protestant reformation
- Jesus and the gospels
- The Pentateuch
Plus two additional Humanities modules that are available as scheme options.
Year 2 - DipHE
You will study the following modules.
Two Philosophy modules from the list below:
- Knowledge: a philosophical analysis
- Moral philosophy
- Anthropology of religion
Two Theology modules from the list below:
- Old testament prophecy
- Person and work of Christ
- Pauline theology
- Exploring other faiths
Plus two additional Humanities modules that are available as scheme options.
Year 3 - BA
You will study the following modules.
Three Philosophy modules from the list below:
- Philosophy of science
- Philosophy of religion
- Continental philosophy
- Choice theory
- Research project
Three Theology modules from the list below:
- Theological project (core module)
- Christian spirituality, an overview
- Hebrews
- Scottish church history
- Wisdom literature
- Doctrine of God
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
You will complete a dissertation in Philosophy or Theology. You will also study one option module from your chosen dissertation subject, plus three option modules from the other subject.
Philosophy modules may include:
- Scottish tradition in philosophy
- Philosophy of language
- Neurons, brains, and minds: a philosophical investigation
- Existential philosophy and literature
Theology modules may include:
- Christian ethics
- Hermeneutics
- The Holy Spirit and the word
- Luke-Acts
- Medieval church history
- Exploring psalms
- Guided reading
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured)
- You will learn through a combination of scheduled video conference lectures and tutorials, and online study via the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors. There is normally a weekly two-hour timetabled video conference lecture for each module.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 40 hours per week
- Part-time (structured): 8 years @ 20 hours per week
- Part-time (unstructured): variable
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll
- HTC - you may choose to study at Dingwall or Paisley, subject to availability
- Inverness
- Moray
- North, West and Hebrides
- Orkney
- Perth
- Shetland
- This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the world
- Students based near to one of the listed campuses should apply to, and be enrolled and supported by, their local campus
- All other students should apply to, and will be enrolled and supported by, Highland Theological College (HTC)
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
Rest of the UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status the following fees apply:
| 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,120 | £6,120 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,020 | £1,020 |
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK studying online from their home country, or living in the UK but assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
This includes EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled status in the UK and EEA and Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2023-24 | 2024-25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time online per year (120 credit modules) | £6,540 | £6,960 |
| Part-time online (per 20 credit module) | £1,090 | £1,160 |
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Philosophy and Theology graduates are found working in almost every type of employer in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Opportunities are available in arts-based areas like publishing, the media, journalism, advertising and teaching, through to computing and IT. Theology studies may lead you into teaching and even ministry.
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:
- local government and the civil service
- advertising, marketing and public relations agencies
- management consultancies
- secondary schools, further education colleges and higher education institutions
- law firms
- publishing companies
- charities
- banking and insurance companies
- accountancy firms
- recruitment agencies
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress from BA (Hons) Philosophy and Theology to our other postgraduate courses, such as:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Philosophy and Theology BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.